Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock (born May 2, 1972), is an American actor, film producer, and former professional wrestler. He rose to fame in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during the Attitude Era and became one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. After leaving wrestling, Johnson pursued an acting career and has starred in numerous successful films, earning billions of dollars worldwide. He has also appeared in TV shows, such as Ballers and Young Rock. Johnson is known for his charismatic personality and has been recognized as one of the highest-grossing and highest-paid actors in the world. In addition to his entertainment career, he is involved in various ventures, including co-founding a production company and acquiring the XFL football league. Johnson has been named one of the world’s most influential people by Time magazine.

Early life

Dwayne Douglas Johnson, known as The Rock, was born on May 2, 1972, in Hayward, California. His parents are Ata Johnson and former professional wrestler Rocky Johnson. Johnson had a diverse upbringing, spending time in New Zealand before returning to the United States. His father and Tony Atlas made history as the first black tag team champions in WWE. Johnson’s mother is the adopted daughter of Peter Maivia, a professional wrestler, and his maternal grandmother was a pioneering female wrestling promoter.

Johnson attended various schools, including Montclaire Elementary School, Shepherd Glen Elementary School, Hamden Middle School, President William McKinley High School, Glencliff High School, McGavock High School, and Freedom High School, where he graduated in 1990. Despite facing personal challenges and brushes with the law during his teenage years, Johnson’s high school football experience played a transformative role in his life. He excelled as a defensive tackle and caught the attention of college football recruiters.

Recognized as one of the top high school defensive tackles in the country, Johnson accepted a full athletic scholarship to the University of Miami, renowned for its successful football program. This marked the beginning of his journey to becoming a professional wrestler and eventually transitioning into a successful career as an actor and film producer.

Overall, Johnson’s upbringing, family background, and high school sports achievements laid the foundation for his future success in the entertainment industry.

Football career

Dwayne Johnson’s college career took place at the University of Miami, where he played as a defensive tackle for the Miami Hurricanes football team. In 1991, during his freshman year, he was part of the team that won the national championship. Despite being behind talented players like Warren Sapp on the depth chart, Johnson played backup roles throughout his four years at the university.

In 1995, Johnson graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of General Studies, having dual majors in criminology and physiology. During his time in college, he also became known for his public speaking engagements, where he shared his personal struggles and encouraged others to stay in school and avoid drug use.

Following his graduation, Johnson signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He transitioned from defensive tackle to the linebacker position but was eventually cut from the team after two months into the 1995 season.

Overall, Johnson’s college football career at the University of Miami provided him with valuable experiences and opportunities, both on and off the field.

Professional wrestling career

Early Career (1996)

After his release from the Calgary Stampeders, Dwayne Johnson embarked on his professional wrestling career in 1996. He was given tryout matches with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) by veteran wrestler Pat Patterson. Initially using his real name, Johnson secured a victory over The Brooklyn Brawler at a house show on March 10, 1996. However, he also experienced losses against Chris Candido and Owen Hart.

In the summer of 1996, Johnson competed in Jerry Lawler’s United States Wrestling Association (USWA) under the ring name Flex Kavana. During his time in the USWA, he achieved success by winning the USWA tag team championship twice alongside his partner Bart Sawyer. Following his impressive performances, Johnson was offered a contract with the WWF.

To further hone his skills, Johnson received additional training from Tom Prichard, as well as alongside wrestlers Achim Albrecht and Mark Henry. This training would prove instrumental in shaping Johnson’s future as a professional wrestler in the WWF

World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment

Debut; Intercontinental Champion (1996–1997)

Dwayne Johnson made his debut in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) under the ring name Rocky Maivia, paying tribute to his father and grandfather’s wrestling personas. Although initially hesitant about the name, he was convinced by Vince McMahon and Jim Ross. Marketed as the WWF’s first third-generation wrestler, Maivia was pushed heavily despite his limited experience in the ring.

Maivia’s debut took place on November 4, 1996, as a member of Marc Mero’s entourage on Monday Night Raw. He achieved his first victory at Survivor Series on November 17, 1996, becoming the sole survivor in an eight-man elimination tag match. Maivia went on to win the Intercontinental Championship from Hunter Hearst Helmsley on February 13, 1997, and successfully defended the title against Helmsley at In Your House 13: Final Four.

His first WrestleMania match occurred on March 23, 1997, where he successfully defended his Intercontinental Championship against The Sultan. However, WWF fans started to reject Maivia’s character and his push from the company. Despite defeating Bret Hart in a title defense, the audience grew increasingly hostile towards Maivia, chanting derogatory remarks during his matches.

After losing the Intercontinental Championship to Owen Hart on April 28, 1997, Maivia suffered a legitimate knee injury during a match against Mankind in June 1997. He underwent several months of recovery to heal from the injury.

Nation of Domination (1997–1998)

After returning from his knee injury in August 1997, Rocky Maivia turned heel and joined the Nation of Domination stable, alongside Faarooq, D’Lo Brown, and Kama. He abandoned the name Rocky Maivia and began referring to himself as The Rock, delivering insults and provocative promos directed at the audience, WWF performers, and interviewers.

In December 1997, The Rock faced Stone Cold Steve Austin at D-Generation X: In Your House for the Intercontinental Championship but was defeated. However, the following night on Raw Is War, Austin forfeited the title to The Rock under orders from Mr. McMahon, only to attack him with the Stone Cold Stunner. The Rock feuded with Austin and Ken Shamrock in early 1998, defending and retaining the Intercontinental title against Shamrock at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania XIV, respectively.

The Rock went on to overthrow Faarooq as the leader of the Nation of Domination and successfully defended the Intercontinental title against him at Over the Edge: In Your House. The stable then referred to themselves as “The Nation” and feuded with Triple H and D-Generation X. The Rock emerged victorious in the quarter-final of the 1998 King of the Ring tournament against Triple H but lost to Ken Shamrock in the final. He continued his feud with Triple H, culminating in a two out of three falls match at Fully Loaded: In Your House, where The Rock controversially retained the Intercontinental title.

During the latter half of 1998, The Rock’s popularity grew significantly, leading to a face turn. He feuded with his former Nation members Mark Henry and D’Lo Brown, ultimately losing to Henry at Judgment Day: In Your House due to interference from Brown. This event effectively marked the breakup of the Nation of Domination.

The Rock’s career in the WWF from 1998 to 2002

In November 1998, he won his first WWF Championship by defeating Mankind in the finals of the “Deadly Game” tournament. He turned heel and aligned with Vince McMahon’s stable, The Corporation. He retained his title against Mankind in a rematch at Rock Bottom: In Your House. He lost the title to Mankind on an episode of Raw Is War, but regained it in an “I Quit” match at the Royal Rumble. He lost and regained the title again in subsequent matches against Mankind. He won his third title in a ladder match against Mankind and lost it to Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania XV. Despite being a heel, the Rock remained popular with the audience.

He had various feuds and matches, including forming the Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection with Mankind and winning the WWF Tag Team Championship multiple times. He also had feuds with Triple H, The Undertaker, and The Corporate Ministry. He participated in the Royal Rumble and had a rivalry with Big Show. He won the WCW Championship and had feuds with Rikishi and Kurt Angle. He participated in the Invasion storyline, aligned with Vince McMahon, and won the WCW Championship again. He was part of Team WWF in a winner takes all match against The Alliance at Survivor Series. He later won the WWE Undisputed Championship for a record-setting seventh time at Vengeance. He lost the title to Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.

The Rock’s WWE Legacy: From Hollywood Rock to WrestleMania Triumphs and Hollywood Stardom

The Rock’s final feuds and departure from WWE took place in 2003-2004. He turned heel and adopted a new persona called Hollywood Rock. He had matches with Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Goldberg before leaving WWE to focus on his acting career.

The Rock made occasional appearances in WWE in 2004 and later returned in 2007 for special events. He had a feud with John Cena from 2011 to 2013, culminating in their match at WrestleMania XXVIII. The Rock won the WWE Championship but later lost it to Cena at WrestleMania 29. He made sporadic appearances in WWE from 2014 to 2019. The Rock also had mainstream crossover success, appearing in movies, hosting Saturday Night Live, and being recognized as an influential entertainer.

Acting career

Career Journey: From Wrestling Star to Hollywood Icon

Dwayne Johnson, known as “The Rock,” made a successful transition from professional wrestling to the world of Hollywood. In the early 2000s, he began his acting career while still involved in wrestling, showcasing his versatility on television and appearing in films like The Mummy Returns and The Scorpion King. Johnson’s commitment and work ethic paid off as he became one of the highest-paid and most accomplished actors in the industry.

His breakthrough came in 2011 with his portrayal of Luke Hobbs in Fast Five, which marked the start of his reputation for revitalizing film franchises. Johnson continued to make waves in the industry, starring in a series of successful films such as G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Pain & Gain, and the Fast & Furious series. Alongside his film projects, he also hosted and produced television shows like The Hero and Ballers.

Johnson’s star power continued to rise, with notable roles in movies like Hercules, Furious 7, Central Intelligence, and Moana. He consistently delivered box office hits and expanded his career into producing and developing multiple projects simultaneously. His involvement extended to collaborating with Disney on Jungle Cruise and Netflix on Red Notice.

In addition to his acting accomplishments, Johnson made headlines for his involvement in various ventures. He joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and made a surprise appearance as The Foundation in Fortnite Battle Royale. In 2023, he made a cameo appearance reprising his role as Luke Hobbs in Fast X.

Dwayne Johnson’s journey from wrestling to Hollywood stardom is a testament to his talent, charisma, and relentless pursuit of success in the entertainment industry.

Dwayne Johnson’s Ventures as a Producer

In 2012, Dwayne Johnson established his production company, Seven Bucks Productions. Since then, he has taken on numerous projects as a producer, showcasing his ability to bring compelling stories to the screen.

One of Johnson’s productions is the film adaptation of The Janson Directive, where he was initially set to star but will now solely serve as a producer. John Cena has been cast as the lead, with Akiva Goldsman working on the screenplay. Additionally, Johnson will produce and star in the Netflix exclusive film titled John Henry & The Statesmen, directed by Jake Kasdan, marking their third collaboration after Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: The Next Level.

In 2019, Johnson produced and appeared as himself in Fighting with My Family, a comedy drama centered around Paige and her wrestling family. He continues to expand his producer roles, including The King, a film about the founder of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, which will be directed by Robert Zemeckis.

Johnson is also attached to produce and star in a sequel to Big Trouble in Little China and is working on a project with Shane Black, reimagining Doc Savage. In 2021, he introduced his biographical comedy-drama series, Young Rock, on NBC.

In the realm of superhero films, Johnson’s involvement as Black Adam was announced in 2017. Although he did not appear in the movie Shazam!, he served as a producer, and his likeness was incorporated through special effects in flashback scenes.

Through his production company, Dwayne Johnson continues to contribute to the entertainment industry by bringing captivating stories to the screen and expanding his creative endeavors beyond acting.

Personal life

Dwayne Johnson’s Personal Life and Family Legacy

Dwayne Johnson’s personal life has seen significant milestones and family connections. In the early 1990s, he met Dany Garcia, his future wife and business partner. They married in 1997 and had a daughter named Simone in 2001. However, the couple announced their amicable separation in 2007, and their divorce was finalized in 2008.

Following his divorce, Johnson began dating Lauren Hashian, whom he met in 2006. They eventually tied the knot in 2019 in Hawaii. Together, they have two daughters named Jasmine and Tiana. The family resides in Los Angeles, with additional properties in Virginia and Florida.

Johnson’s heritage holds special significance to him. In 2004, he was bestowed the noble title of Seiuli by Malietoa Tanumafili II in recognition of his service to the Samoan people and his ancestral ties to Samoan chiefs. He also obtained Canadian citizenship in 2009 through his father’s birth.

Tattoos have been a part of Johnson’s personal expression. In 2003, he received a partial Samoan pe’a tattoo on his left side, and in 2017, he covered a small “Brahma bull” tattoo on his right arm with a larger half-sleeve tattoo featuring a bull’s skull.

Continuing the family legacy in the wrestling world, Johnson’s daughter Simone has followed in his footsteps. She began training at the WWE Performance Center in 2020, becoming the first fourth-generation WWE wrestler. In 2022, she announced her ring name as Ava Raine and has since been appearing on the NXT brand.

Beyond his successful career, Dwayne Johnson cherishes his family connections and cultural heritage, nurturing both his personal life and the future of his family’s involvement in the wrestling industry.

Championships and accomplishments

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

• Match of the Year (1999) vs. Mankind in an “I Quit” match at Royal Rumble
• Match of the Year (2002) vs. Hollywood Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X8
• Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1999, 2000)
• Wrestler of the Year (2000)
• Ranked No. 2 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2000

United States Wrestling Association

• USWA World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Bart Sawyer

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

• Best Box Office Draw (2000, 2011, 2012)
• Best Gimmick (1999)
• Best on Interviews (1999, 2000)
• Most Charismatic (1999–2002, 2011, 2012)
• Most Improved (1998)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2007)

WWE/World Wrestling Entertainment/Federation

• WWE Championship (8 times)
• WCW Championship (2 times)
• WWF Intercontinental Championship (2 times)
• WWF Tag Team Championship (5 times) – with Mankind (3), The Undertaker (1), and Chris Jericho (1)
• Royal Rumble winner (2000)
• Sixth Triple Crown Champion
• Deadly Games WWF Championship Tournament (1998)
• Slammy Award winner (9 times)
• Best Actor (2014)
• Game Changer of the Year (2011) – with John Cena
• Guess Who’s Back or: Return of the Year (2011)
• LOL! Moment of the Year (2012, 2013) – insulting John Cena using the history of Boston, Massachusetts, Rock Concert on the 20th anniversary episode of Raw
• Match of the Year (2013) – vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 29
• New Sensation (1997)
• “Tell Me You Didn’t Just Say That” Insult of the Year (2014) – insulting Rusev and Lana
• “This is Awesome” Moment of the Year (2015) – with Ronda Rousey

Awards and honors

Year	Award	Category	Work	Refs.
1991	NCAAF National Championship		Miami Hurricanes	[414]
2001	Teen Choice Awards	Choice Movie: Villain	The Mummy Returns	[415]
2012	CinemaCon	Action Star of the Year		[416]
2013	Kids Choice Awards	Favorite Male Buttkicker	Journey 2: The Mysterious Island	[417]
2015	Muscle & Fitness	Man of the Century		[418]
2016	Mr. Olympia	Icon Award		[419]
	People’s Choice Awards	Favorite Premium Cable TV Actor		[420]
	People Magazine	Sexiest Man Alive		[421]
	Shorty Awards	Best Actor		[422]
	Time	100 Most Influential People in the World inclusion
2017	Hollywood Walk of Fame	Motion pictures star		[423][424]
	People’s Choice Awards	Favorite Premium Series Actor		[425]
	Kids’ Choice Awards	BFF’s (shared with Kevin Hart)	Central Intelligence	[426]
	Teen Choice Awards	Choice Fantasy Movie Actor	Moana	[427]
	NAACP Image Awards	Entertainer of the Year		[428]
2018	Kids’ Choice Awards	Favorite Movie Actor	Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle	[429]
	Teen Choice Awards	Choice Comedy Movie Actor		[430]
	Golden Raspberry Awards	The Razzie Nominee So Rotten You Loved It	Baywatch	[431][432]
2019	Honored	United States 1st Armored Division		[433]
	Time	100 Most Influential People in the World		[28]
	MTV Movie & TV Awards	MTV Generation Award		[434]

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