“I Try Not To”: Dwayne Johnson’s Cousin Once Revealed Stunning Reason He Caught Up With The Rock’s Mom but Not The Rock Himself

Dwayne Johnson comes from a family that has included some of the notable names in pro wrestling history. Many of his cousins are part of the wrestling business today. Roman Reigns, The Usos, and former WWE superstar Nia Jax are just some of the names from the current generation of the Anoa Family.

However, one of The Rock’s cousins, Taioalo Vaivai, has found success in a different field altogether. Vaivai is a USA international rugby player. He also represented the US at the World Cup Nines tournament in 2019.

Vaivai, who plays as a center, was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and qualified to play for the U.S. through his mother’s nationality.

During an interview in 2019 ahead of the World Cup Nines tournament, he talked about the advice of The Rock and how he hoped to catch up with the mother of his famous cousin but not ‘The Great One’ himself.

Vaivia talked about not meeting Dwayne Johnson

Taioalo Vaivai was born in New Zealand and spent the early part of his life in Australia. His grandmother on his mother’s side was from American Samoa, which made him eligible to play for the United States.

He goes by the nickname ‘Junior’ and began his professional career in the Australian League, playing for South Sydney and Penrith. He moved to the English Rugby League in 2018 to represent the Super League side Hull KR.

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In 2019, the United States picked him for the World Cup Nines, which took place in Sydney, Australia. Before the tournament, Junior Vaivai sat down with ‘The Guardian’ for an interview and talked about his early career and how The Rock’s mother’s advice helped him when he was struggling.

The Rugby league professional said that he stopped playing in 2013 after numerous injuries and was contemplating retirement. But the former WWE Champion convinced him otherwise. He explained, “I left the game in 2013 because of injuries and hated it. I was deciding whether to hang the boots up. To be honest, Dwayne just said to me to follow what I am passionate about. He said: ‘You know what, if you are really passionate about rugby league, give it one more shot.’

Vaivai did take another shot and was successful. He joined Hull KR in 2018 and 35 appearances for them. Before the tournament, the US had to play a World Cup qualifier against the Cook Islands in Florida where Rock lives. The rugby player said that he was hopeful of catching up with The Rock’s mother but not the Hollywood star.

He said, “Hopefully I’ll be able catch up with his mum. Dwayne is really busy, so I try not to get in the way.”

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There is no doubt that Dwayne Johnson has a busy lifestyle. From movie shoots to personal gym training, The Brahma Bull has a round-the-clock active schedule. That is why his cousin may have decided to not get himself in the way and only meet his mother.

But given the welcoming nature of The Rock, if Vaivai would’ve let him know about catching up, it is possible that he would make time for a family member.