Dwayne Johnson is part of the Anoa’i lineage, one of pro-wrestling’s most illustrious families. He’s also a third-generation wrestler in the WWE, having made his debut in 1996. However, Johnson left the organization in 2004 to pursue a full-time acting career in Hollywood. But his workload in the promotion had started to lessen even before that.

Now, 19 years later, the WWE icon has revealed how pro-wrestling helped him and others in his family sustain.

Dwayne Johnson expresses gratitude towards pro wrestling for shaping him

Even though pro wrestling made him a household name, Johnson didn’t express an interest in pursuing it in the beginning. He was always interested in American football and foresaw a future in the NFL. However, an untimely injury jeopardized his plans and forced him to recalibrate. He is by no means the first of his family to enter the business. His maternal grandfather, Peter Maivia, was a renowned name in the industry, as was his father, Rocky Johnson.

So, it wasn’t easy for him to make a name for himself. But all these years later, The Rock is the most famous wrestler to have emerged from that family, which also includes current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Johnson, however, isn’t without gratitude for all his success. Speaking to hosts on The Pivot Podcast a few weeks ago, he revealed the gifts that wrestling bestowed upon him and his family.

“In a way, wrestling did save my life. And in a way, thank you God and the universe… If you look back now, in a way it helped shape and form and save my grandfather’s life, coming out of Samoa. My dad’s life, being kicked out at 13. And then my life, having seven bucks in my pocket, we didn’t have anything at that time,” he said.

As wrestling opened doors for him, Johnson was also able to cash in on those opportunities. Today, he has been able to transform ‘seven bucks’ into a production house and is currently worth $800 million. Apart from that, Johnson admittedly has the privilege and honor of something else that pro-wrestling has provided him with.

The Rock reveals how pro-wrestling improved his familial bond

Last year, Simone Garcia Johnson made her debut in WWE’s developmental territory, NXT, as Ava Raine, as part of the Schism stable. Raine, 21, is WWE’s first fourth-generation wrestler. Her credentials, though, aren’t limited to just that. She’s also the daughter of Dwayne Johnson.

Read More: Cute Fight Breaks Out at The Rock’s Office as Dwayne Johnson Gets a Father’s Day Surprise From His Babies

The 51-year-old said that wrestling also helped him improve his bond with his firstborn. Simone’s mother is Johnson’s first wife and current business partner, Dany Garcia. He said that when she was born, Johnson was busy transitioning into an actor.

“When I had Simone, I was flying by the seat of my pants. I was wrestling full time. I started transitioning into movies full time. I had so much s**t going on. So, I like to say, me and Simone grew up together. So, we had a relationship where I was always gone, but we tried to keep it together,” he said.

“Now, years later, as she becomes a pro wrestler, it’s actually brought us closer together. So, in a way, it’s helped save that relationship too. In many ways, pro-wrestling has been my family’s savior,” the proud father added.

So, did that confession strike a chord with you? Let us know in the comments.

Watch This Story: Dwayne Johnson’s Daughter Simone to The Undertakers Daughter Kaia – Meet Daughters of Top WWE Stars