Felix Upton on April 10, 2026
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson just picked up another major honor — this time outside the wrestling ring.
Forbes released its list of the 250 greatest currently living self-made Americans, and Johnson made the cut at number 70. The list was created to celebrate the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States and recognizes people who built success through hard work, financial growth, and lasting influence.
Johnson landed between music legend Stevie Wonder and businessman Norm Asbjornson, putting him among some of the most recognizable names across entertainment and business.
In explaining Johnson’s spot on the list, Forbes pointed to one of the most well-known stories from his early career — the moment that inspired the name of his production company. The outlet referenced how Johnson once had only a few dollars to his name after being cut from the Canadian Football League, a low point that later became part of his brand identity.
“The Rock named his production company Seven Bucks as a reminder of a bleak time: cut from the Canadian Football League, he arrived broke in Tampa with ‘a five, a one and change.’”
The list focused heavily on personal journeys, looking at how far each person climbed from their starting point. Other major names included Oprah Winfrey, LeBron James, Dolly Parton, Bill Clinton, and JD Vance near the top of the rankings.
Another wrestling-related connection also appeared on the list. Shahid Khan — father of AEW President Tony Khan — was ranked at number 21, recognized for building a business empire after immigrating to the United States with limited resources. Forbes highlighted Khan’s early struggles and how he worked his way into building a multi-billion-dollar company.
“The Pakistani immigrant arrived with 0 in his pocket and worked nights as a dishwasher while studying… He later designed a one-piece truck bumper, the basis of his billion fortune.”
Johnson continues to stay busy across multiple industries. In addition to serving on the TKO board, he recently earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role in “The Smashing Machine.” He also has several major film projects in development, including new entries in the Moana and Jumanji franchises and a planned crime drama collaboration with Martin Scorsese.
Landing on this Forbes list adds another milestone to Johnson’s already massive career, placing him among some of the biggest names in entertainment, business, and sports.
Do you think The Rock’s journey from having just a few dollars to becoming one of the biggest names in entertainment makes him one of the most inspiring success stories in wrestling history? Drop your thoughts and feedback below.
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