The Rock Reveals Why He Retired From WWE In 2004

The Rock is one of the most successful professional wrestlers of all time, but in 2004 he hung up the boots and walked away from the business.

The former WWE Champion went on to focus on his acting career, and he also became one of the most successful actors in Hollywood.

During a Q&A session on his Instagram account The Rock talked about why he decided to retire in 2004, and he noted that his contract had expired and he delivered on his agreement with Vince McMahon.

“I retired in from the WWE in 2004 at the age of 32. And at that time, well here’s the why. Why I retired was two reasons. 1) My contract had expired and 2) Which is the most important thing, an agreement that I have with anybody in the world. Any company, any individual, it’s always important to me – it means everything to me – to shake that person’s hand and look them in the eye.”

“In 2004 when my contract expired, I had delivered on my agreement with the WWE and with my long-time mentor and very, very good friend Vince McMahon. We shook hands, that’s the way we are.”

The Great One also noted that he wanted to retire while he was on top so that he could pursue his acting career.

Rock of course later returned for a series of matched with John Cena, which culminated with Cena beating him at WrestleMania 29. According to The Rock he’s at peace knowing that was his last match, but he will never say never regarding an in-ring return.

H/T Wrestling Inc.