Challenges in the Life of Dwayne Johnson in a Detailed Timeline
Life is full of challenges, and Dwayne Johnson faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is a multifaceted American figure recognized as a highly successful actor and professional wrestler. Rising to prominence during the WWF's Attitude Era, he transitioned to acting, achieving immense financial success with his films grossing billions globally, making him one of the highest-paid actors. Beyond entertainment, Johnson is a co-owner of the United Football League, a board member of TKO Group Holdings, which owns UFC and WWE and co-founded Seven Bucks Productions, demonstrating his diverse entrepreneurial ventures.
1995: Signed with Calgary Stampeders
In 1995, after graduating, Dwayne Johnson signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League but was cut two months into the season.
January 4, 1999: Loses WWF Championship
On January 4, 1999, Mankind defeated The Rock for the WWF Championship on Raw Is War after interference from Stone Cold Steve Austin.
1999: The Rock's "I Quit" match with Mankind
The Rock's "I quit" match with Mankind at the 1999 Royal Rumble event is infamous for its brutality and one of the most popular "I quit" match of all times.
October 22, 2000: Loss of WWF Championship
On October 22, 2000, at No Mercy, The Rock lost the WWF Championship to Kurt Angle.
November 1, 2001: Tag Team Title Loss
On November 1, 2001, The Rock and Chris Jericho lost the WWF Tag Team Championship to Booker T and Test on SmackDown!.
January 20, 2002: Undisputed WWF Championship Challenge
On January 20, 2002, at Royal Rumble, The Rock unsuccessfully challenged Chris Jericho for the Undisputed WWF Championship.
March 14, 2004: WrestleMania XX Match
On March 14, 2004, at WrestleMania XX, The Rock and Mick Foley (Rock 'n' Sock Connection) lost to Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Batista in a handicap match.
2018: Decline in Fan Support
In 2018, Sean Coyle of ESPN.com noted that The Rock's fan support declined after his victory over Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X8, as fans knew he was leaving WWE for acting.
2020: The King Production Halt
In 2020, production for The King was scheduled to begin but was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
October 21, 2022: Black Adam Release
On October 21, 2022, Black Adam was released, receiving mixed reviews and becoming a box office disappointment.
