Dwayne Johnson is among the more popular generational stars in pro wrestling. Despite his father Rocky Johnson‘s status in the industry, some fans would argue that The Rock made his own way through pro wrestling. Recently, he even reposted a viral clip on his Instagram account that showcases his childhood days. The Rock did not just stop after sharing the clip; he went on to narrate a story about his past.
In the caption of the reposted clip, Johnson revealed that his training to become a wrestling legend began all the way back in his early childhood. He also shed light on the origin of the clip and how his father helped him reach the position he is currently in.
Dwayne Johnson thanks his late father
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The edited clip that Johnson reposted on his account might belong to a fan account. He reposted it on his Instagram and recalled in the caption that the original clip is a TV taping for WWE back in 1983. The video features Rocky Johnson along with his partner, Tony Atlas. In the crowd, fans can also see an 11-year-old Dwayne Johnson sitting to cheer his father and his teammate.
The Rock also recalled his father’s tough love while dropping information about this clip.
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“By the age of 5, my dad had me in the gym, kicking my little a** all over the wrestling mats. By 12 he’d make me get up with him at 5 AM every Saturday and Sunday to go workout on the weights. Discipline. Extreme at times, but that was his way,” the 51-year-old wrestler recalled in the caption.
Johnson believes that this could be the reason why the gym is his “sacred place,” all thanks to his father’s “tough love“.
This discipline is probably what got Johnson through his tough times.
Young Dwayne Johnson overcame a difficult childhood
Around the time Johnson was 14, his family faced several economic problems. He was living in Hawaii with his mother Ata Johnson while his father was in America, wrestling full-time to meet the family’s needs. The residence cost $120 a week for the family, which started to become unaffordable for them.
Soon, the family was forced to vacate the place due to their inability to pay the rent.
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Among all these issues, Johnson developed a habit of indulging in petty crimes. Since this added to his mother’s problems, he left it after being arrested more than once.
Then, the discipline his father had taught him earlier is probably what helped him get through these tough times. He joined the college football team when he got to the right age and eventually ended up in pro wrestling. Now, he is one of the most popular Hollywood stars in the world today.
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WATCH THIS STORY:- The Evolution of Dwayne Johnson
How big of a role do you think Johnson’s father played in his success? Comment below.