“There’s That Underbelly”- Citing His Own Experience, Dwayne Johnson Reveals Concern Learning About His Daughter’s Life Changing Decision

Dwayne Johnson had a deja vu moment a few years ago upon learning his elder daughter’s wish. In the mid-90s, before making his pro wrestling debut in WWE, Johnson had notified his father about his intention of joining the family business. The Johnsons are also connected to the iconic Anoa’i family, who had roots deeply embedded in pro wrestling history. This tied The Rock to WWE even before his debut. His father, Rocky Johnson, however, wasn’t pleased at first. Almost two decades later, Johnson found himself in his father’s shoes.

Recently, the 51-year-old told Kevin Hart what his reaction to Simone’s, his elder daughter, wish was. While Simone has been able to push through and carry forward the tradition, it was interesting to note her legendary father’s take.

Dwayne Johnson recalls feeling bittersweet about daughter’s wrestling decision

After a few years at WWE’s Performance Center, Simone Johnson made her debut in NXT as Ava Raine on the October 25, 2022 edition of the program. She was assigned as the fourth member of The Schism stable. While her start was sedate, since May this year, the 21-year-old’s career has picked up speed. By virtue of her family’s long association with the promotion, Simone Garcia Johnson also became WWE’s first fourth-generation pro wrestler.

One would imagine Dwayne Johnson to be confident about his daughter, especially with his legacy in the company. While that was true, Johnson also had his doubts. He said that the world of pro wrestling is much more than the glitz and glam and the marquee events.

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“But then there’s that underbelly, in that world of pro wrestling,” he told the comic, equating it with the initial struggle of being a comedian and playing in small towns and areas. “…all that s**t that you gotta deal with, the backstage politics and all of that. So, I started thinking about that for her,” he added.

Meanwhile, much like her father, Ava Raine has also been rechristened in WWE just months after her debut. As per the WWE website, the last part of her name has been dropped. The Schism’s Final Girl is now known only as Ava.

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Getting back to Johnson’s take, why did he then allow his daughter to pursue her dreams?

The Rock’s decision to let Ava wrestle was backed by instincts

Oftentimes, pro wrestlers are required to follow their instincts during a match. A classic example of this is when Johnson and Hulk Hogan faced each other at WrestleMania 18. While the match was originally billed in favor of Johnson, he realized quickly that the crowd was supportive of his iconic opponent. The two wrestlers followed their instincts to flip the script and work accordingly.

Johnson’s decision to let Ava follow her pro wrestling dream was also backed by instincts. “…as her father, I have enough confidence to know that as a father I’ve instilled in her from what I knew- values, philosophy, work ethic, things like that,” he said.

All that remains for Ava now is to work on her skills. While she has had her TV debut and first win, the WWE Universe has been critical of wrestling skills. Her appearances have received lukewarm responses from the fans, who have compared her to the legend himself.

As the daughter of the ‘most electrifying man in sports entertainment’, fans expect Ava to add in some of that in her performance. Whether she reaches the same level as her father is one for the future to show. For now, tell us what you think about Johnson’s revelation, in the comments.

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