All eyes are on Dwayne Johnson as the trailer for ‘The Smashing Machine’ hit the internet in quite some style. The movie is directed by none other than Benny Safdie, who was the rarest gem to have put Adam Sandler in a serious role in ‘Uncut Gems’. Set to premiere on October 3, 2025, the movie highlighting the life of the legendary Mark Kerr has already raised intrigue and excitement among the fighting community. But it all went up a notch when UFC’s own Nina Marie Daniele released a blind reaction to the new trailer. 

Taking to Instagram, Daniele pointed out that ‘The Rock’ was pretty unrecognizable in the trailer. On top of that, he had an uncanny similarity with Kerr’s appearance. Amazed by the cast, Daniele said, “Dude, this cast is incredible. This is cool because it highlights OG PRIDE days before Mark Kerr was in the UFC. Smells like ‘The Rock’ really cooked with this one. I think this is going to be Dwayne Johnson’s best performance, ‘cause he’s so human in this one.”

She then pointed at the moment when ‘The Rock’ tried to explain what he did for a living to a lady sitting across him in the trailer. And when Johnson, as Mark Kerr, asked her about the UFC, all she had to say was, “The bloody thing they’re trying to ban!” That was something that Daniele had personally experienced.

Well, it was something that she apparently heard while flying with the fighters. She said, “It’s literally identical to conversations I’ve heard. You know, back in the day, the conversation with MMA was that it was barbaric. It shouldn’t be televised. So, this lady’s reaction was really spot on. When you couldn’t even find it on pay-per-view. It was so hard to find. It’s an homage to UFC. It’s an homage to fighters, to the fighters’ wives, to the fighters’ girlfriends. You’re seeing it from both perspectives.” No doubt, the movie was something that the world of mixed martial arts direly needed.

Soon after Daniele’s reel went viral on the internet, ‘The Rock’ himself swooped down to hail the UFC’s social media face. In the comments section, the former WWE champion wrote, “Loved your breakdown and you’re right – this is our homage and love letter to the OGs, the Godfathers of MMA. The addictions, the triumphs, the loses, the heartache, the pain. You referred to something here that is SO CRUCIAL— this story also highlights the painful sacrifices that the wives and girlfriends make when supporting their men who chase greatness. Look forward to chopping it up with you down the road.”

On top of Johnson’s comment, one of Kerr’s fellow 2000 PRIDE Grand Prix contenders, Mark Coleman, also sent forth a few words for his friend in the comments section. He admitted that the trailer gave him goosebumps, chills, and had him shed some tears. But that’s not all that Coleman had to say. 

Mark Coleman reacts to filming Mark Kerr’s story with Dwayne Johnson

Coleman and Kerr had a pretty close relationship, and despite their friendship, people often dreamed of watching the two compete against each other. Well, that never really happened, although they had a chance to fight each other at the 2000 PRIDE Grand Prix. Unfortunately, Kerr was defeated in the quarterfinals, whereas, Coleman went on to win the tournament. 

But this time, Coleman was present behind the scenes while ‘The Rock’ continued with the shooting. Taking to Instagram, the former UFC contender quoted, “Sure is a beautiful day. Life is great. The filming of the “Smashing Machine” With the King of action movies @therock! Go check out the trailer. @thesmashingmachinemovie  What a pleasure very kind, humble man, the aura around him is something special. He’s truly a giant in so many ways. Set your goal high people, there’s nothing you can’t achieve if you put your mind to it, dream big and then go for it.”

Needless to say, Johnson was pretty focused on transforming into Kerr. He claimed that he was at the point in his career where he desires to push himself in uncharted ways. He aimed at making cinematic experiences that actually mattered and explored humanity’s struggle and pain. With Mark Kerr’s story on his shoulders, we can certainly expect a masterpiece from Johnson and Safdie, don’t you agree? 

What are your thoughts on the trailer for ‘The Smashing Machine’? Are you excited to watch the movie on 3rd October? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.