WWE Superstar Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has always prided himself on his Samoan identity. The Rock had also extended a helping hand to the people of Maui and highlighted Hawaii and Hawaiians as his home. Moreover, Dwayne Johnson even became defensive when a journalist tried to slander him for not giving Maui proper help.
While nobody doubts his claim of being a loving Hawaiian, Dwayne Johnson is claiming Memphis as his home. This stands in opposition to his claims of being an islander. So, what is the truth? What is The Rock’s Memphis connection and does he really hail from the Home of The Blues?
Dwayne Johnson and his strong Memphis link?
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Dwayne Johnson is one of the most followed Americans on social media. He has wrestled in almost every corner of the United States, and also several pockets of the world. However, The Rock has had a big tenure of pro wrestling journey in Memphis. This was further highlighted in his latest Instagram post where he announced his appearance in the city.
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Dwayne Johnson wrote, “MEMPHIS – 100% SOLD OUT 🔥. Home of the blues, Elvis & Flex Kavana baby. #SmackDown @8pm / 7pm c. LIVE ON FOX. #PeoplesChamp.” The hype to see The Rock is as real as it gets, especially with the fact that his home crowd bought every last ticket of the show.
I made my bones and came up in Memphis!!! That’s my city! I wrestled every Saturday morning at the channel 5 tv station and every Monday night I wrestled at the Big Top flea market
💪🏾😊— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 6, 2022
Elsewhere on X, Dwayne Johnson also said, “I made my bones and came up in Memphis!!! That’s my city! I wrestled every Saturday morning at the channel 5 TV station and every Monday night I wrestled at the Big Top flea market 💪🏾😊.” Thus, it is clear that Memphis holds a lot of homely value for The Rock. That being said he was not born in Memphis nor was he necessary brought up there.
While Dwayne Johnson may not have been born or raised in Memphis, it really saw the birth of the pro wrestler he is today. Hence, just like John Cena and Randy Orton have their connection with Ohio Valley Wrestling, Johnson has his connection with Memphis. Interestingly, while The Rock is getting booed everywhere right now, Memphis may actually end up giving him a pop.
Will The Rock receive homecoming cheers in Memphis?
Pro wrestling fans are very particular and passionate about representation. It isn’t rare for fans to cheer for the biggest of heels when they are performing before their home crowd. Hence, Super Heel Dwayne Johnson also stands a chance to receive massive cheers in Memphis.
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So far, The Rock has also been reclaiming fans who are behind his charge against Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes. Moreover, the kind of tense atmosphere he has created on which side he will switch over to is also contributing to the anticipation for the show.
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Moreover, several hardcore fans are seeing him as the harbinger of the revival of the Attitude Era. Are you also cheering for The Rock? Let your thoughts flow in the comments.