Tag: The Rock

The Rock explains ‘fowl’ reason for dramatic weight loss

Posted on by Josh Nason

Former WWE star and TKO Board member Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shocked fans last week while at the Venice Film Festival with an extremely slimmed down look, causing chatter as to why that might be.

While at the Toronto Film Festival Monday, Johnson revealed the reason: a unique film role in which he will play Chicken Man — “a whimsical, eccentric 70-something year-old” that befriends a chicken — in Lizard Music.

The film will be directed by Benny Safdie who also directed Johnson in the upcoming The Smashing Machine that is currently doing the festival rounds and getting rave reviews. Johnson said Safdie pitched him for 45 minutes on the role and then said to the director that “I am your Chicken Man.”

According to Variety, the movie is “an adaptation of a Daniel Pinkwater novel and tells the story of a septuagenarian whose best friend is a 70-year-old chicken.”

Johnson said he has lost “much of the 30 pounds of muscle” he gained while preparing to play Mark Kerr, the MMA fighter which Machine is based on. While it wasn’t specified when Lizard Music will begin filming, he and Kevin Hart will team up for Jumanji 3 to begin shooting in November.

The Smashing Machine bows in theaters on Friday, October 3.

The Rock says Hollywood pigeonholed him as a blockbuster star

Posted on by Ian Carey

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wants to be more than just a blockbuster Hollywood star.

At the screening of his Mark Kerr biopic The Smashing Machine on Monday evening, Johnson was moved to tears by a 15-minute standing ovation. Earlier in the day, he arrived at the festival looking noticeably slimmer, with some outlets speculating he may have lost up to 60 pounds.

Johnson told the BBC that he feels Hollywood had him pigeonholed as a blockbuster star, but now he’s looking to take on a more diverse range of roles.

“When you’re in Hollywood, as we all know, it had become about box office and you chase the box office. And the box office in our business is very loud, it can be very [overwhelming].

“It can push you into a corner and category – ‘This is your lane, this is what you do, and this is what people want you to be and this is what Hollywood wants you to be’.

“And I understood that, and I made those movies and I liked them and they were fun, and some were really good and did well, and some not so good!”

“But I think what I did realize is I just had this burning desire and this voice that was just saying, ‘what if there’s more, what if I can?’ 

“Sometimes it’s hard to know what you’re capable of when you’ve been pigeon-holed into something. It’s harder to know ‘wait, can I do that? I feel like I can’. And sometimes it takes people who you love and respect to say ‘you can’.”

Steven McIntosh of the BBC suggested that Rock’s performance in Smashing Machine may land him in contention for Best Actor.

“Awards pundits will be watching closely to see how Johnson’s film is received, but the star joins a best actor race that is stacked with A-listers this year,” McIntosh wrote.

Many are speculating that Johnson’s recent change in body size is due to him hoping to land a wider variety of roles. He is set to play a self-help guru in early 2000s Southern California in his next film, the Darren Aronofsky-directed Breakthrough.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Performance in The Smashing Machine receiving positive reviews

Johnson is receiving positive reviews for his portrayal of Kerr in The Smashing Machine, with Variety calling his performance a “revelation.” The critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes currently show an 84 percent approval rating based on 19 entries.

Jack King of GQ Magazine wrote of Johnson’s performance, “It’s difficult to recall another time when the actor has been so outwardly vulnerable on screen. You often forget it’s Johnson at all, in part due to the prosthetics behind which he is subtly masked, but also because he is so emotionally transformed.”

Johnson’s co-star Emily Blunt also commented on his performance as Kerr, saying, “One of the most extraordinary things was seeing him completely disappear, it was spooky.”

The Rock debuts slimmer look at Venice Film Festival

Posted on by Ian Carey

The Rock appears to have slimmed down.

The 53-year-old arrived at the Venice Film Festival for the debut of his Mark Kerr biopic, The Smashing Machine, which premieres at the festival on Monday, looking as though he has dropped some muscle.

Photos and video of Rock at the festival are available below.

The change in appearance may be related to his next film project, Breakthrough, directed by Darren Aronofsky. Rock is set to play a self help guru in early 2000s Southern California. A synopsis of the film reads: “In 2000s Southern California, a lonely young man falls under the spell of a charismatic self-improvement guru, never suspecting the dark methods of manipulation behind his captivating personality.”

https://twitter.com/dokitawaa/status/1962505902470135824

Rock also spoke with The Hollywood Reporter after arriving in Venice. He told the outlet that playing Kerr in his new film was something very important to him, but mentioned the film is not focused on Kerr’s MMA career.

“Mark was the greatest fighter in the world at one point, but this film is not even really about fighting — it’s a love story,” Johnson said. “It’s a love story about Mark and Dawn in this relationship, and it’s a love story about Mark and the love that he had for the thing that he did — his struggle with trying to deliver [in the ring], his challenges and his overcoming. As you know, Mark OD’d twice, and he’s lucky to be alive — and that’s part of why this story is so special.”




Paul Heyman: ‘Whole deal’ with Travis Scott’s involvement in John Cena angle ‘fell apart’

Posted on by Josh Nason

The scuttlebutt regarding musician Travis Scott and a strained relationship with WWE apparently has some truth to it based on comments Paul Heyman made on Wednesday.

Heyman appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show where the big headline was him telling critics they wouldn’t be able to cancel Brock Lesnar, but he was also asked about Scott and his disappearance following the John Cena heel turn kickoff angle at Elimination Chamber.

Helwani asked if there was a payoff to The Rock and Scott’s inclusion in that angle.

“There was. It fell apart and we moved forward without it,” he said.

Helwani then asked what fell apart and Heyman said, “The whole deal with Travis Scott.”

Heyman was complimentary of Scott’s accomplishments and taste in women, but couldn’t confirm any rumors. He said he wasn’t sure if Scott was done with WWE and that he got along with him fine in any meetings he was in, but “I have heard things. I haven’t heard Travis’ version of it.”

A Scott song is used as the theme for WWE Raw, and there were reported plans for him to make his in-ring debut at Money in the Bank alongside John Cena against Cody Rhodes and a partner (possibly musician Bad Bunny). There was also a merchandise collaboration at this year’s WrestleMania 41.

Helwani then asked about The Rock’s lack of involvement in WrestleMania and Heyman said that “he was never advertised for WrestleMania” and he wasn’t sure what happened, suggesting Helwani get him on the show to talk about it.

The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) told Pat McAfee after WrestleMania that he made the call to not be involved in the angle at WrestleMania as he thought his part was done.

The Rock: The Final Boss is ‘the greatest heel professional wrestling has seen’

Posted on by Ian Carey

The Rock speaking about his Final Boss persona is featured in episode 4 of the WWE Unreal docuseries on Netflix.

The Rock’s return to WWE in the lead-up to WrestleMania 40 didn’t go as planned when fans rejected what appeared to be plans to remove Cody Rhodes from the main event. WWE would later change course, having Rock and Reigns team up in the night one main event against Seth Rollins and Rhodes before the night two main event of Reigns vs. Rhodes. As a result of Rock’s heel turn, he developed his persona of The Final Boss.

The episode opens with Rock describing his character:

“The Final Boss, the greatest heel professional wrestling has seen. Insurmountable antagonist. There’s nothing The Final Boss can’t do. There’s nothing that The Final Boss can’t say. Becoming this new version has been the most gratifying decision that I’ve ever made.”

The uncertainty around WWE’s plans for WrestleMania 40 was addressed by Dave Meltzer in the February 12, 2024 edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter. At the time, Meltzer reported he had received conflicting information about how the storyline evolved.

Meltzer wrote, “One of the strangest weeks in WWE storyline history has led to a storyline where there is uncertainty about what the plans were and how they have changed involving Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes and Dwayne Johnson. We’ve been told, as have most insiders, many things that contradict each other so the absolute truth is pretty much impossible to decipher.”

The Rock shares Hulk Hogan tribute: ‘Thank you for the house, brother’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is paying tribute to Hulk Hogan, a childhood hero of his who paved the way for The Rock to become a crossover superstar in wrestling and Hollywood.

Hogan passed away of cardiac arrest at 71 years old on Thursday following weeks of post-neck surgery health complications. In an Instagram tribute, The Rock shared how Hogan impacted his life dating back to when he was just a child growing up as the son of Rocky Johnson.

“To millions of little kids you were a childhood hero – myself included,” Rock wrote. “In 1984, I gave you your ‘HULKSTER’ headband back, in the locker room in Madison Square Garden – I was the lucky kid [who] caught it when you threw it in the crowd. You were wrestling ‘Mr Wonderful’ Paul Orndorff that night in the main event. You were shocked and so happy after the match because you told me that was your very last headband and if it weren’t for me, you’d have no way of getting that exact one made again. You promised me that you would get more made and give me a Hulkster headband of my own as a thank you gift.

“A month later in Madison Square Garden, you did just that. You kept your word, with a handshake and a ‘thanks kid.’ And that meant the world to that little 12 year old boy.”

Hogan and Rock would later share the ring together in 2002, when they faced off in one of the most famous matches in WWE history at WrestleMania 18. It was a special night for The Rock getting to defeat his childhood hero in a passing of the torch moment.

“Just 17 years later, and still a kid at the age of 29 years old — I’m standing in the middle of the ring and facing you – one of my wrestling heroes in the main event of WRESTLEMANIA,” Rock wrote in his tribute. “The match was to decide who would go down in history, as The Greatest of All Time.

“When you kick out of my Rock Bottom finisher – just listen and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC…
all for you. I’ve never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career. It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all for you. You may have ‘passed the torch’ to me that night, but you, my friend….…you ‘drew the house’ meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way of becoming the greatest of all time.”

Hogan’s pop culture superstardom in 1980s helped make it possible for wrestlers like The Rock and John Cena to branch out into acting roles in their own eras. That will always be part of Hogan’s legacy as an on-screen performer.

“From deep in my bones, and on behalf of this wild and crazy world of professional wrestling that we love, I say to you now, and forever…Thank you for the house, brother,” Rock said. “Thank you, for the house. RIP Terry Bollea aka Hulk Hogan.”

John Cena: It would be cool to face The Rock again before WWE retirement

Posted on by Joseph Currier

John Cena thinks it would be cool to face The Rock one last time before retirement, but it’s up to WWE to choose who his last opponents will be.

During an appearance at Fan Expo Denver, Cena took part in a Q&A and was asked about The Final Boss potentially being his retirement match opponent. Though Cena agreed that another match against The Rock sounds like a cool idea, Cena was adamant that he does not personally play a role in picking his opponents. Cena’s way of operating is to get a creative direction from WWE and then work together with them on that plan.

“Gosh, fantasy booking,” he responded. “For those who are not inside baseball, fantasy booking is when you take an idea in your head and you’re like, ‘Man, it would be cool if…’ That’s what I’m hearing here — ‘Man, it would be cool if John Cena could fight The Rock one more time.’ And, to me, that would be cool.

“I’ve survived and kept a level head over 25 years in the WWE by not setting expectations, by showing up every single day, doing what I’m told, and asking to do it to the best of my ability. Where I ask for freedom — where I ask for creative expression — is not in the selection of my opponent. It is in the process of how we put forth the work to you guys. That way I can be accountable for all my failures. You guys say I buried The Nexus, I got to shoulder that cross forever, because that’s me.

“But there are some wins along the way. There are some people that’s like, ‘Man, you’re doing your best work now and it seems like you’re in a different place and all that.’ And I can live that triumph as well. I don’t like to choose opponents because a lot of times that doesn’t work out. What I like to do is get a plan and say, ‘Hey, well, can I, as the artist, can I be creative with the plan?’ I’ve earned enough trust that they’ll let me do some stupid stuff — and I appreciate it.”

Cena is now more than halfway through his retirement tour with his final match set to happen in December against a yet-to-be-named opponent. The next match for Cena will happen at SummerSlam in August when he defends the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes in a WrestleMania rematch.

The Rock was prominently featured in the angle where Cena betrayed Rhodes earlier this year, but there has been no direct follow-up yet in the role The Rock played in Cena turning heel. The Rock said he made the decision to take a step back from the story and let the focus be on Cena and Rhodes.

In 2012-2013, Cena and The Rock headlined WrestleMania together in a two-match series where Rock won the first meeting and Cena then defeated him in their rematch.

The Rock returned to the ring last year at WrestleMania 40 but did not compete at WrestleMania 41, and it’s not clear when his schedule will allow him to compete again. He is a member of the Board of Directors for WWE’s parent company TKO Group Holdings.

WOL: Taker and Rock talk hearts, weekend line-up, news!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm returns today with tons to talk about including Undertaker and Rock talking heart issues, the full line-up for all the shows this weekend, a big anniversary for TNA, Dynamite doing well at four hours, text message Q&A and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Right Click Save As

WOR: WWE Money in the Bank, Worlds Collide, & UFC 316 recaps

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Dave Meltzer and I, Garrett Gonzales, are back with a very recap heavy episode of Wrestling Observer Radio.

We talked about the news of the day including the following:

  • Ben Askren’s illness
  • R-Truth re-joining WWE
  • WrestleMania 42 being official for Las Vegas
  • The Rock inducting Mark Kerr into the UFC Hall of Fame

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF – Exclusive Subscriber only Podcasts with Dave Meltzer

We then recapped both WWE Money in the Bank and Worlds Collide. Then, Paul Fontaine joined us to go over UFC 316 and the news coming out of the show.

Click here to listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube (video sub needed)

Mark Kerr announced for UFC Hall of Fame, The Rock to attend ceremony

Posted on by Josh Nason

With a movie on his life coming out in October, it was fitting that MMA legend Mark Kerr was announced as the final entrant into this year’s UFC Hall of Fame class.

That is why it’s also fitting that the man playing him in that movie — Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson — will also be in attendance for the ceremony.

Kerr’s induction was revealed during Saturday’s UFC 316. Lead announcer Jon Anik said that Johnson, a member of TKO’s board, would be there for the ceremony to be held on Thursday, June 26th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be part of this year’s International Fight Week.

Kerr joins Vitor Belfort, Robbie Lawler, Craig Piligian, and Amanda Nunes in this year’s class.

Kerr, the heavyweight tournament winner of both UFC 14 and UFC 15, will be inducted as the 21st member of the Pioneer Era wing which honors fighters who turned pro before November 17, 2000; are 35 years old; and have been retired for a year or more.

“The Smashing Machine” comes out in theaters on Friday, October 3rd. Johnson plays Kerr while Emily Blunt plays his girlfriend, Dawn Staples.

The Rock to star in psychological thriller movie ‘Breakthrough’

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: WWE

Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson has signed on for a new movie with a familiar studio in A24.

Announced by Deadline Wednesday, Johnson will co-star in Breakthrough, described as a psychological thriller in which Johnson will play a motivational guru.

From Deadline:

“Set in turn-of-the-millennium Southern California, the story follows an alienated young man who comes under the influence of a motivational guru, whose intoxicating charm masks his morally questionable methods of manipulation and his own concealed darkness.”

No other actors or a director were announced. Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions is one of the production teams associated with the film. The film is written by Zeke Goodman, a writer & actor who was in the reboots of I Know What You Did Last Summer and Cruel Intentions.

A24 is the studio putting out Johnson’s upcoming biopic on MMA fighter Mark Kerr entitled The Smashing Machine which comes out this October.

The Rock’s Upcoming Film Projects

  • The Smashing Machine: October 2025 release date
  • Moana (live action): July 2026
  • Big Trouble in Little China: In production
  • Breakthrough: Pre-production
  • Fast X Part 2: Pre-production
  • Untitled Fast & Furious: Pre-production
  • The King: In development
  • San Andreas 2: In development
  • Jungle Cruise 2: In development
  • Doc Savage: In development

October 15, 2007 Observer Newsletter: 2007 Observer Hall of Fame issue

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson may have only had a relatively short career as a pro wrestler, but he clearly established a major legacy for himself, as he set the record for the most votes received in the history of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame Balloting.

Rock was named on 86% of the ballots received from North America, including getting all 83 votes of 83 active pro wrestlers who participated. That figure speaks volumes for the level of respect he has among the current wrestlers. Overall, he had the highest percentage of for votes a North American candidate in history. Kenta Kobashi in 2002 and Jushin Liger in 1999 in Japan have beaten that percentage. He did that in a career where he was only full-time wrestler from 1996-2002, and worked some major events for the next few years, finishing up his career at Wrestlemania XX in 2004 in Madison Square Garden. He turned 35 this year, making him eligible.

Subscribers can read this issue here.

WOL: It’s always ‘because of the fans’

Posted on by Jim Valley

Image: WWE

It’s Saturday and that means it’s time for Wrestling Observer Live with Jim Valley.

Jeff Cobb impressed in his WWE SmackDown in-ring debut as JC Mateo Friday, but the Greensboro crowd also thought most everything on the show was awesome even when some things weren’t.

On Monday, Becky Lynch turned heel BECAUSE OF THE FANS. Charlotte is upset BECAUSE OF THE FANS. John Cena turned heel BECAUSE OF THE FANS. The Rock is a heel BECAUSE OF THE FANS. Literally, FOUR top stars are mad BECAUSE OF THE FANS ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

Plus, Jim talks AEW Collision Beach Break from Chicago, NWA Crockett Cup from the 2300 Arena, Best of the Super Juniors, and more.

Right Click Save As (sub needed)

The Rock: Early Life, WWE Career, Moves, Entrance Theme and more

Posted on by Jake Skudder
  • Full Name: Dwayne Douglas Johnson
  • Ring Name: The Rock
  • Nicknames: The People’s Champion, The Great One, The Brahma Bull, The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment, Final Boss
  • Date of Birth: May 2, 1972
  • Hometown: Hayward, California, USA
  • Billed From: Miami, Florida, USA
  • Height: 6’5″ (196 cm)
  • Weight: 260 lbs (118 kg)
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity: Samoan-African Canadian
  • Family: Son of WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson; grandson of High Chief Peter Maivia; member of the Anoaʻi wrestling family

Early Life & Background

Dwayne Johnson was born into a wrestling dynasty. His father, Rocky Johnson, and grandfather, Peter Maivia, were both professional wrestlers. Johnson played college football at the University of Miami, where he was part of the 1991 national championship team. After a brief stint with the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL, he transitioned to professional wrestling in 1996.

Wrestling Career

Debut

  • Professional Debut: March 10, 1996 (WWF)
  • Main Roster Debut: November 17, 1996, at Survivor Series as Rocky Maivia

Championships & Accomplishments

  • WWE Champion: 8 times
  • WCW/World Champion: 2 times
  • WWE Intercontinental Champion: 2 times
  • WWE Tag Team Champion: 5 times (with Mankind, The Undertaker, and Chris Jericho)
  • Royal Rumble Winner: 2000
  • Sixth WWE Triple Crown Champion
  • Slammy Awards: 10-time winner, including Match of the Year and “This is Awesome” Moment

Wrestling Promotions

  • WWE: 1996–2004, 2011–2019, 2023–present
  • USWA: 1996 (as Flex Kavana)

Wrestling Style & Signature Moves

Wrestling Style

The Rock is known for his charismatic persona, electrifying promos, and a blend of power and agility in the ring. His style combines traditional wrestling techniques with high-impact moves and showmanship.

Signature Moves

  • Spinebuster: A powerful slam setting up for the People’s Elbow.
  • Samoan Drop: A nod to his Samoan heritage.
  • Sharpshooter: A submission hold that was made famous by in North America by Bret Hart.

Finishing Moves

  • Rock Bottom: A lifting side slam, often leading to a pinfall.
  • People’s Elbow: A theatrical elbow drop, one of the most iconic moves in WWF/E history.

Entrance Theme

  • Current Theme: “Electrifying”
  • Previous Themes: “Do You Smell It,” “Is Cookin’,” “Hollywood Rock”

Notable Rivalries

  • Stone Cold Steve Austin: A legendary feud that headlined multiple WrestleManias.
  • Triple H: Battled over the Intercontinental and WWE Championships.
  • Mankind: Engaged in brutal matches, including the infamous “I Quit” match.
  • John Cena: Faced off in two consecutive WrestleMania main events.

Career Highlights

  • WrestleMania Main Events: Headlined WrestleMania XV, 2000, X-Seven, XXVIII, 29, and XL.
  • “This Is Your Life” Segment: With Mankind, achieved one of the highest-rated segments in Raw history.
  • Hollywood Transition: Successfully transitioned to a blockbuster movie career, becoming one of the highest-paid actors globally.
  • Return as “Final Boss”: In 2024, returned to WWE, aligning with The Bloodline and adopting a new persona.

Personal Life & Fun Facts

  • Family: Father to three daughters, including Simone Johnson (WWE NXT’s Ava).
  • Business Ventures: Co-founder of Seven Bucks Productions; co-owner of the United Football League (UFL); board member of TKO Group Holdings.
  • Acting Career: Starred in major franchises like “Fast & Furious,” “Jumanji,” and “Black Adam.”
  • Philanthropy: Known for his charitable work and motivational presence on social media.

The Rock Stats at a Glance

  • Full Name: Dwayne Douglas Johnson
  • Ring Name: The Rock
  • Nicknames: The People’s Champion, The Great One, The Brahma Bull, Final Boss
  • Height: 6’5″ (196 cm)
  • Weight: 260 lbs (118 kg)
  • Hometown: Hayward, California
  • Date of Birth: May 2, 1972
  • Debut: March 10, 1996
  • Wrestling Style: Charismatic powerhouse
  • Signature Moves: Spinebuster, Samoan Drop, Sharpshooter
  • Finishing Moves: Rock Bottom, People’s Elbow
  • Entrance Theme: “Electrifying”
  • Notable Rivalries: Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, Mankind, John Cena, Roman Reigns
  • Championships: 8× WWE Champion, 2× WCW Champion, 2× Intercontinental Champion, 5× Tag Team Champion
  • Promotions: WWE, USWA
  • Career Highlights: Multiple WrestleMania main events, transition to Hollywood stardom, return as “Final Boss” in 2024
  • Personal Background: Member of the Anoaʻi family; father of three; successful actor and entrepreneur

Trailer for The Rock’s ‘The Smashing Machine’ released

Posted on by Ian Carey

A trailer for the film “The Smashing Machine” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as MMA legend Mark Kerr has been released.

The Rock posted the film’s trailer to social media on Tuesday, writing, “Excited to share the official trailer for Benny Safdie’s THE SMASHING MACHINE, starring Dwayne Johnson and Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt. In theaters October 3rd.”

Other former and current MMA fighters are featured in the movie as well, including Bas Rutten playing himself, Ryan Bader playing Mark Coleman, and Oleksandr Usyk as Igor Vovchanchyn.

The Smashing Machine was produced by A24, the studio behind The Iron Claw, in collaboration with The Rock’s Seven Bucks Productions. Filming took place from May to August 2024 in New Mexico, Tokyo, and Vancouver.

The film borrows its title from a 2002 HBO documentary on Kerr. Plans to adapt Kerr’s life story into a movie were first announced in 2019, with Kerr giving the project his blessing. Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems) serves as writer and director for the film.

The Smashing Machine is set to release in theatres on October 3, 2025.