Since the beginning of his film career, Dwayne Johnson has had to juggle his own personality and his alter ego “The Rock” in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), but for the first time the two become a couple.
On Tuesday, the 51-year-old officially adopted his nickname after coming to terms with the company he began working for in 1996, Wrestling Observer magazine reported.
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“The Rock” is a reference to the name of his father, Rocky Johnson, who also wrestled in the WWE and, along with his partner Tony Atlas, was the first black champion.
“WWE also entered into a services and merchandising agreement with Johnson providing for his advertising, licensing and other services, as well as an intellectual property assignment agreement under which Johnson gained ownership of The Rock brand name,” the listed company said in a press release.
Johnson was also appointed to the board of directors of TKO Group, the parent company of WWE. He is expected to support the company in strategic growth initiatives, including social media and sponsorships.
“It is a great honor to sit at a table that carries decades of family history and legacy for me. A table that my family helped build. Being on the TKO board and taking full ownership of my name “The Rock” is not only unprecedented, but also incredibly inspiring as my crazy life comes full circle,” commented the wrestler and Hollywood superstar.
One of the most charismatic figures of his generation, Johnson won the WWE Championship eight times. Rumor has it he returned to television on RAW in early January and could return to the ring soon.