Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has managed to build skyrocketing hype for his next WWE appearance once again. The Brahma Bull will be going to Memphis and the WWE has advertised this as his homecoming event. But, while Dwayne Johnson is making his way back to his wrestling birthplace, it wasn’t a happy story for him.

Dwayne Johnson is a multimillionaire with several businesses along with a stellar Hollywood and WWE career. But, this wasn’t his reality before. He has seen several years of struggle and poverty and has built his way out from humble beginnings.  In fact, a new online video saw him detail exactly what happened in Memphis, and why he still loves the city.

The Memphis experience that made Dwayne Johnson tough as a Rock

Action News 5 had an exclusive glimpse of The Rock in action in Dallas last week. On the 15th March SmackDown, the renowned personality made a backstage appearance, showering nothing but love for the beloved city. Now in the same interview, Dwayne Johnson revealed his struggles in Memphis as a young wrestler. 

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“ Well, first of all, for those of you who don’t know, even before I was running around here with a bad haircut, my wrestling name back then was Flex Cavana. I know, I gave it a shot,” said The Rock. Dwayne Johnson did open up about his then-in-ring name, emphasizing the fact that he tried to make a way in the wrestling world way before WWE. 

He further added, “The wrestling city of Memphis, is so important to me because even before me, my dad wrestled here.” The People’s Champ added insights as to the times when his dad fought with Jerry “The King” Lawler in the 70s and Jerry Jarrett in the early 80s. 

The Rock was quick enough to end it with, “And I was a little kid living here too, as well. We lived in a trailer park. And also, Memphis wrestling is so passionate.” He highlighted his living conditions in Memphis in his younger days. But, he also stated how he thinks the people living there are excited about wrestling. 

Is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson From Memphis? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About His ‘Homecoming’ on Smackdown

Recently on the 15th of March SmackDown The Rock was seen at the FedExForum. It was a record-breaking homecoming experience as all the seats were sold out. This highly contrasted with the life he had seen in Memphis in his younger days. Since the age of 13, Dwayne Johnson has faced a ton of hardships as per his Q&A on Facebook a few years back. 

How Memphis gave The Rock turn away from a bleak chapter in his life

During a Facebook Q&A, The Rock shared insights into his journey, recalling his humble beginnings in a one-bedroom apartment with his parents at the age of 13. Being evicted fueled his determination to hit the gym, seeing it as his way out of financial struggle. 

After being evicted from Hawaii he was later living in Memphis. He stated, “often “starving”—only making $40 per match. And would eat at the same diner three times a day,” it was because it was all he could afford. Even during his time in Memphis, where he often struggled to make ends meet, he remained committed to his passion for wrestling.

However, everything changed when he became a father at 29. Holding his daughter Simone, he realized the importance of living for something beyond himself. From that moment, his daughter became his driving force. 

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Despite his success as an actor, The Rock still carries the mindset of someone who grew up facing adversity, continuing to operate with gratitude and urgency. What are your views on his condition in Memphis and now being there after sold-out tickets to SmackDown? Let us know in the comments down below.