Childhood and Education Journey of Dwayne Johnson in Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Dwayne Johnson. From birth to education, explore key events.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is an American actor and professional wrestler, considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. He rose to fame during the WWF's Attitude Era before transitioning to a highly successful acting career. His films have grossed billions worldwide, establishing him as one of the highest-grossing and highest-paid actors. Beyond entertainment, Johnson is a co-owner of the United Football League, a board member of TKO Group Holdings (UFC/WWE parent company), and co-founder of Seven Bucks Productions.
May 2, 1972: Dwayne Johnson's Birth
On May 2, 1972, Dwayne Douglas Johnson, also known as The Rock, was born. He later became an American actor and professional wrestler.
1982: Maternal Grandmother Takes Over Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling
In 1982, Dwayne Johnson's maternal grandmother, Lia Maivia, took over Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling after her husband's death.
1983: Father and Tony Atlas First Black Tag Team Champions
In 1983, Dwayne Johnson's father and Tony Atlas were the first black tag team champions in WWE history.
1988: End of Maternal Grandmother's Management of Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling
In 1988, Dwayne Johnson's maternal grandmother, Lia Maivia, ended her management of Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling.
1990: Graduation from Freedom High School
In 1990, Dwayne Johnson graduated from Freedom High School in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania.
1991: Miami Hurricanes National Championship
In 1991, Dwayne Johnson was a backup player on the University of Miami football team, which won the national championship that year.
1995: Graduation with Bachelor's Degree
In 1995, Dwayne Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies and a dual major in criminology and physiology from the University of Miami.
1995: Undrafted by NFL and signing with Calgary Stampeders
In 1995, Dwayne Johnson went undrafted in the NFL draft and briefly signed with the Calgary Stampeders, but was cut in his first season.
November 4, 1996: WWF Debut as Rocky Maivia
On November 4, 1996, Dwayne Johnson made his WWF debut as Rocky Maivia on Monday Night Raw, joining Marc Mero's entourage.
1996: Start of Professional Wrestling Career
In 1996, Dwayne Johnson began his professional wrestling career. Veteran wrestler Pat Patterson secured several tryout matches for Johnson with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
1996: WWF Contract Secured
In 1996, Dwayne Johnson's father helped him secure a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
1997: Feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Ken Shamrock
Throughout the end of 1997, The Rock feuded with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Ken Shamrock.
1998: Heel turn and joining Nation of Domination
In 1998, Rocky Maivia turned heel, lashing out at fans and joining Faarooq, D'Lo Brown, and Kama in the stable called the Nation of Domination.
1998: Feud with Triple H and D-Generation X
In 1998, The Rock and the Nation feuded with Triple H and D-Generation X (DX), with The Rock defeating Triple H in the quarter-final of the King of the Ring tournament.
1998: Increase in Fan Support and Persona Consolidation
In the latter half of 1998, The Rock saw a big uptick in fan support and started consolidating his famous persona.
January 4, 1999: Mankind Defeats The Rock for the Championship
On January 4, 1999, Mankind defeated The Rock for the championship after interference from Stone Cold Steve Austin during an episode of Raw Is War.
1999: Heel Turn
In 1999 The Rock turned Heel due to audience popularity, despite being a heel
2000: Speaking role at Republican National Convention
In 2000, as part of WWE's "Smackdown Your Vote" campaign, Dwayne Johnson had a speaking role at the Republican National Convention and attended the Democratic National Convention less than two weeks later.
2000: Increase in Fan Support and Persona Consolidation
The Rock consolidated his famous persona until 2000.
August 14, 2001: Birth of daughter Simone
On August 14, 2001, Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia's daughter, Simone, was born in Davie, Florida.
2001: First Film Role in "The Mummy Returns"
In 2001, Dwayne Johnson had his first film role in "The Mummy Returns", marking his entry into the acting industry.
March 25, 2002: Drafted to SmackDown!
On March 25, 2002, The Rock was the number one overall pick in the WWF draft lottery, going to the SmackDown! brand before taking a sabbatical from wrestling.
January 30, 2003: Return to SmackDown! and Heel Turn
On January 30, 2003, The Rock returned to SmackDown! and turned heel, adopting the "Hollywood Rock" persona.
2003: Samoan Peʻa tattoo
In 2003, Dwayne Johnson got a partial Samoan Peʻa tattoo on his left side.
March 14, 2004: Final Match Until 2011
On March 14, 2004, at WrestleMania XX, The Rock teamed with Mick Foley as the Rock 'n' Sock Connection, losing to Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Batista, marking Johnson's final wrestling match until November 2011.
August 2004: Given the noble title Seiuli
In August 2004, Dwayne Johnson was given the noble title Seiuli, meaning the son of Malietoa [Alo o Malietoa], by Malietoa Tanumafili II during his visit to Samoa, in recognition of his service to the Samoan people and his descent from Samoan chiefs.
2004: Leaving WWE
Dwayne Johnson left the WWE in 2004 to pursue other opportunities.
2007: "The Game Plan" Release
In 2007, Dwayne Johnson starred in the family film "The Game Plan", showcasing his versatility as an actor.
March 29, 2008: WWE Hall of Fame Induction
On March 29, 2008, Johnson inducted his father Rocky Johnson and grandfather Peter Maivia into the WWE Hall of Fame.
2008: Induction into WWE Hall of Fame
In 2008, Dwayne Johnson inducted his father and grandfather into the WWE Hall of Fame, honoring their contributions to professional wrestling.
2008: "Get Smart" Release
In 2008, Dwayne Johnson starred in the action comedy film "Get Smart", showcasing his comedic skills.
2008: Voted for Barack Obama
In 2008, Dwayne Johnson voted for Barack Obama.
2009: Obtained Canadian citizenship
In 2009, Dwayne Johnson obtained Canadian citizenship through his father's birth and citizenship there.
2009: "Race to Witch Mountain" Release
In 2009, Dwayne Johnson starred in "Race to Witch Mountain", further establishing his presence in family-friendly films.
2010: "Tooth Fairy" Release
In 2010, Dwayne Johnson starred in the family film "Tooth Fairy", continuing to expand his acting roles.
November 2011: Hiatus Completion
In November 2011, The Rock ended his hiatus from wrestling.
2011: Joining the Fast & Furious Franchise with "Fast Five"
In 2011, Dwayne Johnson joined the Fast & Furious franchise with "Fast Five", contributing to the franchise's success and becoming a significant part of it.
2011: Return to WWE
In 2011, Dwayne Johnson returned to WWE as a part-time performer.
2012: "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" Release
In 2012, Dwayne Johnson starred in the action film "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island", marking another role in the adventure genre.
2012: Voted for Barack Obama
In 2012, Dwayne Johnson voted for Barack Obama for a second term.
2013: Part-time Performer
Dwayne Johnson was a part-time performer until 2013
2013: "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" Release
In 2013, Dwayne Johnson starred in the action film "G.I. Joe: Retaliation", adding to his portfolio of action roles.
2014: "Hercules" Release
In 2014, Dwayne Johnson starred in the action film "Hercules", portraying the legendary hero.
2015: "San Andreas" Release
In 2015, Dwayne Johnson starred in the action film "San Andreas", portraying a rescue helicopter pilot during a major earthquake.
March 2016: Partnership with Under Armour
In March 2016, Dwayne Johnson partnered with Under Armour to release "Project Rock". The first item, a gym bag, sold out quickly, followed by a black T-shirt featuring his signature "Brahma bull" at WrestleMania 32, also selling out. An alarm clock app was also released, receiving over one million downloads in its first week.
2016: Did not vote in 2016
Dwayne Johnson did not vote in the 2016 election.
2016: "Central Intelligence" and "Moana" Release
In 2016, Dwayne Johnson starred in the action comedy film "Central Intelligence" and voiced Maui in the Disney animated film "Moana", highlighting his range as an actor.
2016: Starting his YouTube channel
In 2016, Dwayne Johnson started his YouTube channel, with his first video being "The YouTube Factory", featuring Lilly Singh and other internet stars.
2017: Independent voter as of 2017
As of 2017, Dwayne Johnson identified as an independent voter.
2017: Brahma Bull tattoo covered
In 2017, Dwayne Johnson had the small "Brahma bull" tattoo on his right arm covered with a larger half-sleeve tattoo of a bull's skull.
2017: "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" and "Baywatch" Release
In 2017, Dwayne Johnson starred in "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" and "Baywatch", showcasing his versatility in both action and comedy genres.
2018: "Skyscraper" and "Rampage" Release
In 2018, Dwayne Johnson starred in the action films "Skyscraper" and "Rampage", continuing his success in the action genre.
August 3, 2019: Retirement from Professional Wrestling
On August 3, 2019, the Rock officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling.
2019: Announcement of Athleticon bodybuilding show
In 2019, Dwayne Johnson announced the launch of a competitive bodybuilding show, "Athleticon", with Dany Garcia, intended to rival The Arnold Classic and Joe Weider's Mr. Olympia.
2019: Ballers Ended
In 2019, Dwayne Johnson ended his role in the HBO comedy-drama series "Ballers".
2019: Retirement from WWE
In 2019, Dwayne Johnson retired from WWE, marking the end of a significant chapter in his wrestling career.
2019: "Jumanji: The Next Level" Release
In 2019, Dwayne Johnson starred in "Jumanji: The Next Level", continuing his role in the Jumanji franchise.
March 2020: Launch of Teremana Tequila
In March 2020, Dwayne Johnson launched Teremana Tequila, which sold 600,000 nine-litre cases in its first year and is valued at approximately $3.5 billion.
2020: Endorsed Joe Biden
In 2020, Dwayne Johnson endorsed Joe Biden for President.
February 2021: Consideration of a presidential run
In February 2021, Dwayne Johnson expressed to USA Today that he would "consider a presidential run in the future if that's what the people wanted".
April 2021: Goal to unite the country
In April 2021, following an online poll indicating 46% of Americans would consider voting for him, Dwayne Johnson told Today, "I do have that goal to unite our country and I also feel that if this is what the people want, then I will do that".
2021: Support for Samoa national rugby league team
In 2021, Dwayne Johnson publicly pledged his support to the Samoa national rugby league team during the Rugby League World Cup, as they made the finals for the first time.
2021: "Jungle Cruise" and "Red Notice" Release
In 2021, Dwayne Johnson starred in "Jungle Cruise" and "Red Notice", adding to his filmography in adventure and action comedy genres.
2021: Starring in Young Rock
In 2021, Dwayne Johnson starred in the autobiographical sitcom "Young Rock".
2022: Joining the DC Extended Universe as Black Adam
In 2022, Dwayne Johnson joined the DC Extended Universe by playing the title role in "Black Adam", expanding his presence in superhero films.
2023: Young Rock Ended
In 2023, Dwayne Johnson ended his role in the autobiographical sitcom "Young Rock".
2023: Return on a part-time basis
In 2023, Dwayne Johnson returned once again on a part-time basis
April 2024: Regret for Biden endorsement
In an April 2024 interview with Fox News, Dwayne Johnson stated that he regretted endorsing Joe Biden in 2020, due to the division it caused, and refused to endorse anyone in the 2024 election.
2024: Upcoming Release of Moana 2
In 2024, Dwayne Johnson is set to reprise his role as the voice of Maui in the upcoming sequel, "Moana 2".
2024: Joining The Bloodline
In 2024, The Rock joined Reigns' faction The Bloodline; he also debuted a new persona that incorporated facets of his arrogant "Hollywood Rock" incarnation from 2003.
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