From a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo in The Mummy Returns to headlining blockbuster films, WWE star-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson has fought his way to the pinnacle of Hollywood. However, even at the top, critics still target him, pointing out that he often plays variations of the same role. Fortunately for Johnson, the days of charging through streets in khaki shorts and cargo pants are long behind him—he now actively works to break free from the typecasting that once defined him.

Looking ahead, on October 3, Johnson takes another bold step with The Smashing Machine, a biographical take on UFC legend Mark Kerr. In this film, he sheds his usual screen persona and plunges into the raw, gritty world of MMA in the 1990s and early 2000s, exposing the tough realities of the sport and showing how that era paved the way for today’s fighters.

Joe Rogan applauds Dwayne Johnson for highlighting Mark Kerr’s struggles

Recently, on his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, the real-life Mark Kerr joined the conversation to discuss his upcoming Hollywood biopic. During the discussion, Joe Rogan lauded the 56-year-old Kerr as an “important part,” of MMA history and praised the film as a true tribute. He said, “It really honored that. It really did it justice, because at the end of the movie, when it talks about how fighters today make millions of dollars,” which, in turn, drew tears to Kerr’s eyes. Kerr responded, “I’ll cry…Go on. I’m sorry.”

Rogan acknowledged Kerr and other trailblazers of that era, like Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman, and Bas Rutten: “No, it’s okay. It’s just that you guys paved the way. If it wasn’t for you guys just doing it for very little money, barely getting by, putting your whole life on the line and barely getting by.”

While modern MMA stars like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor savor their downtime in comfort, the veterans who forged the path—fighters like Wanderlei Silva and Mike Tyson—still keep stepping into the cage well past their prime. Consequently, this contrast, the tension between legacy and modern luxury, gives the sport its enduring fascination. In line with this theme, Dwayne Johnson’s latest movie, The Smashing Machine, captures this very essence.

Joe Rogan casts a spotlight on the harsh realities of the fighting world during its formative years in the 1990s and 2000s—a fledgling industry where even household names earned far less than fighters do today. Additionally, the era’s financial pitfalls, compounded by a widespread lack of financial literacy, left many fighters teetering on the edge and struggling to secure their future.

This struggle does not spare the boxing world either. Legendary boxer Mike Tyson recently admitted, “I made more money in my 50s than in my 20s,” highlighting how even the biggest stars faced a precarious road to financial security. And Dwayne Johnson’s performance in the biopic highlighted this in detail.

‘The Rock’s performance in The Smashing Machine stuns Rogan

Last year, A24 dropped the first look of Dwayne Johnson in The Smashing Machine, and fans did a double-take. At first, the familiar Jumanji star had vanished beneath prosthetics, hair, and the absence of tattoos—transformed entirely into UFC legend Mark Kerr. Meanwhile, even UFC CEO Dana White couldn’t hide his excitement, giving the nod of approval in a recent interview, “It’s unbelievable.”

For Johnson, the role was more than a part—it was a challenge. At 53, he pushed his body and his craft to the limit, sculpting himself into Kerr while also showcasing an unexpected depth as an actor. As a result, the performance even won over Joe Rogan, who saw a side of Johnson he hadn’t anticipated. During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan reflected on Johnson’s work.

“He really did nail it,” Joe Rogan said, admitting he had underestimated Johnson’s range after years of blockbuster roles. Giving credit where it’s due, the podcaster continued, “I, like we’re saying in the lobby, I didn’t know ‘The Rock’ could act that well. It’s really good acting. It’s not like blockbuster movie acting, which he’s great at that. But it’s a different thing.” Later, Rogan promoted The Smashing Machine on X, doubling down on his praise: “The Rock REALLY nailed it as Mark. Just an amazing performance.”

While the film has now premiered in Los Angeles, audiences will have to wait a few more days for the $40 million-budget movie to hit theaters. So, what are your expectations for the film? Share your thoughts below.