Discover the defining moments in the early life of Dwayne Johnson. From birth to education, explore key events.
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.
In 1990, Dwayne Johnson graduated from Freedom High School in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania.
In 1991, Dwayne Johnson was a backup player on the University of Miami's national championship football team.
In 1991, Dwayne Johnson was a member of the Miami Hurricanes team that won the national championship.
In 1995, Dwayne Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies and a dual major in criminology and physiology.
In 1995, Dwayne Johnson went undrafted in the NFL draft and briefly signed with the Calgary Stampeders before being cut in his first season.
In 1997, The Rock feuded with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Ken Shamrock through the end of the year.
In 1998, Rocky Maivia turned heel, lashing out at fans and joining the Nation of Domination, refusing to acknowledge the Rocky Maivia name and instead referring to himself as The Rock.
In 1998, The Rock and the Nation feuded with Triple H and D-Generation X (DX), with The Rock eventually losing the Intercontinental Championship to Triple H at SummerSlam.
On January 30, 2003, The Rock returned to SmackDown! and turned heel for the first time since 1999, adopting the "Hollywood Rock" persona with a new look.
On March 29, 2008, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson inducted his father Rocky Johnson and grandfather Peter Maivia into the WWE Hall of Fame.
On September 30, 2009, The Rock appeared at a World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) show to support Sarona Snuka's wrestling debut.
In 2013, Hulk Hogan said that he and The Rock changed the style of their match on the fly during Wrestlemania X8 based on the crowd's response.
On August 3, 2019, The Rock officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling, marking the end of his in-ring career.