Despite a Tough Relationship Dwayne Johnson’s Father Was Always Supportive of His Aspirations That Eventually Led to Path Breaking Success

The WWE Universe witnessed a heartfelt moment a few years ago as Dwayne Johnson reached the promotion’s Performance Centre to train with his daughter. Johnson has always been supportive of his daughter, Simone, who now wrestles professionally at WWE’s NXT as Ava. Almost two and a half decades ago, a similar moment was witnessed by many, which involved a young Dwayne Johnson and his father Rocky Johnson. Despite having a tough relationship, The Soulman was always supportive of his son’s endeavors.

This particular moment, which took place on October 23, 1993, showed a glimpse of the father-son relationship.

Rocky Johnson attends his son Dwayne’s university football game

Prior to making a name in pro wrestling and later in Hollywood, Dwayne Johnson was invested in football. While his family has deep roots in the pro wrestling business- his maternal grandfather Peter Maivia is acknowledged as the first man in the respected Anoa’i family and his father Rocky Johnson was the first African American champion in WWE- Johnson played football at the University of Miami.

While he didn’t make it to the main team, Johnson played as the backup defensive tackle for the Hurricanes, as they took on the Syracuse to register a massive 49-0 victory. In the following clip, do notice jersey number 94 to catch a glimpse of young Dwayne Johnson.

Rocky Johnson was present at the game and caught up with ESPN sideline reporter Adrian Karsten for a chat. When the interviewer asked him about his son’s lack of interest in wrestling, which was prevalent in the family, Johnson gave a heartwarming reply.

“That’s right, I wanted to give him the opportunity of doing what he wanted. He wanted to try football and in football he’s doing real good,” the WWE Hall of Famer said. However, the senior Johnson added that if his son ever wanted to get into wrestling, he was open to teaching him.

Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Rocky Johnson, the Rock’s Father

Meanwhile, less than three years later, Johnson made his debut in the WWE. But why did he join the family business despite ignoring it initially?

An injury, a fight, and a WWE debut

Speaking to the hosts of the Pivot Podcast earlier this year, Dwayne Johnson revealed why he gave up on his dreams of becoming an NFL star. He said that an injury sent him into a tailspin, and eventually ended up convincing him that the NFL wasn’t his destination.

But the road to WWE wasn’t smooth either. Despite telling the interviewer in 1993 that he was ready to teach his son the tricks of the trade, papa Johnson wasn’t happy when his son told him about his desire to join the family business. Even though the two had a fallout, they reconciled, and Rocky Johnson agreed to teach his son.

Dwayne Johnson finally made his debut in the promotion as Rocky Maivia. While he struggled initially, a rechristening to The Rock and a change in gimmick made him a popular favorite in the promotion. And even though he bid the pro wrestling world goodbye in the early 2000s, returning sporadically thereafter, the 51-year-old managed to cement his legacy.

While pro wrestling was never his first choice and happened due to an injury, millions of fans can vouch for the fact that it’s one of the best things to have ever happened to the industry. There are a handful of people who have had the same impact in the pro wrestling world as The Rock. And one must also give credit to Rocky Johnson for agreeing to help his son with the lessons.

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