In January 2024, it was announced that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson would join the TKO Board of Directors on the same day that WWE announced RAW would be broadcast on Netflix starting January 2025.
Johnson’s latest venture details were published, revealing that he had agreed to a multi-million dollar payout and had gained ownership of any intellectual property associated with his name, nicknames, catchphrases, and moves.
TKO Holdings published the agreement in full in February as an exhibit in the company’s annual report.
Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics has made notable points about the agreement.
The agreement allows Johnson to use “any third party service providers in connection with developing concepts, scripts [and] storylines” while on weekly programming, with the company covering the provider’s expenses. An individual’s name is redacted in the published document.
The agreement also confirms the $30 million payout Johnson is set to receive for joining the TKO Board. This payout was paid in stock and installments when contractually agreed obligations were fulfilled. IP ownership is agreed to for ten years but could be terminated sooner due to “earlier termination rights.”
Furthermore, the agreement states that WWE cannot use Johnson’s name, catchphrases, and likeness to produce products such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or pornography without the written approval of the Hollywood star.
Dwayne Johnson’s WWE talent contract was published as an exhibit to WWE’s annual report filed back in February.
Parts of it are redacted and the contract has several schedules that are omitted because that information is the type that TKO “treats as private or confidential”.…
— Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) April 23, 2024
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Joins TKO Board of Directors as WWE Announces RAW on Netflix
In a surprising turn of events, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been appointed to the Board of Directors at TKO Holdings. The announcement came on the same day that WWE revealed its plans to broadcast RAW on Netflix starting January 2025.
The details of Johnson’s latest venture were made public, shedding light on the lucrative deal he has secured. According to reports, the Hollywood star has agreed to a multi-million dollar payout and has gained ownership of any intellectual property associated with his name, nicknames, catchphrases, and signature moves.
The agreement between Johnson and TKO Holdings was published in February as an exhibit in the company’s annual report. Wrestling analyst Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics has provided some insights into the agreement.
One notable aspect of the agreement is that it allows Johnson to utilize third-party service providers for developing concepts, scripts, and storylines while appearing on weekly programming. The company will cover the expenses incurred by these providers. Interestingly, the published document redacts the name of the individual associated with this provision.
Furthermore, the agreement confirms that Johnson will receive a staggering $30 million payout for joining the TKO Board. This payout was made in stock and installments, subject to contractual obligations being fulfilled. The intellectual property ownership granted to Johnson is valid for ten years, but there are provisions for earlier termination rights.
Additionally, the agreement stipulates that WWE cannot use Johnson’s name, catchphrases, or likeness to produce products such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or pornography without obtaining written approval from the Hollywood star.
The news of Johnson’s involvement with TKO Holdings and WWE’s decision to bring RAW to Netflix has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Fans are eagerly anticipating how these developments will shape the future of professional wrestling and streaming platforms.
As Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson continues to expand his empire and solidify his position as a global entertainment icon, it remains to be seen what other groundbreaking ventures he will embark on in the coming years.