The Rock, is an famous American actor, producer, and semi-retired professional wrestler.
Of course he is one of the most popular WWE wrestlers of all time. He was born in legendary Anoa'i family, which has produced iconic wrestling figures over the years.
The Rock cousins:
- Umaga
- Rikishi
- Yokozuna
- Roman Reigns
Johnson's father Rocky Johnson, and grandfather, Peter Maivia, were professional wrestlers as well.
Here are five interesting facts about The Rock.
1. Ring name
The Rock made his debut using the name "Flex Kavana".
In WWE Survivor Series 1996 Dwayne were using "Rocky Maivia" as his ring name.
Before he was called “The Rock,” his football teammates at the University of Miami called him “Dewey” Johnson.
However, after few performances, he realized this character was not working and he changed his name to "The Rock".
2. Teenager years
In 2006, Johnson told NPR he’d been arrested “probably eight or nine times” by the time he was 17.
He said his offenses were fighting and theft but “that’s just what I got caught for.” Those experiences led him to take the role in the movie “Gridiron Gang,” in which he played a football coach who mentored troubled teens.
3. Football career vs Wrestler career
Before joining WWE, Dwayne Johnson started out as a professional football player. He played defender for Miami University team.
Dwayne could become great football player, but soon he quit to follow his father's footsteps.
Johnson had also joined the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League but was cut two months into the 1995 season.
4. "The Rock" in FBI?
Dwayne studied criminology and physiology in Miami.
“I wanted to work for either the FBI or CIA.” When a professor told him he’d likely need a law degree also, he decided it wasn’t for him. Good call!, he told to Rolling Stones.
5. Records
"The Rock" has a lot of wrestling records. He was the first wrestler to win the World Heavyweight Champion 6 times.
He is the first 3rd-generation wrestler in WWE.
The Rock was the sixth Triple Crown Champion, having won the Heavyweight Championship, the WWE, and the Intercontinental Championship. He is also the first wrestler to host WrestleMania.
