Mark Kerr has lived a life that has seen both triumph and tragedy. Fans will get to see some of the most significant events from the MMA legend’s life in the upcoming movie, The Smashing Machine, where Dwayne Johnson plays the role of the former UFC heavyweight tournament winner. It appears that playing the role of Kerr in the movie affected ‘The Rock’ on a much deeper level, and it has helped him resonate with the struggles that he went through.

Claiming that playing the role was a life-changing experience, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson wrote, “After all these years, I never thought this could happen, but this film has changed my life and illuminated parts of me I didn’t know existed,” on social media. “In the end, you realize that true self-acceptance – and being at peace with who you are – is often life’s biggest win.” It was then that he mentioned in a brief promotional video of The Smashing Machine that putting the body on the line every time you step up to fight is something that Johnson knows very well.

“My own life experiences have allowed me to live in Mark’s skin. I know what it’s like,” said Dwayne Johnson, drawing parallels between his career in the WWE and Mark Kerr’s career as an MMA fighter. Although WWE may be scripted and pre-determined, the action is still very physical, and much like in MMA, Johnson claims there is always the “pressure to perform, destroying your body every single night.”

Dwayne Johnson was thankful that he got to make a movie showcasing Mark Kerr’s legendary career, but most importantly, his relationship with his wife, Dawn Staples. “I was just so happy that we could shine the light on the legacy that’s left… ‘The Smashing Machine’ is a love letter to relationships, to the greatest of women, and a lesson of loss,” Johnson added.

Well, Dwayne Johnson didn’t just talk about the experience of playing Mark Kerr. He shared some words of praise for his friend and co-star for her performance as the wife of the MMA legend. Let’s see what he had to say.

Dwayne Johnson praises co-star’s performance as Mark Kerr’s better half

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt’s pairing is known mostly for their work in the comedy action-adventure franchise, Jungle Cruise. But for the first time, they are joining forces for a real drama, a biopic, and it appears that Blunt’s work has impressed ‘The Rock’. While praising the former Academy Award nominee, Johnson also gave the director, Benny Safdie, who also wrote the story, his flowers for helping bring out the best in him.

“Emily’s performance in this film absolutely shakes your soul. She’s the heartbreaking truth that the loved ones of fighters, often sacrifice themselves too,” Dwayne Johnson added. “Our writer & director, Benny Safdie, provided a singularly inspired, and safe place for us to go raw, take flight, transform, and eventually- a hard landing. Thank you Benny.”

Well, we are just over a couple of weeks away from The Smashing Machine‘s release. It will be interesting to see how the majority reacts to Dwayne Johnson’s challenging role when the movie hits the theaters. Let us know your heights and predictions in the comments down below.