Tag: The Rock

The Rock not attending UFC White House event

Posted on by Joseph Currier

He was invited by Dana White, but Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson won’t be attending UFC’s upcoming event at the White House.

A recent feature story on White published by Time magazine noted that the UFC boss had invited several celebrities, including Johnson, to attend UFC Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C. Vanity Fair followed up by trying to find out if those celebrities would be attending, with a source telling them that Johnson will not be there. It wasn’t stated whether Johnson has a scheduling issue or a different reason for declining the invitation.

“A source close to The Rock tells Vanity Fair that he will not be attending,” Vanity Fair wrote. “Representatives for [Adam] Sandler, [Jared] Leto, and [Mario] Lopez say they won’t be either. Reps for the others did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The White House and UFC did not respond to requests for comment about the guest list.”

Tom Brady, Guy Ritchie, and Jason Statham were the other celebrities White mentioned as being invited to the June 14 show. UFC says there will be approximately 4,300 attendees in the crowd, including at least 1,200 active duty military members.

WWE involvement at UFC Freedom 250 weekend —

Johnson has a seat on the board of directors for TKO Group, the parent company of UFC and WWE. There will be some WWE wrestlers in Washington, D.C. that weekend with Charlotte Flair, The Miz, Trick Williams, Chelsea Green, The Usos, Tiffany Stratton, and Bron Breakker announced for meet and greets at the UFC Freedom 250 fan fest.

The fan fest is taking place at The Ellipse just outside of the White House, while UFC is staging the actual fights on the White House’s South Lawn. Here is the announced main card:

UFC Freedom 250 (Sunday, June 14 on Paramount+) —

  • Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje for the UFC lightweight championship
  • Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane for the UFC heavyweight championship
  • Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi
  • Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis
  • Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler
  • Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus
  • Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia

Nick Khan claims WWE WrestleMania 40 plans ‘never changed’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

According to Nick Khan, the way things ended up at WWE WrestleMania 40 were always how they were supposed to go.

The 2024 edition of WrestleMania saw Cody Rhodes defeat Roman Reigns to finish his story and become Undisputed WWE Champion. But the build to the match took a turn when Rhodes briefly gave up that main event spot to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Fans did not respond well to the move, and the match once again became Reigns vs. Rhodes. A tag team bout was also made for night one of WrestleMania 40 with Reigns & The Rock taking on Rhodes & Seth Rollins.

WWE produced its own “Behind the Curtain” documentary on how fan backlash led them to pivot back to Reigns vs. Rhodes. But Khan, speaking at SBJ On Stage, claimed plans “never changed” and the situation went the way WWE wanted it to go.

“By the way, the plan was always how it ended up in Philly two years ago. Sometimes — it’s a pre-determined outcome in wrestling. You want to throw the fans off, you want to let things bake, and then, boom, it ends up the way that we wanted it to end up. It never changed,” the WWE president said. “That was just online rumors and gossip that we were changing — it never changed. We convinced Dwayne Johnson to come back. He’s on our board of directors. It was a tag team match. He’s about the same age I am, so two years ago let’s say he was 50, he was obviously in phenomenal shape, he did everything that we asked of him and then some. But that was always the result we were looking for.”

Khan’s appearance at SBJ On Stage took place in April prior to WrestleMania 42 but was not uploaded until this week.

Nick Khan on not listening to social media criticism —

At the SBJ event, Khan reiterated that WWE listens to ratings, revenue, and relevancy and does not respond to social media criticism. He views X/Twitter as a vocal minority and has not used the platform in regards to WWE.

“People are allowed to complain, but we don’t adjust our business based on complaints,” he said. “We adjust our business based on ratings, revenue, relevancy.

WWE’s reported plans for Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 43

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

WWE’s plans for Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 43 and his rival has reportedly been discussed and a backup idea has allegedly been thrown around.

While it is not confirmed or official, Self Made Pro reported that WWE is planning a feud between Reigns and Oba Femi for WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia. It has been reported that WWE is considering either Seth Rollins or Femi as Reigns’ opponent at SummerSlam, with the other potentially being saved for a WrestleMania 43 showdown. There is no confirmation on the matter. These are possible scenarios being discussed if The Rock is unable to make an appearance for WrestleMania.

In 2024, a blockbuster feud between The Rock and Reigns was teased. However, it stirred an uproar when Rock’s return was presented as poised to overtake Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania main event spot despite winning the Royal Rumble and earning his opportunity by right. That evolved into a tag team match for Night 1 at WrestleMania that year with Rhodes teaming up with Seth Rollins against Reigns and Rock.

The Rock’s last WWE appearance was at Elimination Chamber 2025 where he was the mastermind in John Cena’s heel turn. He also played a key role in ambushing Rhodes, catching him off guard in a surprise attack in spite of showcasing a truce between the two earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, a feud between Reigns and Femi was imminently teased shortly after his World Title win at WrestleMania 42. Femi challenged him to a match and fans began chanting for Femi during Reigns’ post-show appearance. The champion addressed their cheers while putting Femi and other aspiring challengers on notice.

At Clash in Italy on May 31, Reigns defeated Jacob Fatu in a Tribal Combat match for the World Heavyweight Championship. And this forced Fatu to officially ‘acknowledge him as the Tribal Chief’ on the Raw that followed. Rhodes put his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against Gunther at the Premium Live Event.

Later, backstage, Reigns and Rhodes had a staredown potentially teasing a match for Night of Champions on June 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

WOL: TNA Impact, WWE preview, wet brine turkey, more!

Posted on by Tom Lawlor

Wrestling Observer Live with “Filthy” Tom Lawlor and Lance Storm are here ahead of the weekend to give you all the news and notes ahead of WWE Smackdown, Clash in Turin, a full TNA Impact on AMC review, Donald Trump, and an apparent FCC violation for peeing on the Xmas turkey! A fun show as always so check it out~!

Right Click Save As:

Daily Update: Cody Rhodes-Danhausen, Shingo Takagi, The Rock

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Wednesday Update

Lola Vice Izzi Dame WWE
Lola Vice faces off with Izzi Dame on WWE NXT. (Image credit: WWE)

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Lola Vice vs. Izzi Dame NXT Women’s Championship match from last night.
  • To promote Clash in Italy, Cody Rhodes appeared on ESPN’s SportsCenter, First Take, Get Up, and The Rich Eisen Show today.
  • Rhodes told ESPN Unsportsmanlike that Danhausen is the “king” of WWE’s merch sellers right now:
    • I think it’s safe to say Danhausen is one of the most popular people in all of WWE at the moment, and I don’t see it really stopping. He overtook the merch game. There’s all kinds of market confusion because the WWE Shop website has a thing that people actually believe, but I’ll tell you who’s the king right now of the merch game – it’s Danhausen. He’s beating us all.
  • For an ESPN video, Seth Rollins looked back at some of his WWE highlights.
  • Though it’s not confirmed that he’ll be attending, Dana White told Time that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been invited to the UFC’s show at the White House next month:
    • At least 1,200 of the approximately 4,300 seats will go to active military members. The White House, TKO, and the UFC will divvy up the rest: White has invited Adam Sandler, Guy Ritchie, Tom Brady, Jared Leto, Jason Statham, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and Mario Lopez.
  • AJ Styles’ son Avery shared training footage of himself doing his father’s patented Spiral Tap into a crash pad.
  • Today marks 30 years since Scott Hall arrived in WCW by invading Nitro. To celebrate the anniversary, WCW’s YouTube channel posted that full Nitro episode.

Other Wrestling

  • Shingo Takagi commented on the news that NJPW’s ownership is transferring from Bushiroad to TV Asahi & CyberAgent:
    • I know the [Bushiroad] owner personally, and I want to say once again, thank you for the past 14 years. It was the same when LIJ (Los Ingobernables de Japon) disbanded, but I’m in a situation where I’m wondering ‘what’s going to happen,’ and I can’t help but be excited. I just have to work hard and stay positive, showing a bright future.
  • AEW wrestler Max Caster filed a trademark for the term “Volume 2” on May 26.  Along with that, Caster posted a tweet calling indie promotion Beyond Wrestling/Wrestling Open his new home and the only place where people will be able to see him every week:
    • My new home. Proud to be a part. 
    • The only place you’ll see the Best Wrestler Alive every week.
  • The Young Bucks uploaded a new Being the Elite video focused on Stadium Stampede.
  • 94WIP in Philadelphia interviewed Wheeler Yuta.
  • Indie wrestler Erick Stevens announced that he’s stepping away from the ring for what might be the final time:
    • Thank you to all of the promotions who brought me in, all of my opponents, and all of the fans who supported this run.  
    • Pro wrestling owes me nothing.  I just hope that I’m leaving it better than I found it.  
    • I’ve learned to never say ‘goodbye’ in this business.  Did that a couple times and looked like a dummy when I came back.  Even though this feels like my last run, you really just never know.  With that being said, I’ll leave you with this:
    • See you later.

Joe Hendry announces exclusive WWE album

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Joe Hendry has officially recorded an exclusive album with WWE music. 

Hendry told Chris Van Vliet on his Insight Podcast that he has recorded an exclusive album with WWE. He announced that it features only original songs and is set to release this summer. 

“I haven’t told anyone anywhere, but I have recorded an album with WWE music. And it’s going to drop this summer. And we recorded most of that in New York at the WWE Studios. So what I’ve done now is the microphones that we have there, I have basically replicated the set up back home now. So I don’t need to fly to New York to do it. I can send stuff in and we can work on it back and forth. So that’s one of the things that makes these songs work is because they’re fast and they’re topical. So we can basically like we obviously did the Logan Paul song on TV, but we were able to just get it done that week because we could send files back and forth. But yes, there is an album coming out this summer. They are all original songs.”

Hendry also talked about the influence of The Rock’s concerts on his persona. And how WWE video games were instrumental in his decision to consider a wrestling career. 

“So The Rock is the reason I got into the pro wrestling business. I was a fan of the video games before I was actually a fan of wrestling. I’d seen wrestling a couple of times on the TV.” 

It (SmackDown 2 video game) was revolutionary that when you did the people’s elbow, The Rock would take off his elbow pad and it would be gone for the rest of the match, right. It was like the graphics can never get better than this. So I decided I’m going to check out wrestling. It was The Rock’s promos that really got me into it. So seeing his concerts as well. The reason why his concerts worked so well is because he did a really good job as well as being funny. He was really good at it. He played super well, he sang well, He was super confident.”

Hendry’s song about Logan Paul on his WWE Raw debut went viral and immediately instigated a rivalry between the two. 

Daily Update: New Joe Hendry music video, The Rock, CM Punk

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • A look at the WWE releases, reasons, prospects for the future, who should AEW or TNA be interested in
  • Nick Khan speaks to WWE employees about Paul Levesque, WrestleMania, social media, Saudi Arabia and AI
  • WWE Backlash and AEW Double or Nothing updates, including interest levels for both shows
  • Stardom All-Star Grand Queendom show looked at
  • How the latest Nielsen ratings change affects pro wrestling and where it affects it the most
  • Dragon Gate has its annual big Nagoya show this week
  • A look at the career of Gran Markus Jr.
  • The most detailed look at the television ratings for pro wrestling and MMA programming this past week
  • The 70th anniversary of pro wrestling at Arena Mexico
  • Who is coming for Fantastica Mania Mexico
  • Big match planned for AAA television
  • Champion Carnival update
  • NOAH major show update
  • New Japan has Dontaku with Andrade and Will Ospreay this week
  • Wrestling Red Zone coverage
  • A look back at the original Tiger Mask and his influence on pro wrestling and MMA
  • Who are the most famous wrestler in the ten largest cities in the world, and top 50 cities in the world
  • Biggest moments in NCAA wrestling tournament history over the past 60 years
  • Former pro wrestling booker heading up a unique promotion
  • Updates on Real American Freestyle
  • More UFC stars coming to RAF
  • Advance ticket sales for all the major pro wrestling events over the next two months and the story that it tells
  • Two relatives of major pro wrestling stars signing with NFL teams
  • Remembeing David Allan Coe, the country singer of Great American Bash fame
  • Jimmy Valiant retires
  • Former WWE star says she’s making a comeback
  • Carlos Silva on why TNA won’t let its talent work with AEW talent and examining what he said
  • AEW May television schedule changes
  • WWE television schedule changes
  • Ronda Rousey wants to be a promoter
  • Puck breaks a notable story on Ari Emanuel and Vince McMahon
  • More on when the next lawsuit against WWE goes to court
  • More notes on TNA expanding domestic exposure
  • More on new WWE signings
  • NXT house show notes

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Tuesday Update

The Rock | WWE
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson appears at WWE Elimination Chamber. (Image credit: WWE)

 WWE

AEW & Other Wrestling

The Miz reveals The Rock praising him before WWE WrestleMania 27

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Wrestling veteran The Miz has opened up about once receiving praise from The Rock before WWE WrestleMania 27 for impersonating him.

Leading up to WrestleMania 27 in 2011, then WWE Champion The Miz was involved in a heated rivalry with John Cena. With The Rock also involved in the feud, fans during the March 14, 2011, episode of WWE Raw saw The Miz imitate The Rock.

Shortly after, it became a much-talked-about segment leading up to The Miz and Cena’s WrestleMania 27 rivalry, as well as The Rock’s presence there as the WrestleMania host.

Recently appearing on Games with Names with Julian Edelman, Miz recalled that segment and revealed how he received praise from The Rock after that.

“The week before (WrestleMania), I dressed up as The Rock. I remember going to Vince [McMahon] going, ‘This isn’t going to work. No one is going to believe I’m The Rock. I don’t look like The Rock. I have blue eyes. I’m not bald. I’m not a 6’7” Samoan.’ He’s like, ‘They’ll believe. It’s not going to work. ‘We’ll put a bald cap on you,'” The Min said.

“‘I’m still 6’5’. I’m built, but I’m not built. I ended up putting on a t-shirt, and The Rock’s music hits. The crowd goes nuts. In my head backstage, I’m going, ‘This is going to be horrible.’ As I’m about to walk out, Vince is going, ‘Wait!’ I hear the crowd start to come down,” he continued.

“‘Now.’ I walk out and did the best Rock impression I possibly could. As I’m walking out, there is another eruption, bigger than the one before. ‘How is this working? Do they not know that I’m not the Rock?’ I take the sunglasses off, and they pop again. ‘This is unbelievable.’ As I’m walking down, they start realizing it’s me, and the pop goes into a huge chorus of boos, which is exactly what we wanted. I beat up John Cena, cut a promo on Rock, fans, Cena, and we are ready for WrestleMania.”

He further revealed, “That day, I flew back to LA [Los Angeles], and I got a voicemail from The Rock. “That’s how you do it. That’s how you step up to the plate and hit a home run.’ He does not have to do this. He’s the Rock.”

At WWE WrestleMania 27, The Miz defeated Cena after interference from The Rock and retained his WWE Championship.

The Rock’s 2025 WWE royalties, travel expenses, TKO meeting attendance released in SEC statement

Posted on by Josh Nason

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was the only TKO Board member to not attend at least 75% of their meetings in 2025.

That news came via TKO’s annual proxy report filed with the SEC that also featured his 2025 compensation and status for his $30 million award of stock.

The report read that during TKO’s 2025 fiscal year, “our Board met five times” and that “each of our incumbent directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board”…”with the exception of Mr. Johnson, who was unable to attend several board meetings due to prior business commitments.”

Johnson took in $900,000 in royalties for 2025 as part of a potentially decade-long merchandising/independent contractor agreement he signed upon joining the Board in January 2024.

He also received $600,000 in reimbursements for “certain travel expenses associated with delivering services under the Johnson Services Agreement.” That’s assumed to be for his appearances at the January 6 Raw on Netflix premiere, the following night on WWE NXT, and Elimination Chamber.

Johnson is also now fully vested for the $30 million in Class A stock he was scheduled to earn as part of the aforementioned arrangement.

His Seven Bucks Productions company also earned less than $120,000 “to provide production services for a potential non-scripted project on customary terms.”

The statement also had the 2025 compensation earned by several key TKO officers like WWE president Nick Khan.

The Rock to adapt ‘Fighting With My Family’ into a stage musical

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Years after the film’s release, The Rock is now set to adapt ‘Fighting With My Family’ into a stage musical.

In a report shared by The Hollywood Reporter, it was noted that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will team up with Stephen Merchant to adapt the life of WWE Superstar Paige into a stage musical. The original film was released in 2019, with British actress Florence Pugh playing Paige.

Directed by Merchant and produced by Johnson’s Seven Bucks Production, Merchant recently revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he always considered the film a musical. “A young woman from the ‘chorus line’ fighting to get her big break, surrounded by theatrical, larger-than-life characters and huge sweeping emotions. I approached each wrestling match like it was a different dance number, building to a big show-stopping finale. Seeing the film reimagined for the stage feels like the natural next step.”

“Fighting With My Family is exceptionally well-suited for the stage. It’s packed with personal emotion expressed through the dynamic world of wrestling, which has always been about storytelling and connecting with a live audience. Working with Stephen Merchant on the film was a truly special experience, and his brilliant work deserves this new act. As it comes to life musically, I have no doubt it will be an absolute blast for theatergoers,” Johnson added.

The 53-year-old Johnson is next set to star in Jumanji 3 and the live-action version of Moana.

Four surprise returns that could shake up WWE WrestleMania 42 weekend | Opinion

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

The grandeur of WrestleMania often paves the way for surprise comebacks whether it’s for legends or stars after fully recovering from injury. For some of them, it’s about picking up where they left off while for others, a blockbuster showdown against a talent from another generation. 

Every year, WWE attempts to outdo the previous events when it comes to shocking returns and memorable appearances. With that in mind, here’s a few names whose comebacks this weekend would fit the moment perfectly. 

Kevin Owens

Last year, Owens was heading into WrestleMania 41 in a feud with Randy Orton. However, he announced neck surgery which derailed the match and ultimately led to Joe Hendry’s WrestleMania debut.

Towards the end of 2025. Owens was spotted training at the Performance Center which proved to be a positive direction for an in-ring return.

Owens is attending WWE World this week and has also been keeping tabs on SmackDown, congratulating Carmelo Hayes after he won the United States Title in December. 

That in itself could lead to his involvement in Sami Zayn’s U.S. title defense against Trick Williams given their whirlwind of a friendship. Another opportunity awaits if he disrupts the night one main event between WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Orton. Given his incomplete rivalry with Orton, his interruption ould extend the storyline and prolong Orton’s quest to win his 15th World title with Pat McAfee being taken out to the delight of the fans.

The Rock

The Rock’s latest update indicated he was flying out of Las Vegas this week after attending CinemaCon to promote the live action remake of Moana. However, it is not uncommon for WWE to fly in talent and popular names for WrestleMania at the last minute. I’m guessing The Rock has easy access to a private plane whenever he wants.

The Rock last appeared on WWE TV at 2025’s Elimination Chamber where he influenced John Cena’s heel turn. Travis Scott took over that rivalry when he showed up at WrestleMania to interfere in Rhodes’ match with Cena that cost Rhodes the undisputed WWE Championship. 

The Rock’s potential involvement at WrestleMania 42 makes sense with Roman Reigns and CM Punk’s feud. Their confrontations saw Punk fire off some personal comments about Sika Anoa’i, following which Reigns extended an open invitation to his family to attack Punk as they saw fit. Punk apologized for saying that on Monday’s Raw, but it may be too late.

On top of that, Punk taunting Rock’s Hollywood career as he did on Raw could provoke his old rival once again. After all, the two share an extended history that goes back nearly 14 years. 

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin

Austin has often addressed reduced his capacity for in-ring matches. He briefly came out of retirement for a street fight at WrestleMania 38 against the aforementioned Owens followed by rare appearances on WWE programming both backstage and in the ring. 

A similar role this weekend would carry immense impact. Austin remains one of the most iconic figures in WWE history and his association with WrestleMania is unmatched. 

In the context of WrestleMania 42, his presence for even a brief segment would be a huge moment. After all, hearing the glass shatter is all it takes to make a WrestleMania moment.

Bianca Belair 

The EST of WWE sustained a finger injury at last year’s WrestleMania in a triple threat match with IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship.

In a recent interview, Ripley revealed that Belair informed her mid-match that she suspected her finger was broken after an awkward landing while the latest report stated Belair had commenced light training and was working towards an in-ring return.

Her comeback would have major implications if it occurs on night two as former friend Jade Cargill defends the WWE Women’s title against Ripley, someone she feuded with a year ago.

The last time Belair was seen in a WWE ring was when she served as special guest referee for Naomi and Cargill’s match at Evolution 2025. Sunday could see that comeback begin.

The Rock shares whereabouts update ahead of WrestleMania 42

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

The Rock provides an update on his whereabouts for WWE WrestleMania week. 

The Rock attended CinemaCon in Las Vegas this week. Catherine Lagaʻaia, who plays Moana in the live action remake, and The Rock, starring as Maui, promoted the film set for release on July 10, 2026.

The Rock announced that he was flying back home after the event on Thursday for his youngest daughter, Tia’s eighth birthday. 

“Being a proud girl dad, three times. I have a daughter in her 20s, I have ten, I have eight…I have seven. My youngest is going to turn eight tomorrow. Happy birthday Tia, I know you’re going to see this. I love you. I’m coming home tonight.”

The Rock competed at WrestleMania 40 teaming up with Roman Reigns against Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes. Last year, he played a crucial part in John Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber. Since then, he has not made any televised WWE appearances or participation. 

With WrestleMania 42 this weekend there was much anticipation on his presence at the event. Especially given how Reigns and CM Punk’s feud got personal with remarks about the Anoa’i family. Additionally, Punk also mocked Rock’s Hollywood career on the April 6 edition of Raw. 

WWE’s unpredictable build to the event could lead to The Rock possibly showing up; however, there is no confirmation or reports to support the speculation. There have been instances of the company bringing in talents at the last-minute to create surprising and history making moments at events. 

The Rock named to Forbes ‘Greatest Self-Made Americans’ list

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was recognized by Forbes this week as the outlet put out its list of the 250 greatest currently living self-made Americans.

The list was made in celebration of this year being the 250th birthday of the United States. Johnson ranked at number 70, placing between musician Stevie Wonder and businessman Norm Asbjornson (founder of the HVAC company AAON). In explaining his inclusion on the list, Forbes referenced the now-famous story where the son of Rocky Johnson once only had seven dollars to his name before finding success in WWE:

The Rock named his production company Seven Bucks as a reminder of a bleak time: cut from the Canadian Football League, he arrived broke in Tampa with ‘a five, a one and change.‘

Forbes’ criteria for the list included financial success, obstacles overcome, and enduring impact, with a particular focus on where each candidate started in their life and how far they’ve risen. Talk show host and billionaire Oprah Winfrey topped the list, and NBA star LeBron James, musician Dolly Parton, former President Bill Clinton, and Vice President JD Vance were some of the other names in the top 10.

A member of the Khan family was also recognized by Forbes. Shahid Khan, an investor in AEW and the father of Tony Khan, ranked at number 21:

The Pakistani immigrant arrived with $500 in his pocket and worked nights as a dishwasher while studying at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He later designed a one-piece truck bumper, the basis of his $15 billion fortune.

Johnson, who most recently competed in the ring at WWE WrestleMania 40, is a member of the TKO board of directors. In his acting career, he was nominated at the 2026 Golden Globes for his performance in “The Smashing Machine.” Johnson’s upcoming projects include new movies in the “Moana” and “Jumanji” franchises, along with teaming up with director Martin Scorsese for a Hawaiian crime drama that is in development.

Trick Williams doesn’t want to be labeled as WWE’s ‘next Rock’

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

The Rock was a major influence in Trick Williams’ decision to become a wrestler. 

In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Williams was informed of Wade Barrett comparing him to The Rock during an early conversation. Williams appreciated the shoutout and acknowledged Rock as an inspiration with promo work and getting over with the crowd. However, he emphasized that while his impact is significant, Williams does not want to be seen as the next version of The Rock.

“Yeah, man, so shout out to Wade with the fade, that’s what I call him. But, yeah, as far as when it comes to The Rock, you know, The Rock was one of those guys who made me wanna actually be in the business in the first place.”

“I used to watch his promos and how he could control the crowd with his voice, and I thought it was the most amazing thing ever.”

“Even more so than a wrestler, just how he was so charismatic, so stoic that the people were just captivated with everything that he said.”

“So when I actually decided I’m gonna pursue this business, I’m gonna become a WWE superstar. He was one of the reasons that I was really studying and watching the things that he did, not to become the Rock, not to be just like the Rock, but so the crowd scream as soon as they heard the first bit of your music.”

“I wanted to know what it felt like to just come out flying and just sit there and let the people feel your presence. So, there’s a lot of things that The Rock did that influenced me as a performer, but by no means do I want to be the next Rock.”

“I got to be the new Trick Williams, the one and only Trick Williams, because what The Rock has done has already been done. So I gotta find a way to do it.”

Williams made his SmackDown debut in January after four years on NXT. Donning a white mink coat paired with matching colored pants and shoes, Williams quickly became a fan-favorite within a month. 

He instigated a feud with Sami Zayn for complaining about not receiving career-altering opportunities. Ultimately, Zayn defeated Carmelo Hayes for the United States Championship last month. He will now defend the title against Williams who will walk into his first WrestleMania match next weekend.

NXT star responds to The Rock comparisons, says Ava doesn’t see the resemblance

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Ricky Saints addresses comparisons to The Rock, claiming that even his daughter Ava disagreed with any commonalities. 

In his interaction with TMZ Sports, Saints explained how the comparisons have become a common occurrence and do not bother him. He often brushes it off as a lazy insult. 

“Well, you know, talking to his daughter, she would argue that’s not the case. She denies that at all. But getting compared to The Rock is fine at this point, it doesn’t bother me, it genuinely doesn’t. I think it’s kinda funny when you do one thing The Rock does and everyone’s like ‘see we knew it! We knew you were trying to be like The Rock for years and years!’. It’s like ‘Shut up, oh my God!’. 

He joked about the parallels intended to be criticism which doesn’t quite land the way some may expect. 

“Saying that I look like The Rock, if that’s the worst insult you have, that means I’m pretty damn attractive. The whole ‘Temu Rock’, hey buddy, you’re shopping on Temu? Wow.’”

“At this point I hear it so much that I find it funny, I used to get Mark Wahlberg at certain points. Matt Damon, I’ve got Matt Damon before.”

Saints made his NXT debut in February 2025 after nearly five years in AEW. Throughout his career, fans often pointed out similarities between him and The Rock, particularly when it comes to charisma and presentation. 

Saints competed in the fatal four-way match for the NXT Championship at Stand & Deliver on April 12 where Tony D’Angelo walked away with the victory.