Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dwayne Johnson
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Dwayne Johnson made an impact.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is a multifaceted American entertainer, renowned as both an actor and a professional wrestler. He rose to prominence in WWE during the Attitude Era, achieving widespread recognition as one of wrestling's all-time greats. Transitioning to acting, Johnson became one of the highest-grossing and highest-paid actors globally, with his films earning billions. Beyond entertainment, he's a co-owner of the United Football League, a board member of TKO Group Holdings (UFC/WWE's parent), and co-founder of Seven Bucks Productions, showcasing his entrepreneurial ventures.
1995: Undrafted and Signed by Calgary Stampeders
In 1995, Dwayne Johnson went undrafted in the NFL draft. He briefly signed with the Calgary Stampeders but was cut during his first season.
1995: Signed by Calgary Stampeders and Cut
In 1995, after graduating, Dwayne Johnson was signed by the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League but was cut two months into the season.
November 4, 1996: WWF Debut on Monday Night Raw
On November 4, 1996, Dwayne Johnson, as Rocky Maivia, made his WWF debut on Monday Night Raw as a member of Marc Mero's entourage.
1996: Signed with the WWF
In 1996, Dwayne Johnson's father assisted him in securing a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
1996: Started Professional Wrestling Career and Signed with WWF
In 1996, after being cut by Calgary Stampeders, Dwayne Johnson began his professional wrestling career. He secured tryout matches with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and later signed a contract with them after wrestling in the USWA.
February 13, 1997: Won the Intercontinental Championship
On February 13, 1997, Rocky Maivia won the Intercontinental Championship from Hunter Hearst Helmsley on Monday Night Raw.
1997: Feud with Austin and Shamrock
The Rock feuded with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Ken Shamrock throughout the end of 1997 and the beginning of 1998.
January 19, 1998: Retained Intercontinental Championship at Royal Rumble
On January 19, 1998, at the Royal Rumble, the Rock defeated Ken Shamrock by disqualification to retain the Intercontinental Championship.
1998: Feud with Triple H and D-Generation X (DX)
In 1998, The Rock and the Nation feuded with Triple H and D-Generation X (DX), leading to matches at King of the Ring and Fully Loaded: In Your House.
1998: Increased Fan Support and Consolidation of Persona
In 1998, The Rock experienced a surge in fan support and began solidifying his famous persona, which lasted until 2000.
1998: Youngest WWE Champion
In 1998, The Rock set the record for the youngest WWE Champion.
January 4, 1999: Mankind Defeated The Rock for the WWF Championship
On January 4, 1999, during the episode of Raw Is War, Mankind defeated The Rock for the WWF Championship.
April 29, 1999: SmackDown! Pilot Episode Airs
On April 29, 1999, the pilot episode of WWF SmackDown! aired, with the term "SmackDown!" derived from one of the Rock's catchphrases. In the episode, the Rock continued his feud with The Corporate Ministry.
1999: The Rock appears on That '70s Show
In 1999, Johnson appeared on That '70s Show as his father Rocky Johnson.
1999: Infamous "I quit" match with Mankind
In 1999, The Rock's "I quit" match with Mankind at the Royal Rumble event became infamous for its brutality, establishing itself as one of the most popular "I quit" matches of all time.
1999: First television acting job
In 1999, The Rock's first television acting job was portraying his father, Rocky Johnson, in an episode of That '70s Show called "That Wrestling Show".
1999: WWE SmackDown introduced
In 1999, WWE introduced its second flagship program, WWE SmackDown, derived from one of The Rock's catchphrases "lay the smackdown."
January 23, 2000: Royal Rumble Controversy
On January 23, 2000, at the Royal Rumble, the Rock entered the Royal Rumble match and was one of the final two remaining along with Big Show. Despite the Rock winning, his feet accidentally hit the floor during a reversal attempt, leading to Big Show claiming to be the rightful winner.
May 1, 2000: WWF Championship Defense against Shane McMahon
On May 1, 2000, The Rock's WWF Championship defense against Shane McMahon got an 8.3 rating, making it the highest-rated segment of all time, behind "This Is Your Life".
October 22, 2000: Loss of WWF Championship
On October 22, 2000, at No Mercy, The Rock lost the WWF Championship to Kurt Angle.
2000: The Rock Says Released
In 2000, Dwayne Johnson's autobiography, "The Rock Says", was released and became a New York Times bestseller.
2000: The Rock appears on Wyclef Jean's single and hosts SNL
In 2000, The Rock appeared on Wyclef Jean's single "It Doesn't Matter" and hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) for the first time, leading to Hollywood offers.
2000: Record for most main events
In 2000, The Rock holds the record for most Raw shows main-evented in one year (38), most SmackDown shows main-evented in one year (36), and is tied with Stone Cold Steve Austin for most PPV shows main evented in one year (12).
2000: Consolidation of Persona
The Rock's famous persona, developed since 1998, would last until 2000.
February 25, 2001: The Rock Wins WWF Championship
On February 25, 2001, at No Way Out, The Rock pinned Kurt Angle to win the WWF Championship for a sixth time.
November 1, 2001: Loss of WWF Tag Team Championship
On November 1, 2001, on an episode of SmackDown!, The Rock and Chris Jericho lost the WWF Tag Team Championship to Booker T and Test.
2001: First Film Role in The Mummy Returns
In 2001, Dwayne Johnson had his first film role in "The Mummy Returns".
2001: The Rock appears at Xbox unveiling and in The Mummy Returns
In 2001, The Rock appeared at the official Xbox unveiling and made his motion picture debut as The Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns, which broke a box office record.
2001: Tied with Stone Cold Steve Austin for most PPV shows main evented
In 2001, The Rock is tied with Stone Cold Steve Austin for most PPV shows main evented in one year (12).
2001: Theatrical debut in The Mummy Returns
In 2001, The Rock made his theatrical debut in The Mummy Returns, playing the antagonist Mathayus "The Scorpion King".
2001: Return to WWE
In 2001, The Rock's return to WWE had a 7.1 rating, marking the highest-rated segment of the year.
January 20, 2002: Unsuccessful Challenge for Undisputed WWF Championship
On January 20, 2002, at Royal Rumble, The Rock unsuccessfully challenged Chris Jericho for the Undisputed WWF Championship.
March 25, 2002: Drafted to SmackDown! Brand
On March 25, 2002, during the WWF's "draft lottery" on Raw, the Rock was the number one overall pick, going to the SmackDown! brand before taking a sabbatical from wrestling.
2002: Starred in The Scorpion King
In 2002, The Rock reprised his role as Mathayus and starred as the titular character in the spin-off film The Scorpion King.
January 30, 2003: Return to SmackDown! and Heel Turn
On January 30, 2003, The Rock returned to SmackDown! to set up another match with Hulk Hogan, turning heel and adopting a new persona called Hollywood Rock.
2003: Starred in The Rundown
In 2003, The Rock worked in the action film The Rundown.
March 14, 2004: Rock 'n' Sock Connection Loss at WrestleMania XX
On March 14, 2004, at WrestleMania XX, the Rock aided Mick Foley in his feud against Evolution. The Rock 'n' Sock Connection lost against Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Batista in a handicap match when Orton pinned Foley after an RKO. This marked Johnson's final wrestling match until November 2011.
2004: First Rock Concert Since 2004
Before March 12, 2012 on Raw Supershow, The Rock last hosted his first "Rock Concert" in 2004.
2004: Departure from WWE
In 2004, Dwayne Johnson left the WWE to pursue an acting career.
2004: Starred in Walking Tall
In 2004, The Rock worked in the action film Walking Tall.
2005: Appeared in Be Cool and Doom
In 2005, The Rock had a supporting role in the comedy Be Cool and was the primary antagonist in the horror film Doom.
2006: Voice acting debut in Spyhunter: Nowhere to Run
In 2006, The Rock made his voice acting debut in the video game Spyhunter: Nowhere to Run.
2006: Appeared in Gridiron Gang and Southland Tales
In 2006, The Rock worked in the sports drama Gridiron Gang and the thriller Southland Tales.
2007: Starred in The Game Plan
In 2007, Dwayne Johnson starred in the family film "The Game Plan".
2007: Appeared in Reno 911!: Miami and The Game Plan
In 2007, The Rock appeared in the comedy Reno 911!: Miami and had further success in the sports family comedy The Game Plan.
2008: Starred in Get Smart
In 2008, Dwayne Johnson starred in the action comedy film "Get Smart".
2009: Starred in Race to Witch Mountain
In 2009, Dwayne Johnson starred in the family film "Race to Witch Mountain".
2009: Voiced NASA astronaut Chuck in Planet 51
In 2009, The Rock voiced NASA astronaut Chuck in the animated sci-fi comedy Planet 51.
2010: Starred in Tooth Fairy
In 2010, Dwayne Johnson starred in the family film "Tooth Fairy".
2010: Appeared in Tooth Fairy and The Other Guys
In 2010, The Rock played the title character in the fantasy comedy Tooth Fairy and a police officer in the buddy cop comedy The Other Guys, and returned to action genre in the unsuccessful Faster.
February 14, 2011: Announcement as WrestleMania XXVII Host
On February 14, 2011, the Rock was announced as the host of WrestleMania XXVII, appearing live on Raw.
April 3, 2011: WrestleMania XXVII Hosting
On April 3, 2011, the Rock hosted WrestleMania XXVII and started a feud with John Cena.
November 2011: End of Wrestling Match Hiatus
In November 2011, The Rock returned to wrestling after WrestleMania XX on March 14, 2004.
2011: Joined Fast & Furious Franchise
In 2011, Dwayne Johnson joined the "Fast & Furious" film franchise, starting with "Fast Five", which helped the franchise become one of the highest-grossing.
2011: Return to WWE as Part-Time Performer
In 2011, Dwayne Johnson returned to WWE as a part-time performer.
2011: Starred in Fast Five
In 2011, The Rock had his first big box-office success, portraying Luke Hobbs in Fast Five.
2011: Return to Raw
In 2011, The Rock's return to an episode of Raw generated an average of 4.7 million viewers in the United States, with 7.4 million tuning in during his promo.
March 12, 2012: First Rock Concert Since 2004
On March 12, 2012, The Rock hosted his first "Rock Concert" segment since 2004 on Raw SuperShow, mocking John Cena in his songs.
2012: Starred in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
In 2012, Dwayne Johnson starred in the action film "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island".
2012: Main evented WrestleMania XXVIII
In 2012, The Rock main evented WrestleMania XXVIII.
2012: Highest rated Raw episode of 2012
Raw 1000 was the highest rated Raw episode of 2012 and The Rock's segment with CM Punk and Daniel Bryan was the highest rated segment of the show.
January 7, 2013: The Rock confronts CM Punk
On January 7, 2013, the Rock returned on Raw to confront his Royal Rumble opponent, CM Punk, building anticipation for their upcoming match.
2013: Continued Part-Time Performances
In 2013, Dwayne Johnson continued as a part-time performer in WWE, following his return in 2011.
2013: Starred in G.I. Joe: Retaliation
In 2013, Dwayne Johnson starred in the action film "G.I. Joe: Retaliation".
2013: Hulk Hogan Reflects on WrestleMania X8 Match
In 2013, Hulk Hogan said that he and The Rock changed the style of their WrestleMania X8 match on the fly based on the crowd's response.
2013: Main evented WrestleMania 29
In 2013, The Rock main evented WrestleMania 29.
2013: Raw got highest rating of 2013
In 2013, the night after The Rock won the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble, Raw got its highest rating of that year.
April 2014: The Rock appears at WrestleMania XXX
In April 2014, the Rock made an appearance in the opening segment of WrestleMania XXX, alongside Stone Cold Steve Austin and Hulk Hogan, marking a memorable moment for fans.
2014: Starred in Hercules
In 2014, Dwayne Johnson starred in the action film "Hercules".
2014: Starred in Hercules and hosted Wake Up Call
In 2014, The Rock starred as the title character in Hercules and hosted the TNT reality series Wake Up Call.
January 25, 2015: The Rock helps Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble
On January 25, 2015, at the Royal Rumble, the Rock helped his relative Roman Reigns fend off Big Show and Kane, endorsing Reigns after his victory in the main event match.
March 29, 2015: The Rock appears at WrestleMania 31 with Ronda Rousey
On March 29, 2015, The Rock appeared at WrestleMania 31 alongside Ronda Rousey, engaging in an in-ring altercation with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon and ultimately prevailing.
2015: Produced and Starred in Ballers
In 2015, Dwayne Johnson produced and starred in the HBO comedy-drama series "Ballers".
2015: Starred in San Andreas
In 2015, Dwayne Johnson starred in the action film "San Andreas".
2015: Starred in Furious 7 and San Andreas
In 2015, The Rock reprised his role as Luke Hobbs in Furious 7 and starred in the disaster film San Andreas.
January 25, 2016: The Rock appears on Raw with The Usos
On January 25, 2016, the Rock was in a segment on Raw where he conversed with various wrestlers before he and The Usos had an altercation with The New Day.
April 3, 2016: The Rock sets WrestleMania record with John Cena
On April 3, 2016, at WrestleMania 32, the Rock announced a new attendance record, defeated Erick Rowan in six seconds, and was aided by John Cena in fending off The Wyatt Family.
2016: Starred in Central Intelligence and Voiced Maui in Moana
In 2016, Dwayne Johnson starred in "Central Intelligence" and voiced Maui in the Disney animated film "Moana".
2016: Starred in Central Intelligence and Moana
In 2016, The Rock co-starred with Kevin Hart in the action-comedy Central Intelligence and had a lead voice role in the Disney animated film Moana, in which he voiced Maui.
2016: Reprised voice role of Maui in Moana
In 2016, The Rock reprised his voice role of Maui from Moana.
February 20, 2017: The Rock films a scene for Fighting with My Family on Raw
On February 20, 2017, after the broadcast of Raw, the Rock made an untelevised appearance to promote and film a scene for his then-upcoming movie, Fighting with My Family.
2017: Starred in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Baywatch
In 2017, Dwayne Johnson starred in "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" and "Baywatch".
2017: Starred in The Fate of the Furious, Baywatch and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
In 2017, The Rock reprised his role as Luke Hobbs in The Fate of the Furious and starred in Baywatch and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.
September 2018: Principal photography began for Hobbs & Shaw
In September 2018, principal photography began for Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, starring The Rock alongside Jason Statham.
2018: Starred in Skyscraper and Rampage
In 2018, Dwayne Johnson starred in "Skyscraper" and "Rampage".
2018: ESPN.com Retrospective Review of SummerSlam
In 2018, Sean Coyle writing for ESPN.com, noted in a retrospective review of SummerSlam that The Rock "started to see a dip in fan support" and "that dip turned into a plunge" by the time of his match with Brock Lesnar, because fans knew he was leaving WWE to pursue an acting career.
2018: Starred in Rampage and Skyscraper
In 2018, The Rock starred in Rampage and Skyscraper.
July 26, 2019: Release of Hobbs & Shaw
On July 26, 2019, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, starring The Rock and Jason Statham, was released.
August 3, 2019: The Rock officially retires from professional wrestling
On August 3, 2019, the Rock officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling, marking the end of an era.
September 30, 2019: The Rock announces SmackDown 20th Anniversary appearance
On September 30, 2019, after speculation, the Rock announced he would appear on SmackDown's 20th Anniversary, marking his return to the show after several years.
October 4, 2019: The Rock appears on SmackDown's 20th Anniversary
On October 4, 2019, the Rock appeared on SmackDown's 20th Anniversary, cutting a promo with Becky Lynch and attacking King Corbin, marking his first SmackDown appearance since October 2014 and his first televised appearance since April 2016.
December 13, 2019: Release of Jumanji: The Next Level
On December 13, 2019, Jumanji: The Next Level, starring The Rock, was released.
2019: Retirement from WWE
In 2019, Dwayne Johnson retired from WWE, after several years of sporadic appearances.
2019: Starred in Jumanji: The Next Level
In 2019, Dwayne Johnson starred in the family film "Jumanji: The Next Level".
March 16, 2021: First appearance as The Foundation in Fortnite Battle Royale
On March 16, 2021, The Rock appeared for the first time as the video game character, The Foundation, in Fortnite Battle Royale.
April 2021: Production began on Black Adam
In April 2021, production on Black Adam began filming.
July 30, 2021: Release of Jungle Cruise
On July 30, 2021, Disney's Jungle Cruise, co-starring The Rock and Emily Blunt, was released.
December 4, 2021: Confirmed involvement as The Foundation in Fortnite Battle Royale
On December 4, 2021, The Rock's involvement as The Foundation in Fortnite Battle Royale was confirmed.
2021: 25th Anniversary Battle Royal at Survivor Series
At the 2021 Survivor Series, WWE held a 25-man Battle Royal to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Rock's WWE debut, which was won by Omos.
2021: Produced and Starred in Young Rock
In 2021, Dwayne Johnson produced and starred in the autobiographical sitcom "Young Rock".
2021: Starred in Jungle Cruise and Red Notice
In 2021, Dwayne Johnson starred in "Jungle Cruise" and "Red Notice".
October 21, 2022: Release of Black Adam
On October 21, 2022, Black Adam, starring The Rock, was released but received mixed to negative reviews and was a box office disappointment.
2022: Played Black Adam in the DC Extended Universe
In 2022, Dwayne Johnson joined the DC Extended Universe by playing the title role in "Black Adam".
May 2023: Cameo appearance in Fast X
In May 2023, The Rock reprised his role as Luke Hobbs in a cameo appearance during the mid-credits scene of Fast X.
September 15, 2023: The Rock returns to SmackDown
On September 15, 2023, the Rock made a surprise return to SmackDown, interacting with Pat McAfee and Austin Theory, marking his first WWE televised appearance since October 4, 2019.
2023: Return to WWE on a Part-Time Basis
In 2023, Dwayne Johnson returned to WWE once again on a part-time basis.
2023: Young Rock ended
In 2023, Dwayne Johnson's show "Young Rock" ended.
January 1, 2024: The Rock appears on Raw Day 1
On January 1, 2024, the Rock made a live appearance on Raw, confronting Jinder Mahal and referencing Roman Reigns, his relative and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
November 2024: Starred in Red One and reprised voice role of Maui in Moana 2
In November 2024, The Rock starred in Red One and reprised his voice role of Maui from Moana (2016), in its sequel Moana 2.
2024: To voice Maui in Moana 2
In 2024, Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as the voice of Maui in the Disney animated film "Moana 2".
2024: Main evented WrestleMania XL
In 2024, The Rock main evented WrestleMania XL.
2024: The Rock joins The Bloodline and receives a People's Championship
In 2024, the Rock joined Roman Reigns' faction, The Bloodline, debuted a new "Hollywood Rock" persona, and received a "People's Championship" from Muhammad Ali's wife, Lonnie. During WrestleMania XL, The Rock teamed up with Reigns to defeat Rhodes and Rollins, but he was chokeslammed by The Undertaker and Rhodes defeated Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The next night on Raw, the Rock congratulated Rhodes and revealed that he would be leaving for a while, but would be coming after Rhodes when he returns, allowing Johnson time off to film the biopic The Smashing Machine.
January 6, 2025: The Rock Returns on Raw Premiere on Netflix
On January 6, 2025, The Rock returned on the Raw premiere on Netflix, thanking Cody Rhodes for his work and embracing Roman Reigns after his victory, signifying evolving relationships within the wrestling world.
September 1, 2025: Premiere of The Smashing Machine at Venice International Film Festival
On September 1, 2025, The Smashing Machine, starring The Rock, premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, receiving a standing ovation and a Golden Lion award nomination.
October 3, 2025: Wide release of The Smashing Machine
On October 3, 2025, The Smashing Machine, starring The Rock, had its wide release but was met with a poor theatrical response.
2026: To reprise the role of Maui in the Live-Action Remake of Moana
In 2026, Dwayne Johnson will reprise the role as the voice of Maui in the live-action remake of "Moana".
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