Wrestling legend, The Great Muta is getting inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame following his retirement from the industry, and he had one wish: a farewell match with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Unfortunately, the Japanese athlete failed to turn this dream into reality.
ESPN reporter Marc Raimondi got the chance to speak with Keiji Muto, also known as The Great Muta, for a yet-to-be-released interview when he takes his place in the Hall of Fame. The wrestler reportedly embarked on a highly advertised retirement tour, fighting his big matches before he gets out of the ring for good.
The Great Muta Cannot Afford A Match With Dwayne Johnson
Speaking with Marc Raimondi via ESPN, The Great Muta revealed that he and the Pro Wrestling Noah officials attempted to get Dwayne Johnson aboard for a phenomenal farewell match. The wrestler admitted they failed to do so due to budget reasons. The ESPN journalist tweeted:
“I asked Muto about the report he was trying to get The Rock as his last match. He nodded and said, in English with a smile, ‘too expensive.’”
The Rock has not been in the ring for ages as he has shifted his focus on his Hollywood career, but he still carries a torch under his name in the world of wrestling. The Great Muta also added:
“I met him before two or three times. He actually admitted that his People’s Elbow was a mimic of my move. So I asked him for royalties. But we were joking, and he didn’t pay anything, but we really had a good conversation.”
Meanwhile, The Great Muta is also uncertain why WWE chose to induct him as a Hall of Famer as he never wrestled for the company during the height of his career. According to WWE, Ric Flair will have the honor of bestowing the award to the legendary wrestler.
Raimondi also shared Muto’s reaction upon hearing the great news:
“Muto is still not sure why WWE chose to induct him since he never stepped in a WWE ring before. Muto: ‘I was like, ‘What? Really? Why me?’”
The four-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion will be honored at the 2023 Hall of Fame induction ceremony following SmackDown in Los Angeles this March 31.
The Rock Remains One Of The Most Prominent Celebrities In Hollywood
Dwayne Johnson had phenomenal fame in the world of wrestling. The athlete-turned-actor has one of the most prolific careers in Hollywood, but he never stops talking about his early days in the ring.
In his interview with Chris Van Vliet in 2013, The Rock revealed that his “four-month run” in the WWE was an eye-opener. He also told People in 2016 that his mother, a lung cancer survivor, became his inspiration during the most challenging times in WWE. He said (via Essentially Sports):
“The best advice my mom would always give is to go for broke, she would always use the terms leave nothing on the field, leave nothing in the ring, leave nothing on the screen, just go for it everything you got.”
Now, Dwayne Johnson is one of the most successful and sought-after celebrities in Hollywood. No wonder he is “too expensive!”
Source: Twitter, Essentially Sports
