XFL co-owners Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia are gearing up for a 2022 return of the football league. This was announced on Thursday, eight weeks after the 48-year-old former WWE Superstar and business partner Dany Garcia acquired XFL's rights in a $15 million deal in collaboration with firm RedBird Capital.

The XFL was forced to close its door in April, without even completing its inaugural season citing the increasing number of coronavirus-related deaths. The league attempts to establish itself as an NFL alternative when it debuts for the third time in 2022.

"As owners, we’re proud to champion our XFL players, coaches, cities and fans into an electrifying 2022 season!" Johnson tweeted from his verified Twitter account on Oct. 1. Admitting that it will be an uphill battle, the Jumanji star wrote that they will outwork everyone else because they are hungry and humble."

Garcia also took to her verified Twitter account to announce that the league is making a comeback, using hashtag #XFL. Their tweet was accompanied by footage of various games that were played this year.

Speaking about the league, originally founded by professional wrestling executive Vince McMahon two years ago, the duo told PEOPLE that the XFL represents ultimate opportunity, adding that it is a league of soul and culture and is anchored by the pursuit of dreams and love for the game, that they are extremely proud to lead.

Touting themselves as the new XFL, the business partners said every fan, coach, city, and XFL player is their top priority and they are excited to lead them in an "electrifying 2022 season." XFL's president and COO Jeffrey Pollack said in a statement released to PEOPLE that they decided to make a comeback in 2022 as they wanted to ensure safety amid the still raging COVID-19 pandemic.

Pollack explained that the opportunity in front of them, with the new ownership, is too big for them to rush back. He went to say that they are bent on doing this properly with care, keeping the safety of those who love football, their fans, partners, coaches, and players in mind.

As part of McMahon's second attempt at getting XFL off the ground, the WWE chairman announced the last season of the league. XFL's original iteration in 2001 lasted only a single season.

In an interview with PEOPLE in Aug., Garcia revealed that she and Johnson were planning to make their XFL into a 24/7 experience. This will enable them to offer more content around the league.