The Rock is undoubtedly a global icon. A random stranger on the street would recognize this name in an instant. And why not? Dwayne Johnson went from being a phenomenal WWE wrestler to becoming the highest-paid actor in the world.

He is living proof that wrestlers can become Hollywood stars and build an illustrious career for themselves beyond wrestling.

A failed career in football, an unfulfilled dream of becoming a CIA agent, donning the hat of a WWE wrestler, and then turning into a legendary actor; The Rock’s life is nothing less than a blockbuster film.

The early career of The Rock

Dwayne Johnson grew up in a professional wrestling dynasty, the Anoa’i. Although he didn’t grow up wanting to be a wrestler, he was always a gifted athlete.

Thanks to his athletic abilities, several colleges picked him up to play football for their teams. In the end, Johnson chose the University of Miami, where he got a full scholarship.

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Notably, he had the talent in place, but coaches always benched him, and he didn’t get enough playtime.

The 6’2″ phenom graduated college with a degree in criminology and physiology. After graduation, the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League signed him as a linebacker. Two months later, he got cut from the team.

Unfortunately (or fortunately), after a terrible run in football, Johnson quit the sport and joined his family business of professional wrestling.

It turned out, The Rock’s decision to become a professional wrestler was the best one he could have taken. The legacy he left behind inspired millions to become professional wrestlers, including his daughter, Simone Johnson.

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Johnson’s dreams of wanting to become a CIA agent

Before wrestling or even football, The Rock was interested in becoming a CIA agent. Because of these interests, he even took up criminology in his college.

In an Instagram post, The Rock shared a picture of a young him in a football jersey, and the caption said, “Fun fact: in college, my goal was to work for the CIA, eventually.”

So why didn’t he become a government agent? Well, his academic advisor convinced him he could not become one unless he had a degree in Law.

Reportedly, a Young Rocky thought getting a law degree was a great idea until he realized that no respectable law college would ever accept him with his average grades.

Even though his dreams didn’t work out the way he wanted, we’d say he did pretty well for himself. He is one of the greatest WWE superstars ever to have stepped foot in the squared circle.

All the failures in his life only made Johnson stronger for an excellent future he might not have even dreamt about having.

The Rock is the best example and a role model to look up to when things get tricky!

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