Tag: dwayne johnson

The Rock comments on daughter Simone Johnson’s WWE NXT name

Posted on by Joseph Currier

While appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday night, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson continued to express his excitement for his daughter Simone’s pro wrestling career getting underway.

Simone Johnson (who is going by the name “Ava Raine” in WWE) made her first NXT house show appearance earlier this month and cut the first promo of her career. After her debut, The Rock told Entertainment Tonight that he’s “very, very proud” of Simone for making history by becoming WWE’s first fourth-generation wrestler.

The Rock was also asked about Simone’s debut by Jimmy Kimmel Live guest host Kerry Washington.

“Very proud of her. Simone Johnson, my oldest daughter, the daughter I have with Dany [Garcia], she made her debut in WWE, their smaller federation, NXT. She did so good. She went out there on the microphone. You’ve gotta be poised when you go out there. She has a cool wrestling name. It’s Ava Raine,” The Rock said.

Washington then asked The Rock how someone comes up with their wrestling name.

“It comes from all different areas. Usually, it’s probably a mix. What she wanted to do, what she wanted to be called. Ultimately, what the powers that be want her to be called too as well. She’s the first fourth-generation of pro wrestlers in WWE. I always like to say that name Ava Raine could mean a lot of things, but to me in my mind, it means she’s going to lay the smackdown on candy asses.”

Simone Johnson has yet to have her first match or make her first televised NXT appearance. Simone signed with WWE in February 2020 but had to undergo knee surgery later that year.

Johnson’s full appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live is available to watch below:

The Rock ‘very proud’ of daughter Simone for making WWE NXT house show debut

Posted on by Joseph Currier

While speaking to Entertainment Tonight at the premiere of his latest movie, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson commented on his daughter Simone making her NXT house show debut.

Simone Johnson (going by the in-ring name Ava Raine) appeared at an NXT house show in Citrus Springs, Florida last Friday. The next night at a house show in Orlando, she cut the first promo of her career.

“She’s made history [becoming WWE’s first fourth-generation wrestler]. Very, very proud of her,” The Rock told Entertainment Tonight. “She is fiercely independent. It’s very important for her to make her own way, blaze her own trail, blaze her own path. She doesn’t come to me looking for a lot, which I respect that. And I’m here watching and supporting.”

Simone revealed “Ava Raine” as her official NXT in-ring name this March. She’s also using the nickname “The Final Girl.”

Simone has yet to have her first match for NXT or make her first televised appearance.

Also during his interview with Entertainment Tonight, The Rock was asked if we could ever see him back in a WWE ring. “Of course,” he said. “Yeah, always open to that. For sure.”

“DC League of Super-Pets,” which stars The Rock in a voice-acting role, will be released in theaters on July 29.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson turns down offer to host The Emmys

Posted on by Ian Carey

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will not be hosting The Emmys this year.

It was reported by Deadline last month that the 50-year-old had been approached about the role. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday, however, he revealed that he turned down the offer due to a scheduling conflict. 

“It was just schedule. I was really, truly honored when they came to me and asked, but it was just a scheduling thing,” Rock said. “That’s all. That’s really what it comes down to.”

The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards is scheduled for September 12 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. 

The Rock has multiple upcoming projects due for release. DC League of Super Pets is scheduled to be released on July 29. He voices the character of Krypto, Batman’s dog, in the film. Rock will also star in Black Adam which is set to release on October 21.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson surprises WWE’s Tamina with new home

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE wrestler Tamina Snuka recently got surprised with a new home by her cousin Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

In an Instagram post on Thursday night, Johnson shared video of him surprising Tamina with a new home that he bought for her. Johnson wrote that Tamina’s gone through some tough times during her life, but “regardless of what life’s thrown her way — she was ALWAYS determined to break the cycle and become a strong and inspiring single mom example to her two greatest inspirations — her daughters, Milaneta & Maleata.”

Johnson praised Tamina for using those hard times she went through as her reason to work harder and make it in pro wrestling.

Hard to explain these emotions for all of us as I led @saronasnukawwe thru her new door.

This one felt good.

Surprise cuz — enjoy your new home!! 

I’ve known my cousin Sarona since we were little kids growing up together.

Man this girl’s gone thru some tough times, but regardless of what life’s thrown her way – she was ALWAYS determined to break the cycle and become a strong and inspiring single mom example to her two greatest inspirations — her daughters, Milaneta & Maleata

Its so damn hard to make it as a pro wrestler.

And it’s even way harder to make it if you’re a woman.

Sarona (like many amazing women in pro wrestling) made her mind up long ago that she was gonna walk the walk and earn her respect in pro wrestling and make sure that the hard times she’s experienced were always her REASON to WORK HARDER and never let it become the EXCUSE to GIVE UP.

And that’s what she did.

And that’s why my heart’s proud.

Love you cuz and we always got your back.

Welcome home and we breaking out the @Teremana baby!!!

A very special THANK YOU to our @bianca.a.aubrey & her company @beyond_estates for helping me create this magical moment. You’re the best B!!

The 44-year-old Tamina is the daughter of Jimmy Snuka. She’s a one-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion and has recently been involved in the WWE 24/7 Championship picture.

Johnson also posted video on Instagram earlier this month of him surprising his mother Ata Johnson with a new home.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s XFL announces TV deal with ABC, ESPN & FX

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia have found a television home for their relaunch of the XFL.

It was announced on Tuesday that the XFL has reached a broadcast rights deal with The Walt Disney Company and ESPN for XFL games to air on ABC, ESPN networks, and FX. The deal begins with the XFL’s return season in 2023 and runs through 2027.

“The XFL today announced a new, global multi-year agreement with The Walt Disney Company and ESPN, which includes exclusive broadcast rights for all gameday content, tentpole events and more, for its upcoming 2023 season through 2027,” a press release said.

“Each season, all 43 games (40 regular season games, two playoffs, one championship) will be featured on a combination of ABC, ESPN networks and FX. Additionally, the agreement includes exclusive content rights across TWDC (The Walt Disney Company) and ESPN’s digital, social and direct-to-consumer outlets such as ESPN+. The XFL is excited to officially announce its 2023 season will kick off on Saturday, February 18.”

Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

Johnson, his ex-wife and business partner Garcia, and RedBird Capital purchased the assets of the XFL in 2020 after Vince McMahon abandoned his plans for the league. 

The XFL, which first went out of business in 2001, was revived by McMahon in 2020, but its return season came to an end after five weeks following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 season aired on ABC, Fox, ESPN, ESPN2, and FS1.

“This is a definitive moment for the XFL and the beginning of an incredible, long-term partnership for the league, building on my longstanding, very successful legacy relationship I’ve had with Disney throughout my career,” Johnson said. “We’re excited to be working with global visionaries that are aligned with the XFL’s values, are true team players and share our ambitious goals to grow the XFL as a global sports and entertainment business. Through the combined power of Disney, ESPN and the XFL, together we will create a new powerhouse on the sports calendar and bring a dynamic game of football to fans everywhere. Time to ball out.”

“Without question, we have long admired Disney’s distinct ability to engage an expansive consumer fanbase across verticals, while also maintaining a deeply authentic, nuanced and heartfelt approach to storytelling much like our own,” Garcia said. “To find a partner that honors our foundation and to be able to root our vision of unwavering passion, accessibility and the future of football with Disney as our home, is a dream come true. We are extraordinarily excited to explore the endless possibilities of this partnership – today is surely just the beginning.”

NBC renews ‘Young Rock’ for season three

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Young Rock” will be continuing on NBC for at least another season.

NBC announced on Thursday that it has renewed “Young Rock” for a third season. The sitcom, which is inspired by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s life story, tells how Johnson was shaped by his experiences growing up.

Season two of “Young Rock” is currently airing. The season “delves back into Dwayne Johnson’s life, continuing the storylines from Season 1 while also introducing new chapters we haven’t yet seen. As Dwayne and his loving, resilient family face new challenges and meet new wild characters of professional wrestling, Dwayne contemplates embracing the grind of professional wrestling himself. The show will explore the crazy rollercoaster that has shaped Dwayne into the man he is today and the larger-than-life people he’s met along the way.”

“Young Rock” stars Johnson, Joseph Lee Anderson, Stacey Leilua, Ana Tuisila, Adrian Groulx, Bradley Constant, Uli Latukefu, Fasitua Amosa, John Tui, and Matthew Willig. In the show, the modern-day version of Johnson is running for President of the United States in 2032.

The show is produced by Universal Television, Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions, and Fierce Baby Productions.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to make pre-game appearance at Super Bowl LVI

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will be part of this year’s Super Bowl festivities.

The NFL has announced that Johnson will be making a “special pre-game appearance” at Super Bowl LVI this Sunday.

Johnson wrote about the news: “After all these years, my football dream of standing on the SUPER BOWL field has FINALLY….come true. This will [be] historic. This will be my honor. This will be ELECTRIFYING. I’ll see you THIS SUNDAY! LFG!!! #SuperBowlLVI #SuperGoldSunday 2/13 on @NBC”

What Johnson will be doing during the appearance hasn’t been revealed.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams are facing off in the Super Bowl. The game is airing on NBC and Peacock. NBC is also the television home of Johnson’s “Young Rock” series, which will have its season two premiere on Tuesday, March 15.

SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is hosting the Super Bowl. The game is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time, and pre-game coverage will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern.

WWE legend Dave Bautista is featured in Nissan’s Super Bowl commercial this year.

In 2020, Johnson appeared in the introduction video for Super Bowl LIV and introduced the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.

Dwayne Johnson’s Project Rock to become official UFC footwear partner

Posted on by Josh Nason

Former WWE star and pop culture icon Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Project Rock performance brand via Under Armour is now the official footwear partner of the UFC.

Johnson announced the news on Twitter Friday along with a hype video, saying the deal begins with Saturday’s UFC 270. 

Financial terms for the multi-year deal were not disclosed. It’s unknown if UFC fighters will get any financial cut of the contract.

https://twitter.com/TheRock/status/1484567487203012610

The partnership will see Project Rock training shoes and slides worn by UFC fighters and teams leading up to shows. It replaces Reebok’s agreement for the footwear which was a separate deal from the fight wear and apparel deal they had that expired last year.

Co-branded shoes will be released later in 2022 and will be made available for retail purchase.

Johnson has been a UFC fan for years and has been involved promotionally with the company in the past, most notably in the buildup and execution of the “BMF title” that was up for grabs when Jorge Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in November 2019.

Johnson has been a client of Endeavor, the owners of UFC, since 2011.

The Rock originally planned for WWE Survivor Series appearance

Posted on by Mat Men

Image: Amy Sussman/Getty Images

By Andrew Zarian for F4Wonline.com

Sunday’s WWE Survivor Series was originally supposed to feature Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. And for anyone watching last night, it was blatantly obvious that was the plan.

In July, I was told that the Brooklyn, New York, pay-per-view would be centered around Johnson. Between heavily promoting his new Red Notice movie on Netflix, the 25th anniversary of his WWE debut that took place in New York City, NBC’s renewal of Young Rock, and the second season of the Ruthless Aggression documentary series, the timing was perfect.

Yet another source informed me that there were hopes for Johnson to be on Monday’s Raw, dependent on his schedule. I personally didn’t see this as happening.

In late-September, the same source told me that Johnson would not be on Survivor Series due to his filming schedule and needing to quarantine for travel. However, there was still a financial obligation to continue with the plan for the movie promotion without Johnson which is what we saw last night. The basic concept stayed the same, minus Johnson himself.

Although it was fun taking a trip down memory lane, it felt like WWE was throwing a surprise party for a guest of honor that never arrived.

The Rock addresses possible Roman Reigns WWE WrestleMania match

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has addressed the possibility of facing Roman Reigns at WWE WrestleMania. 

In an interview with Andrew Freund of Dish Nation, The Rock stated that there was “no truth” to the rumor that he would face the WWE Universal Champion. In a similar interview with Comicbook.com, Johnson did not rule out another match, but said that any in-ring scenario would have to make sense. 

“There is no truth to that right now. Possibly down the road. We’ll see,” Johnson told Freund. “We stay very close, myself and Roman Reigns.”

In the Comicbook.com interview, Johnson was asked a more direct question about whether or not he sees a WWE title reign in his future. 

“I don’t know if i have another title run, considering I’m The People’s Champion. I don’t know if it’s another title run,” Johnson said. 

“Possibly, you know, there might be another match down the road. Just, it would have to make sense.”

Johnson had praise for both Reigns and The Usos, as well as their Bloodline group. 

“I’m very close with Roman obviously, and we talk about this all the time. I encourage him to keep doing your thing, keep sharpening those skills. I think he’s doing a great job with his promos, his execution, his in-ring work, it all continues to improve and grow,” said Johnson. “Again, I’m very, very proud of him and I like everything he’s doing. I like everything that The Usos are doing. I like what they’re doing together,” said Johnson. 

Johnson also said that Reigns is changing the wrestling business with his performances. 

“And that’s always the best part, I think, about that world of professional wrestling, is that when someone gets anointed and given the ball to run, they either score a touchdown with it, or they don’t. But then some not only score a touchdown with it, but then they begin to change the way the game is played. And in Roman’s case, he’s slowly doing that. You can start to read the tea leaves,” Johnson said. 

“And we’ll see down the road.”

Johnson’s comments came in a series of promotional interviews for his new film Red Notice. Red Notice is n select theaters now and premieres on Netflix on Friday, November 12.

The interviews referenced above can be seen below.

Christmas episode of ‘Young Rock’ to air on December 15

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A holiday episode of Young Rock will air next month on NBC ahead of its second season next year.

The new episode, titled “A Christmas Peril”, will be a part of a block of special holiday shows set to air on December 15, with Young Rock starting the lineup at 8 pm ET/PT.

The logline, according to Deadline, reads: “Christmas Eve, 1982: An unexpected guest shows Dewey that this is the first in a long line of terrible Christmases. In 1987, Rocky [Johnson] and Dwayne take jobs as a mall Santa and elf. In 1993, Dwayne reluctantly spends a disastrous Christmas with Coach O”.

Other shows set to air that evening include the return of Keenan and Mr. Mayor, and new shows American Auto and Grand Crew.

Young Rock, which focuses on different parts of The Rock’s life as a child and teenager, premiered back on February 16. In April, the show was renewed for a second season which will premiere in 2022.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Jumanji director reuniting for holiday film

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jumanji director Jake Kasdan are set to collaborate again on a film project. 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson and Kasdan are attached to Red One, an Amazon Studios holiday movie production. The report also states that Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions is producing the film, plus Johnson is set to star in the movie, possibly as Santa Claus. 

Seven Bucks’ producer Hiram Garcia conceived the story idea for Red One, while Fast and Furious and Hobbs & Shaw veteran Chris Morgan is writing the film’s script and also serving as a producer. 

Amazon Studios became attached to the project in June 2021 and calls Red One “…a globe-trotting, four-quadrant action-adventure comedy, imagining a whole new universe to explore within the holiday genre.” According to THR, Amazon is aiming to shoot the film in 2022 and release it in 2023. 

Johnson starred in Jumanji, as well as its sequel, both directed by Kasdan. The films grossed nearly $2 billion in worldwide box office revenue. 

NBC announces premiere date for ‘Young Rock’ TV series

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The premiere date for the upcoming Young Rock television series has been announced.

It was announced that the series will debut on February 16th at 8:30 EST on NBC. The sypnosis of the new series is as follows:

“Young Rock” focuses on different chapters of Dwayne Johnson’s life. From growing up in a strong and resilient family, to being surrounded by the wild characters of his professional wrestling family, to playing football at the University of Miami, the show will explore the crazy rollercoaster that has shaped Dwayne into the man he is today and the larger-than-life characters he’s met along the way. Dwayne Johnson, Joseph Lee Anderson, Stacey Leilua, Adrian Groulx, Bradley Constant, Uli Latukefu, Ana Tuisila, Fasitua Amosa and John Tui star.

Nahnatchka Khan, Dwayne Johnson, Jeff Chiang, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz and Jennifer Carreras serve as executive producers.

NBC ordered the series based on The Rock’s life back in January of last year for 11 episodes. Production began back in October in Australia.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and family healthy after COVID-19 battle

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his family are doing better after battling COVID-19.

In an Instagram video today, Johnson revealed that he, his wife Lauren Hashian, and their two baby daughters Jasmine and Tiana tested positive for COVID-19 but are now “on the other end of it” and are no longer contagious.

Johnson said he wanted to give everyone an update on what he had been going through for the past two and a half to three weeks. He called the experience one of the most challenging and difficult things he and his family have ever had to endure and spoke about how protecting them is always his number one priority.

“But I am happy to tell you guys that we as a family are good,” Johnson said. “We are on the other end of it. We are on the other side. We are no longer contagious, and we are, thank god, we are healthy. And we’ve gotten through COVID-19 stronger and healthier. Believe me, I am counting my blessings. Because like all of us, we all have been hit by this thing, whether it is people we know, family we know, loved ones we know, friends we know. So we are counting our blessings right now because we’re well aware that it isn’t always the case that you get on the other end of COVID-19 stronger and healthier.”

Johnson said his daughters only had a sore throat for the first couple of days but bounced back quickly. For him and his wife, they had a rough go of things but got through it as a family.

Johnson said they caught COVID-19 through very close family friends who have no idea how they got it and are devastated that they spread it to Johnson and his family. Johnson urged people to “control the controllables” in terms of applying an even greater sense of discipline in having friends and family over to their houses, boosting their immune systems, and wearing masks.

Release of The Rock’s ‘Jungle Cruise’ movie delayed until 2021

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The release of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s next movie has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Disney announced several changes to their release schedule today, including Johnson’s “Jungle Cruise” being pushed back to July 30, 2021. The movie had been scheduled to debut in theaters on July 24 of this year.

Johnson wrote about the delay: “Our @disneystudios JUNGLE CRUISE is officially pushed by one year to be released JULY 30, 2021. I feel great and bullish about this date as it gives us time for Disney to be fully operational in all their businesses – theme parks, hotels, cruise ships, but more importantly, it gives the world time to bounce back to living confidently, productively and joyously once again. Thank you, Disney leadership team. And thank you to all the fans worldwide. The movie will be worth the wait. Stay healthy, my friends. D”

“Jungle Cruise” is based on a Disney theme park ride. Here’s the description for the movie: “Set during the early 20th century, a riverboat captain named Frank takes a scientist and her brother on a mission into a jungle to find the Tree of Life which is believed to possess healing powers. All the while, the trio must fight against dangerous wild animals and a competing German expedition.”

“Jungle Cruise” stars Johnson, Emily Blunt, Edgar Ramirez, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti. It was directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. Trailers for the movie had been released last October and this March.