Dwayne Johnson has joined the board of TKO Group Holdings, Inc., the company founded by Endeavor that merged WWE and UFC.
One of the most popular actors and media personalities in the world, Johnson became a star in the WWE (then WWF) in the 1990s and early 2000s. He held multiple world championships during his time with the pro wrestling juggernaut and is widely considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
“I am excited to partner with Dwayne and welcome his immense talent to the TKO Board,” said Ariel Emmanual, CEO of TKO. “Dwayne brings an incredible track record of creating content and building globally recognized consumer brands and he will play a key role in realizing our ambitions for TKO.”
The exact terms of the contract were not disclosed, but WWE added that it also has a services and merchandising agreement in place with Johnson. Under this agreement, Johnson will provide advertising, licensing and other services to the Company. Johnson also acquires ownership of The Rock brand name as part of an intellectual assignment agreement.
News of the board's appointment and other agreements comes as it is widely speculated that Johnson will return to WWE for a match against his cousin and current WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. This would be his first WWE match since 2016.
“My grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, and my father, Rocky 'Soulman' Johnson, never imagined this day would come,” Johnson said in a statement. “That’s why I feel very honored to have a seat at a table that, for me, brings with it decades of history and family legacy. A table that my family helped build. Being on the TKO board and taking full responsibility for my name “The Rock” is not only unprecedented, but incredibly inspiring as my crazy life comes full circle. At heart, I'm a builder who builds for and serves the people, and Ari is building something that's truly a game-changer. I'm very motivated to help continue to grow our TKO, WWE and UFC businesses as global leaders in sports and entertainment – while proud to represent so many phenomenal athletes and artists who show up every day Working hard with their own hands, two hands make their dreams come true and deliver them to our audience. I was there, I’m still there and this is for them.”
On screen, Johnson is known for his roles in blockbusters such as “San Andreas,” the two new “Jumanji” films, multiple appearances in the “Fast & Furious” series and the spin-off “Hobbs & Shaw,” as well as the Disney animated film “Moana”. His other business ventures include the United Football League (formed by the merger of the Vince McMahon-founded XFL and the USFL), Teremana Tequila, Project Rock, Zoa Energy and Seven Bucks Productions.
Vince McMahon, Chairman of TKO, said: “Very few people on the planet understand the convergence of sports, entertainment, media and business like Rock.” We are proud to welcome him to the TKO Board to help help take our company to new heights.”
Johnson has long-standing relationships with a number of high-ranking individuals in the TKO organization. In addition to his long-standing relationship with McMahon and the WWE in general, Johnson has known current WWE President Nick Khan since the pair were children, along with Khan's sister, TV writer and producer Nahnatchka Khan, who co-starred on Johnson's NBC series “Young Rock.” co-developed. ” Emmanuel now serves as leader of Johnson’s team at WME, where Johnson has been a customer for over 10 years.
Johnson isn't the only new TKO board member named, although he's likely the only one featured in a match at WrestleMania. Brad Keywell was appointed as the 13th member of TKO's Board of Directors. Keywell is the founder and CEO of Uptake Technologies and previously co-founded and led companies such as Groupon, Echo Global Logistics and MediaOcean. He received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2019 and is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.