Every phase in The Rock’s career has inspiring tales to tell. Originally finding for fortune as a footballer, young Dwayne Johnson realized it was not feasible and later went on to follow his ‘family business’ in professional wrestling. And that, right there, was and still is his biggest fortune.

But the early years have to be challenging for every new talent that steps foot in the WWE empire. It was no different for the People’s Champ, even though he has a great wrestling heritage and many legends to help him. His grandfather Peter Maivia and father Rocky Johnson are more than enough to have basic knowledge in the profession. But there was one particular WWE legend who was Johnson’s most significant mentor, and that was Pat Patterson.

Dwayne The Rock Johnson comes from a glorious bloodline that has provided professional wrestling entertainment with an unforgettable legacy. His Samoan grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, who is the blood brother of WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns’ grandfather, was a giant in the industry. Besides, his father, Rocky Johnson, was an accomplished wrestler.

How Did Dwayne Johnson Get the Name “The Rock” in WWE?

However, his early years in the WWE were in the latter half of the 1990s and his ring name, Rocky Maivia, was a tribute to his heritage. But The Rock had to fight his way into fame, and his significant success has to be credited to his mentor, Pat Patterson.

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross talks about the legend who mentored Dwayne Johnson

During the latest episode of the Grilling JR podcast, WWE’s former commentator and producer Jim Ross opened up about the wrestling legacy of Dwayne The Rock Johnson. Speaking of the early mentors, Johnson had, JR said, “Well, Pat Patterson was a great friend of Rocky’s grandfather and his dad. So Patterson had his eye.”

“He had been glued in about it when the football ventures didn’t succeed for Rock. You know that pro wrestling was another road that he could take and which he did and succeeded amazingly well, as we’ve discussed. With Patterson at the forefront of putting Rock’s name on the radar, it was my job to go to Florida to meet with him and talk to him and negotiate our first contract,” added the WWE veteran.

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Moreover, Good Ol’ JR praised The Great One, saying he was always willing to listen to experienced persons and learn everything. Clearly, Pat Patterson and Johnson had a good bond because of that. Ross continued, “Patterson was, you know, was probably the most influential guy there in Rock’s career, as far as little subtle things, in-ring things, little nuances and things of that nature.”

Furthermore, when Pat Patterson passed away in December 2020, Dwayne Johnson had penned a heartfelt note about his guru.

Nevertheless, the wisdom of many WWE legends and his own personal charisma led The Rock to the helm of fame. And the Brahma Bull is not one to forget the paths he came through, as he pays tribute to the outstanding personalities in his life via his sitcom ‘Young Rock’.

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