Here’s How Dwayne Johnson Got His Nickname The Rock
Follow Us
When it comes to the WWE universe, there are a select few wrestlers who can match the dynamism of the legendary Dwayne Johnson. The California-born athlete made his WWF debut in 1996. Between then and now, Johnson has gone on to establish himself as a global brand.
He began his Hollywood journey with his first theatrical release, The Mummy Returns (2001). It’s been a steady rise to the top ever since then. Over the last two decades, grossed over $3.5 billion in North America and over $10.5 billion worldwide. It won’t be an over-exaggeration to say that Dwayne is now one of the highest-paid actors in the world.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But before he evolved into the global brand that he is today, Dwayne was just a young kid with a dream. After failing to make it big in professional football, Johnson focused on his wrestling career which was still in its infancy.
So how did this starry-eyed youngster with Canadian heritage go on to establish himself as arguably the greatest WWE superstar?
How Did The Undertaker Get His Nickname?
How did Dwayne Johnson come to be known as ‘The Rock’?
Dwayne Johnson first stepped in a WWF ring in the late 1990s. Back then, he was known as ‘Rocky Maivia’ – a combination of his father and grandfather’s ring names. However, it’s worth noting that the ringside announcers did acknowledge his actual name as well.
Trending
“Beast Is Coming”: Brock Lesnar WrestleMania XL Return Expected Online After Rumored Reference During Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson & Cody Rhodes Fight
March 28, 2024 07:30 AM EDT
Latest Signs Portray MJF Ditching Tony Khan’s AEW for WWE Before WrestleMania XL
March 24, 2024 03:20 PM EDT
Brock Lesnar Seemingly Teased in Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson & Cody Rhodes Raw Segment Amid WrestleMania XL Return Rumors
March 28, 2024 06:51 AM EDT
“WrestleMania Return”: Cody Rhodes’ Brother Dustin to Ditch Tony Khan’s AEW to Aid Against Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Says Twitter
March 26, 2024 06:24 AM EDT
Brock Lesnar Rumors: 3 Major Hints That the Beast Will Return at WrestleMania XL
March 28, 2024 02:14 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest WWE stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Dwayne wasn’t too keen on this name but it was WWE head honcho, Vince McMahon, who convinced him to go along with the idea. He was given the nickname, “The Blue Chipper” and was hyped as the WWF’s first third-generation wrestler.
After suffering a legitimate knee injury, Dwayne returned in August 1997 and revealed the ‘dark side’ of his character. For the very first time in his nascent career, he lashed out at fans who had been booing him constantly.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Subsequently, he joined Faarooq, D’Lo Brown and Kama in the stable called the Nation of Domination. He then stopped responding to the name, Rocky Maivia. Instead, he started referring to himself in the third person as ‘The Rock’. The rest, as they say, is history.
Here’s a look at some of the defining moments of The Rock’s SmackDown career. Enjoy this ride down memory lane!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
John Cena Family: Is the WWE Superstar Married to Shay Shariatzadeh?