The Rock
| The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) | |
|---|---|
| The Rock in 2023 |
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is an American actor, businessman, and former professional wrestler. Rising to fame in the late 1990s as one of WWE's most charismatic superstars, he later transitioned into one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
Early Life
- Born on May 2, 1972 in Hayward, California
- Comes from a wrestling family — son of Rocky Johnson and grandson of Peter Maivia
- Played college football at the University of Miami and won a national championship in 1991
Wrestling Career
- Debuted in WWE in 1996 as "Rocky Maivia"
- Later rebranded as "The Rock" — a cocky, electrifying character known for catchphrases like:
* “If you smell what The Rock is cooking!” * “Know your role and shut your mouth!”
- Became an 8-time WWE Champion
- Headlined multiple WrestleMania events
- One of the key stars of WWE's Attitude Era alongside Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Undertaker
- Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (as part of his lineage, although not yet officially inducted solo)
Hollywood Success
- Transitioned to acting in the early 2000s
- Starred in:
* The Scorpion King * Fast & Furious series * Jumanji reboots * Black Adam
- Recognized for action roles, comedic timing, and family-friendly appeal
- Regularly ranks among the world’s highest-paid actors
Business Ventures
- Founded Seven Bucks Productions to produce films and shows
- Launched the energy drink brand ZOA
- Co-owns the XFL (football league)
- Built a massive following on social media — over 300 million followers on Instagram
Public Image
- Known for his positivity, discipline, and work ethic
- Popular with fans across generations
- Frequently involved in charitable causes, especially supporting youth and first responders
Legacy
- The Rock is one of the most successful athletes-turned-entertainers in history
- Helped bring WWE into the mainstream in the late 1990s
- Continues to bridge the gap between wrestling, film, business, and popular culture