“I Drove Back Home to Florida as Fast as Possible”: 22 Years Later, Dwayne Johnson Recounts His Personal Horrors of 9/11 & Shares a Heartfelt Message for Fellow Americans

It is often said that adversity brings the best out of humans. It is only during the most difficult circumstances do we dig deep to find the courage that seldom remains untapped. Millions of Americans rallied together, forgetting their differences as tragedy struck the North American nation on September 11, 2001. The twin attacks not only shook the country but also left an indelible mark in the minds of many. The bitter memory still resonates in the hearts of many.

On the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, WWE icon Dwayne Johnson drove to the memorial to pay his respects to the fallen. Following his obeisance, Johnson recalled the tragedy to share his personal horrors from that ill-fated day. In what emerged as one of the blackest days in America’s history, Johnson also had a worry that echoed throughout every American’s heart.

New father Dwayne Johnson was worried about his family as plane tore down buildings

Johnson has cemented his reputation as a family man. While his first marriage did not last, he still shares a healthy relationship with his first wife and plays a doting dad to his oldest daughter, Simone, better known as NXT talent Ava. Taking to Instagram, the 51-year-old narrated his tale from September 11, 2001, which highlighted how he always had an affinity towards his family.

Dwayne Johnson’s oldest was born a few weeks prior to the attack and was yet to be a month old. As per Johnson’s earlier statement, he was a busy man then, roaming from one venue to the other across the world to enthrall the WWE Universe. When the tragedy struck, Johnson was over 1,000 miles away from his family.

“I was in Texas at that time and drove back home to Florida as fast as possible to my family and made sure they were safe,” The Brahma Bull wrote. He also posted pictures from his visit, in which he had company with his family. A photo also showed The Schism member sharing a moment with her father.

But Johnson’s document wasn’t gloomy throughout. He also wrote, “I’m grateful I can put my arms around my three daughters. Relentless in protecting them and all of our freedoms.” The Rock married a second time in 2019 and has two daughters from his current marriage.

Read More: WATCH: When the Rock Addressed the World as Dwayne Johnson After 9/11 – “I Couldn’t Imagine if My Own Family Were There” 

Meanwhile, The Great One wasn’t the only prominent WWE celeb to pay respects to the fallen. Other legends echoed a similar sentiment as well.

John Cena, Ric Flair, and others pay their respects

The date, as stated above, still haunts many Americans, as the attack was one of its kind and an unforeseen event. So, every year, the date brings back the memories.

WWE superstar Zelina Vega has a personal connection with 9/11. She lost her father to it. The LWO member paid her tributes on social media.

Joining her were two record holders- Ric Flair and John Cena, each having won the world championship 16 times.

Cena, who is known for his deep patriotism, shared an iconic image from that day, while The Nature Boy vowed to never forget the event.

Following the incident, WWE put on a special show. They paid a rich, poignant tribute to the victims of the attack on SmackDown. To this day, members of the promotion have kept the tradition alive with their tributes.

What did you make of Johnson’s story? Let us know in the comments section below.

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