The Rock's WWE Contract; Rumors on Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, King & Queen of the Ring

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

The Rock's WWE Contract Details Revealed

Following his in-ring return at WrestleMania 40, particulars included in The Rock's WWE contract came to light this week.

Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics reported Tuesday that some of The Rock's contract details were published as part of WWE's annual report. Although some details were redacted, others provided some insight into the working relationship between The Final Boss and WWE.

For starters, The Rock will receive $30 million of equity in TKO Group Holdings over time, which is the name of the company formed through the WWE-UFC merger.

Additionally, The Rock's contract allows him to hire "third party service providers in connection with developing concepts, scripts, storylines." In the event that happens, The Rock's Seven Bucks Productions will be reimbursed by WWE.

Finally, the deal places restrictions on what WWE can use The Rock's name, image and likeness to promote. WWE cannot use The Rock to promote "pop-up ads, political ads, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, pornography, medical products" unless The Rock gives permission.

In January, The Rock returned to WWE in an on-screen capacity, and he was also named a part of the TKO board of directors, entrenching him in the company moving forward.

The Rock competed in the main event of WrestleMania 40 Night 1, teaming with Roman Reigns in a winning effort against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. The Rock also interfered in the Night 2 main event between Reigns and Rhodes, but The Undertaker arrived to take him out.

On the Raw after WrestleMania, The Rock told Rhodes that he would be stepping away for a while, but he vowed to target The American Nightmare when he returns, which suggests long-term plans are in place for The Great One in a wrestling capacity.

Gunther, Kaiser Reportedly Slated to Continue Alliance

On the heels of Ludwig Kaiser turning on longtime tag team partner Giovanni Vinci during Monday night's episode of Raw, WWE reportedly has plans in place for Kaiser and Gunther.

According to Fightful Select (h/t Nikunj Walia of Ringside News), Gunther and Kaiser are "tentatively scheduled" to keep their alliance intact moving forward.

After Kaiser and Vinci lost a tag team match to New Day on Raw, Gunther gave Kaiser a menacing look and walked off. That was seemingly Kaiser's cue to launch an attack on Vinci, as he viciously beat down his former friend.

Following the segment, a jubilant Gunther showed his approval for Kaiser during a backstage segment.

When Gunther was first called up from NXT to the main roster, he was joined only by Kaiser. Vinci remained in NXT and had his name changed from Fabian Aichner to Giovanni Vinci in addition to his gimmick getting overhauled.

However, when Triple H gained more creative influence following Vince McMahon's first retirement, Vinci was called up and put back with Gunther and Kaiser to reform Imperium.

The unit enjoyed tremendous success together with Gunther holding the Intercontinental Championship for a record 666 days, but his loss to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 40 necessitated changes.

On Raw, Gunther announced that he is now the hunter rather than the hunted, and he will use that status to his advantage in order to win the King of the Ring tournament.

More King and Queen of the Ring Declarations Reportedly Forthcoming

Monday night's episode of Raw was reportedly just the start of Superstars entering the upcoming King and Queen of the Ring tournaments.

According to Fightful Select (h/t Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News), more Superstars will "declare" themselves for the tournament moving forward.

The most notable declaration thus far came on Raw in the form of Gunther, who made his first televised appearance since dropping the IC title to Zayn at WrestleMania.

The Ring General is instantly the odds-on favorite to win the King of the Ring tournament given how dominant he was prior to his loss to Zayn.

Gunther was not the only Superstar to enter one of the tournaments this week, as Drew McIntyre and former King of the Ring winner Xavier Woods both followed suit.

The most recent King of the Ring and the inaugural Queen's Crown tournament were held in 2021, and they saw Woods and Zelina Vega win with the finals taking place at Crown Jewel.

Not only are the tournaments being revived this year, but the finals will occur at the first King and Queen of the Ring premium live event, which is scheduled for May 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

King of the Ring launched many performers into superstardom over the years, and this year's King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring tournaments have a chance to accomplish something similar.

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