The Wrestling Icon, The Rock

What The Rock Is Cooking

Johnson’s grandfather, “High Chief” Peter Maivia, and his father, “Soulman” Rocky Johnson, are professional wrestling royalty. Dwayne grew up around wrestling and was inspired at an early age to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and father.

Before Johnson would become WWE Superstar “The Rock,” he followed a different sports path. He was a standout football player in high school. He would attend the University of Miami for football. He had success as a football player and played on the Miami 1991 NCAA Championship Team. Injuries would end Johnson’s football career. He then decided to go into the family business and pursue a career in wrestling.

Rocky Maivia

When Johnson made his debut in the WWE his name was Rocky Maivia. The name was a tribute to his dad and grandfather. Johnson was gifted with great athleticism. He had size, speed, and agility. But what truly made Rocky special was his work on the mic. Rocky Maivia had a charisma that was elite. He was the total package when it came to being a wrestler in the WWE.

The WWE knew instantly that Rocky was special. The WWE believed he had the ability to be the next big wrestling superstar, in the vein of Hulk Hogan or Macho Man. The enthusiastic fanbase of the WWE were not quick to fall in love with Rocky. It took time for them to accept him. Eventually he would be known as just The Rock and would win his first WWE Championship in 1998. The fanbase of WWE were eventually won over by The Rock’s electrifying personally.

Hollywood

The Rock’s fame and profile was growing rapidly. He was a star that shined outside the sport of wrestling. Given his ability to control the audience with a microphone, and his charisma, Hollywood saw movie star potential with The Rock.

Rocky would appear in films like The Mummy Returns, The Scorpion King, and The Rundown. The Rock would find so much success with his movie career that he would eventually leave the wrestling world as a full time performer.

Joining the Fast and the Furious franchise and starring in two Jumanji films would make The Rock a legitimate movie star. Today, The Rock is one of the most bankable actors in Hollywood. His success has allowed him to work behind the camera on films and pursue other opportunities as an entrepreneur. Dwayne Johnson is currently one of the most powerful names in entertainment.