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The Rock is one of the biggest names ever in the realm of Pro wrestling. So much so that many would put his face in the Mount Rushmore of wrestling. The ‘People’s Champion’ hails from a family of pro wrestlers and is the son of Rocky Johnson. Johnson Sr. too was a legend and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008 alongside “High Chief” Peter Maivia

And now, a video is making rounds on the internet where an eleven-year-old Dwayne Johnson can be seen taking inspiration from his father as he watches him fight live.

Johnson watches Johnson Sr.

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Rocky Johnson was noted as one of the most agile and athletic talents of the yesteryears. This contrasted with his large physical build. He measured almost 1.90 meters tall and weighed more than 253 lbs. Johnson had an arsenal of flashy moves, including his punching combinations as he imbued movements to that of Muhammad Ali. Plus a series of three high dropkicks and his finisher, the Boston Crab. So he was purely a spectacle to watch. And Dwayne Johnson knew it too. In an old video uploaded on Instagram, eleven-year-old the Rock could be seen attending one of his father’s matches back in 1984.

Watching his father’s matches like this surely inspired the Hollywood icon. Dwayne Johnson asked his father to train him in the world of pro wrestling. The Rock had always been a fan of the business and wanted to get in after failing to continue his football career. ‘Soulman’ was reluctant at first, but ended up training The Brahma Bull alongside Ron Slicker. Johnson introduced his son to Pat Patterson, who worked at WWF scouting for talent. Pat recommend that Vince McMahon hire Dwayne Johnson. He noted that he saw potential in him. And the rest is history. The Rock knows the historical legacy he has imprinted and continues to imprint in the business. And that’s why he now owns the right to his ring name and phrases.

The Rock now owns his name and catchphrases

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Johnson signed an agreement with TKO Groups Holding in January to serve on the sports entertainment company’s Board of Directors. The agreement had as a clause the cessation of rights to the name of ‘The Rock’ for the exclusive use of the former WWE World Champion. But it seems that was not its only requirement.

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According to the settlement document, TKO not only granted access to his name, but was also granted ownership of some of his most famous names and phrases. The agreement includes some of his names in the ring such as ‘Rocky Maivia’ and some of his catchphrases such as ‘Jabroni’, and ‘Finally The Rock has come back to…’, among others.

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What do you think? Is the Rock part of your Mt.Rushmore of pro wrestlers? What did you make of the resurfaced clip? Let us know in the comments.

Read More: WWE Files Trademark for Upcoming WrestleMania XL Event (essentiallysports.com)