Tag: dwayne johnson

The Rock was ‘completely blown away’ by reaction for WWE return

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was blown away by the reaction his WWE return received.

On SmackDown this past Friday night, The Rock made a surprise appearance. He took part in a segment with Pat McAfee and Austin Theory. The segment ended with Rock and McAfee both hitting People’s Elbows on Theory.

This was The Rock’s first time back on WWE television since 2019. In a social media post on Sunday, he reflected on the experience. The Rock wrote that he was “completely blown away” by the crowd’s reaction. Rock called it one of the top five loudest pops he’s ever received in his career.

He wrote:

I was – I’m still – completely blown away by this crowd reaction in Denver this past Friday night on SMACKDOWN.

My appearance was a surprise to everyone and this crowd of 14,000 erupted with the roar of 100,000 strong.

Top 5 loudest crowd reaction of my career (which I was like ‘holy sh*t’ when I walked out)

I’m so grateful and humbled by this. I never take it for granted and ‘coming home’ will always be sacred to me.

Thank you my guy PatMac, the talented Austin Theory, @wwe family backstage, Team Rock behind the scenes – everyone who joined us to go ALL IN.

But most importantly, thank you with all my love, gratitude and respect, to THE PEOPLE.

Our connection is real.

Electrifying.

~ people’s champ 

WWE shared a video on Instagram of the moment where The Rock heard the crowd erupt when his music played:

In addition to being on SmackDown, The Rock was in Colorado for appearances on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday and ESPN’s College GameDay on Saturday.

Friday’s SmackDown also included a backstage segment where The Rock and John Cena reunited.

NBC cancels The Rock’s ‘Young Rock’ TV series

Posted on by Josh Nason

NBC has canceled Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s “Young Rock” TV series as it will not return for a fourth campaign.

The news was announced by several entertainment media outlets Friday afternoon as the network cut several other series as well.

The show, which debuted in February 2021, was based on the life of Johnson, starting with his childhood growing up in a pro wrestling family. Throughout the series’ 37 episodes over three seasons, characters like Randy Savage, Steve Austin, the Iron Sheik, Hulk Hogan and others were introduced in addition to several football players and Johnson’s well-known family members. The time periods covered were 1982, 1987 and the 1990s.

The show’s third season was moved to Fridays opposite WWE SmackDown in a move that puzzled many.

The premise was Johnson reflecting on his life in both wrestling and football as he prepared to run for president in the year 2032.

Johnson was an executive producer on the show along with series creator Nahnatchka Khan who is the sister of WWE CEO Nick Khan.

As of this writing, Johnson has not acknowledged the show’s cancellation on social media.

The Rock: Wrestling helped save my relationship with Simone Johnson

Posted on by Josh Nason

In an interview on The Pivot, former WWE star and pop culture icon Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson opened up about his daughter, Simone Johnson, and how wrestling has been “a savior” for both his family and relationship with her.

Johnson said when he had his daughter, now known as Ava in WWE NXT, he was wrestling full-time, making his transition into movies and “flying by the seat of my pants.”

“I had so much sh*t going on. So, I like to say me and Simone grew up together. We had a relationship where I was always gone, but we tried to keep it together. Now years later as she becomes a pro wrestler, it’s actually brought us closer together,” he explained. “So, in a way, it’s helped save that relationship too. In many ways, pro wrestling has been my family’s savior.”

The 21-year-old Ava/Johnson started at the Performance Center in February 2020 and is currently part of The Schism faction on NXT TV. She has wrestled just a few times with only one of them televised.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to star in live-action ‘Moana’ remake

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is set to reprise one of his most popular film roles — this time in live-action form.

Johnson announced today that a live-action retelling of “Moana” is in the works at Disney. The original animated version of the film was released in 2016, with Johnson voicing the character Maui. Johnson will now physically be playing Maui, who was inspired by his grandfather Peter Maivia.

“Humbled to say we’re bringing #MOANA’s beautiful story to the live action big screen! #MAUI changed my life (miss you grandpa) and I’m honored to partner with @DisneyStudios to tell our story thru the realm of music & dance, which at the core is who we are as Polynesian people,” Johnson wrote.

Johnson said the movie is “very early in the process” and there’s still so much work to be done.

Auli’i Cravalho will also be returning as Moana.

Over WrestleMania weekend, Johnson’s eldest daughter Simone (Ava Raine in NXT) made her in-ring debut at NXT Stand & Deliver. Schism (Raine, Joe Gacy, Rip Fowler.& Jagger Reid) lost to Chase U (Thea Hail, Andre Chase & Duke Hudson) & Tyler Bate in an eight-person tag team match.

Johnson posted a video on Saturday night saying he was so proud of Simone:

This morning was a big, big morning for NXT, all the performers of NXT, including my daughter Simone — Ava Raine baby! She made her big debut. So proud of you, baby girl. Keep up the great work. So congratulations to NXT.

The Rock sends message to WWE and fans on WrestleMania 39 weekend

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has sent a message to WWE and its fans on WrestleMania 39 weekend. 

In a video posted to his social media channels early Sunday morning Eastern time, The Rock had words for WWE fans, wrestlers, personnel, as well as a comment on his daughter Simone’s in-ring debut as Ava at Saturday’s NXT Stand & Deliver event. 

The Rock called the fans “our anchor,” and encouraged them to “have a blast” at WrestleMania:

Have fun. Enjoy WrestleMania. Everyone is performing for you.

The Rock addressed WWE wrestlers, and encouraged them to have good performances at WrestleMania:

Move the crowd, and have some f—ing fun… Move the crowd, have fun, connect with that crowd.  

The Rock specifically mentioned Roman Reigns, The Usos, Solo Sikoa, and Cody Rhodes, and said that he was looking forward to Reigns vs. Rhodes, and teased a future appearance:

I’m looking forward to all the matches, but especially the main event. Roman Reigns, my cousin, the Universal Champion, and to my family — The entire Bloodline — Jey, Jimmy, Solo, we’re so proud of you guys. 

And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, down the road, I’ll see you in person.

And of course his opponent, a man I have tremendous love and respect for, Cody Rhodes. He’s my boy, in a way we grew up together. Our families were together when we were kids. “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes and “The Soulman” Rocky Johnson, when they were partners. We would hang at each others’ house all the time when we were little kids. 

But Cody, your journey is so incredibly inspiring not only to the WWE Universe, not only to your fellow brothers and sisters of the locker room, but also to me as well. So, very proud of you, brother.

Johnson also commented on his daughter’s in-ring debut on Saturday, and congratulated the NXT performers:

This morning was a big, big morning for NXT, all the performers of NXT, including my daughter Simone — Ava Raine baby! She made her big debut. So proud of you, baby girl. Keep up the great work. So congratulations to NXT.

The Rock’s full message can be seen below.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson pays tribute to Jerry Jarrett

Posted on by Joseph Currier

In an Instagram post on Thursday, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson paid his respects to Jerry Jarrett.

Jarrett passed away at 80 years old on Tuesday while undergoing treatment for cancer of the esophagus. He was a Hall of Fame booker and promoter, running one of the hottest territories in the country in Memphis. Jarrett was a full-time wrestler early in his career and later co-founded TNA Wrestling.

Johnson thanked Jarrett for everything he did for his family, including giving Rocky Johnson a job when he was going through a hard time in the late 1980s. Johnson also thanked Jarrett for helping him during his own career when he was starting out in wrestling.

“Memphis wrestling in the late 70s, early 80s, had such a strong influence on my career,” Johnson said. “How I worked the microphone, how I worked in my matches, the storytelling that I would put in my matches, how I decided that I wanted to become a ring general — there was so much of Memphis wrestling that influenced my style. And that was all because of Jerry Jarrett.”

Johnson ended the video by sending his condolences to Jeff Jarrett, Karen Jarrett, and the Jarrett family as they grieve Jerry’s death.

The Rock’s mother survives car crash in Los Angeles

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s mother, Ata Johnson, has survived a serious car crash in Los Angeles. 

The Rock took to Instagram on Thursday to thank God, “angels of mercy,” and the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments after his mom survived a car crash “late last night.”

Johnson shared an image of his mom’s damaged vehicle with the following caption: 

Thank you God she’s ok.

Angels of mercy watched over my mom as she was in a car crash late last night.

She’ll survive and continue to get evaluated.

This woman has survived lung cancer, tough marriage, head on collision with a drunk driver and attempted suicide.

She’s a survivor, in ways that make angels and miracles real.

Thank you LAPD & LAFD for being so caring & focused. Thanks for staying on phone and talking me thru it all.

I got one parent left, so if you still got your mom and dad make sure you hug ‘em hard, cos you never know when you’ll get that 3am call we never want to get.

❤️

Ata Johnson, 74, was in attendance at last week’s WWE Royal Rumble event, supporting extended family members Tamina and Nia Jax as they appeared in the women’s Rumble match. 

The Rock’s father, Rocky Johnson, passed away in January 2020. 

Update on Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s status for WWE WrestleMania 39

Posted on by Joseph Currier

In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer provided an update on Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s status for WrestleMania 39.

Meltzer wrote that, unless Johnson changes his mind in the next few days, Johnson has indicated that he won’t have time to get into the kind of shape he feels he needs to be in for a main event match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39. Meltzer noted that Johnson has kept the door open for something in the future.

“Of course it is a possibility that it’s something being kept a secret from everyone,” Meltzer added.

The report also states that, while Meltzer doesn’t know that Johnson has officially turned down wrestling at WrestleMania 39, the indication is that it’s considered less likely than a few months ago.

Those close to the situation have noted WWE coming out with new Rock merchandise, but said that is more related to the 30th anniversary of Raw. We were told that unless he changes his mind in the next few days, since a deadline for Mania plans is coming, that he’s indicated he won’t have time to get into the kind of shape he feels he needs to be in to do a main event match with Roman Reigns, but kept the door open for something in the future. Of course it is a possibility that it’s something being kept a secret from everyone. WWE has always had a backup direction this year given they were aware Johnson was not a sure thing for some time, and as time went on and he didn’t agree, felt the likelihood had lessened. I don’t know that he’s officially turned it down, but the only indication is that it was considered less likely than a few months ago. Johnson right now has different projects going on, most importantly the launching of the XFL which debuts the weekend of 2/18 and he will be very heavily involved with the promotion of the league. He had said he would need to have training time to be able to get in ring shape. So his decision comes down to his belief of having adequate time to prepare.

The WrestleMania 39 card will begin to take shape as this year’s Royal Rumble is held on Saturday, January 28.

WrestleMania 39 is taking place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2.

Aside from a six-second match against Erick Rowan at WrestleMania 32, Johnson hasn’t wrestled since losing to John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania 29 in 2013.

Johnson appeared on CNBC this week and was asked about the possibility of WWE being sold. He wished Vince McMahon and WWE all the best during the process.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson comments on potential WWE sale

Posted on by Joseph Currier

During a Tuesday appearance on CNBC, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson commented on WWE being up for sale.

It was announced earlier this month that Vince McMahon was returning to WWE to pursue a potential sale of the company. CNBC asked Johnson about WWE’s next chapter and if he thinks a sale is something that makes sense.

“Well, I can tell you this, I can tell you that it’s an exciting brand,” Johnson said. “It’s a brand that I’ve been very fortunate enough to have tremendous success [in] over the decades. And also, for your viewers here in the business world who may not know, the lineage goes way back, multi-generational with the WWE. My grandfather wrestled for Vince McMahon Sr. in the 70s. My dad wrestled for Vince McMahon in the 80s. And then I came along with my bad haircut and fanny pack and I continued to wrestle for Vince too as well. So we’ve seen tremendous success over the years. I think it’s a very attractive company. And I’m excited and I wish Vince and that company all the best.”

One of the hosts then brought up that a sale of WWE might be difficult to imagine unless it’s a buyer who lets Vince McMahon remain in charge.

“I would [agree] and that’s a great note,” Johnson replied. “I think with the world of professional wrestling and the world of WWE, it’s so unique. The fan base is very large and very passionate and there’s nothing like the WWE. So I think with the new owners, if there are new owners, and acquirers who are gonna come in, I think that they have to share that same passion that Vince has for the company and for the world of pro wrestling, which isn’t always easy to do. As you guys know, with a company like this, it’s been so incredibly successful over the years, a sale and acquisition could be very complicated, but there’s that unique added anchor to this I believe that Vince feels where you gotta find the right buyer who still has that passion and the love for this very unique world.”

Johnson was on CNBC to discuss his ZOA brand of energy drinks. 

Johnson’s daughter Simone made her NXT television debut this past October, going by the name Ava Raine as part of Joe Gacy’s Schism faction. His extended Bloodline family members Roman Reigns (Undisputed WWE Universal Champion) and The Usos (Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions) are champions on the main roster.

Wrestling Observer Live: Who wants to buy WWE, Smackdown revenue, Peacock, more!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including who is interested in buying WWE, Smackdown losing tons of money for FOX and the reality of what people spend money on, Peacock revenue with the WWE Network and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

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Wrestling Observer Radio: Bronson Reed, RAW, Rampage ratings and international travel

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

It’s a special edition of Wrestling Observer Radio with Jim Valley and Dave Meltzer! The former JONAH is once again Bronson Reed, returning to RAW to help The Miz in his ladder match against Dexter Lumis. We run down a very interesting episode of RAW. 

We also discuss ratings for AEW Rampage, which are improving. Dave has an update on the stars most likely to be returning for WrestleMania 39. Plus UFC, slap fighting, booker of the year, traveling to Japan and Mexico City to watch pro wrestling, and much more. This show is packed, check it out.

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Dwayne Johnson shares first look at Becky Lynch on ‘Young Rock’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has confirmed Becky Lynch’s role on the season three premiere of “Young Rock.”

In an Instagram post on Thursday morning, Johnson shared three photos of Lynch playing music star Cyndi Lauper on the “Young Rock” episode. The new season premieres on NBC this Friday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Johnson wrote:

Cool news alert

Officially welcoming @beckylynchwwe to our YOUNG ROCK cast

Becky takes on the daunting and FUN task of playing the one and only – the icon Cyndi Lauper.

I was right there for Becky’s audition and we were all very impressed at her high level commitment as an actor to become Cyndi Lauper.

No easy task, but she worked her butt off and went all in – and crushed it.

PWInsider reported that the plot for the season premiere “deals with a party Lauper throws around WrestleMania 1. Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, Vince McMahon, Lou Albano and Liberace will also be portrayed in the episode, which is set in 1985. When the series was being cast, Lauper was listed as a possible recurring character, so this may not be Lynch’s only appearance in the series.”

“The People Need You” is the title of the “Young Rock” season premiere. The show, which previously aired on Tuesdays, is moving to Fridays for season three and will go head-to-head with WWE SmackDown.

“Young Rock” is based on Johnson’s life and tells the story of how he was shaped into the person he is today.

Lynch hasn’t wrestled since suffering a separated shoulder at SummerSlam this July. There was an angle on the post-SummerSlam Raw where Damage CTRL attacked Lynch and exacerbated her injury.

The Rock comments on potential Roman Reigns WWE WrestleMania match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

During a press tour to promote the release of his “Black Adam” film, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson commented on potentially facing Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.

Johnson spoke to E!’s The Rundown on the press tour. When asked who the Head of the Table is, Johnson said it’s him.

“Who is [the] Head of the Table? Without saying any names, you’re looking into his eyes right now,” Johnson said.

Johnson was asked if that means he’s confirming he’ll challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 39 next April.

“I am not confirming that at all. No. No, I am not [laughs],” Johnson responded. “Though I’m gonna get a text from him after he watches this.”

Johnson said he loves the idea of being part of a WrestleMania, but there are so many other variables that have to come into play.

“I love the idea of a WrestleMania. And I’m close to a lot of people there, but very close to one in particular, who we’ve talked about this. So, I like it. There’s just so many other variables that have to come into play,” Johnson said.

“But I’m a fan, because I’m a promoter at heart too, so I’m a fan of promoting an event and what could that be. So I love WrestleMania, and I love that world.”

Reigns also spoke about potentially facing Johnson at WrestleMania when he appeared on the Impaulsive podcast last month.

“They keep trying. Everybody keeps trying on this one,” Reigns said. “I don’t book the show, bro. I’m up for anybody.

“If it works out, then I’m ready.”

A WrestleMania matchup between Reigns and Johnson has long been rumored, including being teased on an episode of Johnson’s “Young Rock” television show.

The Rock acknowledges ‘great job’ Roman Reigns & The Usos are doing in WWE

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson acknowledges the “great job” his Bloodline family members are doing in WWE.

During an interview with Chris Van Vliet to promote his new movie “Black Adam,” Johnson was asked if he “acknowledges the Tribal Chief.” Johnson said Roman Reigns and The Usos are doing a great job, and they’ve been able to adjust to the unexpected change in WWE this year with Vince McMahon retiring from the company.

“I do, it’s my family,” Johnson said. “I think those guys are — I think they’re doing a great job. And I think what an interesting shift that the company has gone through this year. Unexpected in many ways, but when unexpectations happen in that kind of way, form, and fashion, especially in that business, you’ve got to have the ability and the agility to pivot, which they have. With Roman, I think he’s doing a pretty good job, and the boys too, The Usos too.”

Reigns is currently the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. He’s set to defend the title against Logan Paul at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, November 5.

The Usos are the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.

A match between Reigns and Johnson has long been rumored for WrestleMania, even being teased on Johnson’s “Young Rock” television show. Reigns was asked about potentially facing Johnson at WrestleMania 39 during an appearance on the Impaulsive podcast last month.

“They keep trying. Everybody keeps trying on this one,” Reigns said. “I don’t book the show, bro. I’m up for anybody.

“If it works out, then I’m ready.”

“Black Adam,” which is a DC Comics film, will be released in theaters on Friday, October 21. Johnson’s interview with Van Vliet is available to watch below:

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson says presidential run is ‘off the table’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is ruling out a run for president.

Despite previously entertaining a run for president of the United States, Johnson told CBS in a recent interview that the idea is now “off the table.” CBS’ interview with Johnson will air on CBS Sunday Morning this weekend.

Johnson said he loves the United States and everyone in it, but the most important thing to him is being a father to his daughters.

“It’s off the table. Yes, it is off the table,” Johnson said.

“I will say this, ’cause it requires a B side to this: I love our country and everyone in it. I also love being a daddy. And that’s the most important thing to me, is being a daddy, number one, especially during this time, this critical time in my daughters’ lives. ‘Cause I know what it was like to be on the road and be so busy that I was absent for a lot of years when my first daughter’s growing up in these critical age at this critical time in their life. And that’s what the presidency will do. Sure, CEO sounds great. But the number one thing I want to be is daddy. That’s it.”

The idea of Johnson running for president in the future has been part of the story for his “Young Rock” television series on NBC.

While speaking with Vanity Fair for an interview that was released last October, Johnson said he wasn’t ruling out the possibility of running for president then — but he wasn’t sure that he would make a great candidate.

“You know, at the end of the day, I don’t know the first thing about politics. I don’t know the first thing about policy,” Johnson said. “I care deeply about our country. I care about every f*cking American who bleeds red, and that’s all of them. And — there’s no delusion here — I may have some decent leadership qualities, but that doesn’t necessarily make me a great presidential candidate. That’s where I am today.”

Johnson endorsed Joe Biden for president in the 2020 election.

Johnson stars in the DC Comics film “Black Adam,” which will be released in theaters on October 21.