Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is a multifaceted American icon renowned for his achievements in wrestling, acting, and business. He is considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers ever, significantly contributing to the WWF's success during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Transitioning to acting, his films have grossed over $10.5 billion globally, making him one of the highest-grossing actors worldwide. Beyond entertainment, Johnson is a successful entrepreneur, co-owning the UFL, co-founding Seven Bucks Productions, and founding the billion-dollar Teremana Tequila brand.
May 2, 1972: Birth of Dwayne Johnson
On May 2, 1972, Dwayne Douglas Johnson, later known by his ring name The Rock, was born.
1982: Lia Maivia Takes Over Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling
Dwayne Johnson's maternal grandmother, Lia Maivia, took over Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling in 1982 after her husband's death.
1983: First Black Tag Team Champions
Dwayne Johnson's father, Rocky Johnson, and Tony Atlas became the first black tag team champions in WWE history in 1983.
1988: Lia Maivia Stops Managing Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling
Dwayne Johnson's maternal grandmother, Lia Maivia, stopped managing Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling in 1988.
1990: High School Graduation
Dwayne Johnson graduated from Freedom High School in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania in 1990.
1991: University of Miami Football Team
Dwayne Johnson was a member of the University of Miami football team in 1991.
1991: University of Miami National Championship
Dwayne Johnson was a member of the University of Miami football team that won the national championship in 1991.
1995: College Graduation
Dwayne Johnson graduated from the University of Miami in 1995 with a Bachelor of General Studies and a dual major in criminology and physiology.
1995: Calgary Stampeders
Dwayne Johnson was signed by the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League in 1995, but was cut two months into the season.
1995: NFL Draft and Calgary Stampeders
Dwayne Johnson went undrafted in the 1995 NFL draft and briefly signed with the Calgary Stampeders before being cut.
November 4, 1996: WWF Debut
Dwayne Johnson made his WWF debut as Rocky Maivia on Monday Night Raw on November 4, 1996.
November 17, 1996: Survivor Series Debut
Dwayne "Rocky Maivia" Johnson made his Survivor Series debut in an eight-man elimination tag match on November 17, 1996. He was the sole survivor.
1996: Professional Wrestling Debut
Dwayne Johnson began his professional wrestling career in 1996, after being cut by the Calgary Stampeders.
1996: WWF Signing
Dwayne Johnson's father, Rocky Johnson, helped him secure a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1996.
February 13, 1997: Intercontinental Champion
Dwayne "Rocky Maivia" Johnson won the Intercontinental Championship from Hunter Hearst Helmsley on Monday Night Raw on February 13, 1997.
March 23, 1997: First WrestleMania Match
On March 23, 1997, Johnson participated in his first WrestleMania match at WrestleMania 13, successfully defending his Intercontinental Championship against The Sultan.
May 3, 1997: Marriage to Dany Garcia
On May 3, 1997, Dwayne Johnson married Dany Garcia, whom he had met while they were both students at the University of Miami.
June 1997: Suffered Knee Injury
In June 1997, Johnson suffered a legitimate knee injury during a match against Mankind, leading to several months of recovery.
August 1997: Turned Heel and Joined Nation of Domination
In August 1997, Johnson turned heel for the first time in his career by lashing out at fans and joining the Nation of Domination.
December 7, 1997: Defeated by Stone Cold Steve Austin
On December 7, 1997, Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated Johnson at D-Generation X: In Your House to retain the Intercontinental Championship.
January 19, 1998: Royal Rumble and Title Defense
On January 19, 1998, Johnson retained the Intercontinental title by defeating Ken Shamrock by disqualification at the Royal Rumble and was the last to be eliminated by Stone Cold Steve Austin in the Royal Rumble match.
August 30, 1998: Lost Intercontinental Title in Ladder Match
On August 30, 1998, Johnson lost the Intercontinental title to Triple H in a ladder match at SummerSlam.
October 18, 1998: Defeated by Mark Henry
On October 18, 1998, Johnson was defeated by Mark Henry at Judgment Day: In Your House after interference from D'Lo Brown, leading to the breakup of the Nation of Domination.
November 15, 1998: Won First WWF Championship
On November 15, 1998, Johnson won his first WWF Championship by defeating Mankind in the finals of the 'Deadly Game' tournament at Survivor Series.
December 13, 1998: Retained WWF Championship
On December 13, 1998, Johnson retained the WWF Championship in a rematch against Mankind at Rock Bottom: In Your House, despite passing out to the Mandible Claw.
1998: The Rock's Rise and Fan Support Shift
In 1998, The Rock experienced both career highs and a change in fan perception. He secured his seventh WWE Undisputed Championship and defended it successfully. However, his upcoming acting career led to some decline in fan support, particularly evident during his SummerSlam match against Brock Lesnar, which he lost.
1998: Adopted 'The Rock' Persona
In 1998, Johnson began referring to himself in the third person as 'The Rock,' marking a significant shift in his wrestling persona.
January 4, 1999: Lost WWF Championship to Mankind
On January 4, 1999, Johnson lost the WWF Championship to Mankind after interference from Stone Cold Steve Austin during an episode of Raw Is War.
January 24, 1999: Regained WWF Championship
On January 24, 1999, Johnson regained the WWF Championship in an 'I Quit' match against Mankind at the Royal Rumble.
February 14, 1999: Last Man Standing Match Ended in Draw
On February 14, 1999, Johnson faced Mankind in a Last Man Standing match at St. Valentine's Day Massacre: In Your House, which ended in a draw.
March 28, 1999: Lost WWF Championship to Stone Cold Steve Austin
On March 28, 1999, Johnson lost the WWF Championship to Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania XV.
April 25, 1999: Lost Title Rematch to Stone Cold Steve Austin
On April 25, 1999, Johnson lost a title rematch against Stone Cold Steve Austin at Backlash: In Your House.
April 29, 1999: Pilot Episode of SmackDown!
On April 29, 1999, WWF aired the pilot episode of SmackDown!, a term derived from one of Johnson's catchphrases.
May 23, 1999: Defeated Triple H at Over the Edge
On May 23, 1999, Johnson defeated Triple H at Over the Edge, continuing his feud with The Corporate Ministry.
August 22, 1999: Defeated Billy Gunn at SummerSlam
On August 22, 1999, Johnson defeated Billy Gunn in a Kiss My Ass match at SummerSlam.
1999: The Rock's Recognition in Entertainment
In 1999, The Rock's popularity soared as he earned the No. 1 spot on Entertainment Weekly's Top 12 Entertainers of the Year list.
1999: The Rock's rise to wrestling stardom
In 1999, The Rock was widely recognized as one of the top wrestlers in the world, with many considering him for their "Mount Rushmore of Pro Wrestling." His popularity was particularly high between 1999 and 2004, during which time he was considered the biggest draw in WWE. His "I quit" match against Mankind at the Royal Rumble that year is particularly renowned for its brutality.
1999: Previous Heel Turn
In 1999, The Rock had previously turned heel, marking a departure from his earlier persona.
1999: The Rock's Television Appearances
In 1999, The Rock made notable television appearances. He guest-starred on "That '70s Show" as his father, Rocky Johnson, and appeared on "Star Trek: Voyager" as an alien wrestler incorporating The Rock's signature moves.
1999: The Rock's Acting Debut
In 1999, while still actively wrestling, The Rock made his television acting debut on an episode of That '70s Show titled "That Wrestling Show," playing the role of his own father.
1999: Launch of WWE SmackDown
In 1999, WWE launched its second flagship program, WWE SmackDown, inspired by The Rock's catchphrase "lay the smackdown." The show went on to become one of the longest-running weekly episodic programs in television history.
January 23, 2000: Royal Rumble Victory
On January 23, 2000, The Rock won the Royal Rumble match, lastly eliminating Big Show. However, controversy followed as his feet touched the floor during the final move, a detail Big Show later used to dispute the win.
February 27, 2000: Loss of WWF Championship Contendership
The Rock lost his number one contendership for the WWF Championship to Big Show on February 27, 2000, at No Way Out, due to interference from Shane McMahon.
May 1, 2000: The Rock's Championship Defense
On May 1, 2000, The Rock defended his WWF Championship against Shane McMahon in a match that achieved an 8.3 rating, making it one of the highest-rated segments in wrestling history.
October 22, 2000: Loss of WWF Championship
On October 22, 2000, The Rock lost the WWF Championship to Kurt Angle at No Mercy.
2000: The Rock's Rise to Fame
The Rock's fame continued to rise in 2000 as he secured the top position on Access Hollywood's Top 10 Celebrities list. He was also featured in Forbes Celebrity 100 and People Magazine's 25 Most Intriguing People.
2000: The Rock's Early Acting and Music Career
In 2000, The Rock's career extended beyond wrestling. He appeared on Wyclef Jean's single "It Doesn't Matter" and its music video and collaborated with Slick Rick on the track "Pie." He also hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time, with fellow wrestlers Triple H, Big Show, and Mick Foley making appearances, which led to him receiving offers from Hollywood studios.
2000: The Rock's record-breaking year
The Rock had a record-breaking year in 2000, main-eventing the most Raw and SmackDown shows in a single year (38 and 36, respectively). He also tied with Stone Cold Steve Austin (in 2001) for main-eventing the most PPV shows in a year, with 12 appearances in 2000.
2000: The Rock Says... Publication
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's autobiography, "The Rock Says...," co-written with Joe Layden, was published in 2000, becoming a New York Times Best Seller.
2000: The Rock Says
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's autobiography, "The Rock Says", was released in 2000 and became a New York Times bestseller.
2000: Consolidated Famous Persona
By 2000, Johnson had consolidated his famous persona, which saw a significant increase in his popularity.
2000: Political Convention Appearances
As part of WWE's "Smackdown Your Vote" campaign, Dwayne Johnson attended both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions in 2000, encouraging young people to vote.
2000: Royal Rumble Winner
In 2000, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson won the Royal Rumble.
February 25, 2001: Sixth-Time WWF Champion
The Rock defeated Kurt Angle at No Way Out on February 25, 2001, to win the WWF Championship for the sixth time.
July 2001: Return to WWF and WCW Championship Win
The Rock returned to the WWF in July 2001 during The Invasion storyline, aligning with Vince McMahon and the WWF against The Alliance (former WCW and ECW wrestlers). He went on to defeat Booker T at SummerSlam to win the WCW Championship.
August 14, 2001: Birth of Simone Garcia Johnson
On August 14, 2001, Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia welcomed their daughter, Simone Alexandra Johnson, in Davie, Florida.
October 21, 2001: Loss of WCW Championship
On October 21, 2001, The Rock lost the WCW Championship to Chris Jericho at No Mercy.
November 1, 2001: Loss of WWF Tag Team Championship
The Rock and Chris Jericho lost the WWF Tag Team Championship to Booker T and Test on the November 1, 2001 episode of SmackDown!
December 9, 2001: Loss of World Championship
The Rock lost the World Championship to Chris Jericho at Vengeance on December 9, 2001, who then unified the WWF and World titles.
2001: The Rock's Early Film Roles
The Rock's film career began in earnest in 2001 with a role in "The Mummy Returns." This marked the start of his transition from wrestling star to Hollywood actor.
2001: The Rock's return to WWE
The Rock's return to WWE in 2001 was a massive success, drawing a 7.1 rating, marking it as the highest-rated segment of the year.
2001: The Rock's Motion Picture Debut and Xbox Appearance
The Rock marked his entrance into the film industry in 2001 with his role as The Scorpion King in "The Mummy Returns." This debut shattered box office records, achieving the highest single-day gross in two years. In the same year, he made a surprise appearance at the official Xbox unveiling during Bill Gates's keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show.
2001: The Rock's Continued Influence
The Rock maintained his influence in 2001, being recognized for the second consecutive year on Entertainment Weekly's 101 Most Influential People list. He also earned a place on E!'s 20 Top Entertainers list.
2001: Stone Cold Steve Austin ties The Rock's record
In 2001, Stone Cold Steve Austin tied The Rock's record for most PPV shows main evented in one year, also achieving 12 appearances.
2001: The Mummy Returns
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's first film role was in "The Mummy Returns", released in 2001.
January 20, 2002: Unsuccessful WWF Championship Challenge
At the Royal Rumble on January 20, 2002, The Rock unsuccessfully challenged Chris Jericho for the Undisputed WWF Championship.
February 17, 2002: Victory over The Undertaker
The Rock defeated The Undertaker in a singles match at No Way Out on February 17, 2002.
March 17, 2002: WrestleMania X8 Victory over Hulk Hogan
The Rock defeated Hulk Hogan in an "icon versus icon" match at WrestleMania X8 on March 17, 2002, despite a portion of the crowd heavily favoring Hogan.
March 25, 2002: Drafted to SmackDown!
The Rock was drafted to the SmackDown! brand as the number one overall pick during the WWF "draft lottery" on March 25, 2002.
2002: The Rock's Leading Role and Guinness World Record
The success of "The Mummy Returns" led to The Rock securing his first lead role in the spin-off film, "The Scorpion King," in 2002. His $5.5 million salary for this role earned him a Guinness World Record for the highest-paid actor in their first leading role.
2002: The Rock's Tough Star Power
The Rock's on-screen presence earned him a spot on E!'s 25 Toughest Stars list in 2002.
2002: The Scorpion King
In 2002, The Rock starred in "The Scorpion King," further establishing his presence in the film industry.
January 30, 2003: The Rock's Heel Turn and Hollywood Persona
On January 30, 2003, The Rock returned to SmackDown! and adopted a villainous persona (heel) for the first time since 1999. He debuted a new look, shaving his head and embracing the "Hollywood Rock" persona. He engaged in feuds, including one with Hulk Hogan, and entertained audiences with his "Rock Concerts", where he would playfully mock other wrestlers and fans through song.
March 30, 2003: WrestleMania XIX and The End of an Era
On March 30, 2003, at WrestleMania XIX, The Rock faced Stone Cold Steve Austin in a match that marked the end of their long-running rivalry. The Rock emerged victorious after delivering three consecutive Rock Bottoms. This match became significant as it was Stone Cold Steve Austin's last match until WrestleMania 38.
April 27, 2003: Goldberg's Debut and The Rock's Departure for "Walking Tall"
On April 27, 2003, at Backlash, The Rock faced a newcomer, Goldberg. Goldberg defeated The Rock, prompting The Rock's temporary departure from WWE to focus on filming the movie "Walking Tall".
2003: The Rock's Pop Culture Icon Status
By 2003, The Rock was cemented as a pop culture icon, earning recognition on VH1's 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons list. Additionally, he ranked No. 7 on People Magazine's 50 Favorite TV Stars list.
2003: Partial Samoan Pe'a Tattoo
In 2003, Dwayne Johnson got a partial Samoan Pe'a tattoo on his left side, a significant traditional tattoo representing his cultural heritage.
2003: The Rundown
The Rock continued to build his film repertoire in 2003 with a role in the action-comedy "The Rundown."
March 14, 2004: Reunion of the Rock 'n' Sock Connection and The Rock's Last Match (Until 2011)
On March 14, 2004, at WrestleMania XX, The Rock reunited with Mick Foley as the Rock 'n' Sock Connection. They faced Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Batista in a handicap match. Orton pinned Foley, giving their team the victory. This marked The Rock's last wrestling match for several years until November 2011.
August 2004: Bestowed Samoan Title
In August 2004, Dwayne Johnson was bestowed with the noble title of "Seiuli" by Malietoa Tanumafili II during his visit to Samoa. This title, meaning "son of Malietoa," was in recognition of Johnson's service to the Samoan people and his lineage as a descendant of Samoan chiefs.
2004: Departure from WWE
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson left WWE in 2004 to pursue an acting career.
2004: Last "Rock Concert" Segment
In 2004, The Rock performed his last "Rock Concert" segment until its revival in March 2012.
2004: Walking Tall
In 2004, The Rock starred in the action film "Walking Tall," showcasing his ability to carry a film as a leading man.
2004: The Rock's reign as wrestling's top draw
By 2004, The Rock had cemented his legacy as a wrestling icon. For the preceding five years, he had been regarded as the biggest star in WWE, captivating audiences worldwide and solidifying his place in wrestling history.
2005: Be Cool and Doom
The Rock took on supporting and antagonistic roles in 2005, appearing as an aspiring actor in "Be Cool" and the primary antagonist in "Doom."
2006: Meeting Lauren Hashian
Dwayne Johnson first met Lauren Hashian in 2006 while he was filming "The Game Plan."
2006: Gridiron Gang and Southland Tales
The Rock appeared in two films in 2006, the sports drama "Gridiron Gang" and the science fiction comedy "Southland Tales."
March 12, 2007: The Rock Predicts Lashley's Victory
On March 12, 2007, The Rock made an appearance on WWE Raw via a pre-recorded promo. He confidently predicted Bobby Lashley's victory over Umaga at WrestleMania 23.
June 1, 2007: Separation from Dany Garcia
On June 1, 2007, Dwayne Johnson and his wife, Dany Garcia, made a public announcement that they were separating amicably.
October 2, 2007: Donation to University of Miami
On October 2, 2007, Dwayne Johnson and his then-wife Dany Garcia donated $1 million to the University of Miami for football facility renovations. The university renamed the Hurricanes' locker room in Johnson's honor.
2007: Relationship with Lauren Hashian
In 2007, Dwayne Johnson began dating Lauren Hashian, the daughter of Sib Hashian, who was the drummer for the band Boston.
2007: Reno 911!: Miami and The Game Plan
The Rock further diversified his filmography in 2007 with roles in the comedy "Reno 911!: Miami" and the family film "The Game Plan."
2007: "Smackdown" added to Merriam-Webster Dictionary
The term "smackdown," derived from The Rock's popular catchphrase, was officially added to Merriam-Webster dictionaries in 2007, solidifying its place in popular culture.
March 29, 2008: Honoring Family Legacy at the Hall of Fame
On March 29, 2008, The Rock participated in the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, where he had the honor of inducting his father, Rocky Johnson, and his grandfather, Peter Maivia.
May 2008: Divorce from Dany Garcia
In May 2008, Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia's divorce was finalized.
2008: Get Smart
In 2008, The Rock showcased his comedic timing as Agent 23 in the spy comedy "Get Smart."
2008: WWE Hall of Fame Induction
In 2008, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson inducted his father and grandfather into the WWE Hall of Fame.
2008: Barack Obama Support (First Term)
Dwayne Johnson voted for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.
September 30, 2009: Supporting Sarona Snuka's Debut
On September 30, 2009, The Rock made an appearance at a World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) show. His purpose was to show support for Sarona Snuka, the daughter of his close friend and mentor Jimmy Snuka, on the occasion of her professional wrestling debut.
October 2, 2009: A Decade of SmackDown and The Rock's Message
On October 2, 2009, WWE celebrated the "Decade of SmackDown". As part of the event, The Rock made an appearance via a pre-recorded promo, marking his presence in the celebration.
2009: Canadian Citizenship
In 2009, Dwayne Johnson obtained Canadian citizenship, which he acquired through his father's birth and citizenship in Canada.
2009: Race to Witch Mountain
The Rock starred as a cab driver in the 2009 fantasy adventure film "Race to Witch Mountain."
2010: Tooth Fairy and The Other Guys
The Rock took on family-friendly and comedic roles in 2010, starring in "Tooth Fairy" and "The Other Guys."
February 14, 2011: The Rock Announced as WrestleMania XXVII Host
On February 14, 2011, WWE announced The Rock as the host of WrestleMania XXVII. This marked a significant return for him to WWE programming after nearly seven years, and he appeared live on Raw for the announcement.
April 3, 2011: WrestleMania XXVII
On April 3, 2011, WrestleMania XXVII took place.
November 2011: The Rock's Return to Wrestling
November 2011 marked the end of The Rock's hiatus from wrestling as he returned to the ring.
2011: Fast Five
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson joined the "Fast & Furious" franchise as Luke Hobbs in "Fast Five", released in 2011.
2011: Return to WWE
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson returned to WWE as a part-time performer in 2011.
2011: The Rock returns to Raw
In 2011, The Rock's return to an episode of Raw was a major draw, attracting an average of 4.7 million viewers in the United States and peaking at 7.4 million during his promo.
2011: Fast Five
The Rock's breakthrough box-office success came in 2011 with his role as Luke Hobbs in "Fast Five." The film became the seventh highest-grossing film of that year.
March 12, 2012: The Rock's "Rock Concert" Return
On March 12, 2012, The Rock brought back his entertaining "Rock Concert" segment to Raw after an eight-year hiatus. He used this platform to playfully mock John Cena, his opponent at WrestleMania XXVIII.
2012: Barack Obama Support (Second Term)
Dwayne Johnson again voted for Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential election.
2012: Seven Bucks Productions Founded
Dwayne Johnson founded his production company, Seven Bucks Productions, in 2012.
2012: Co-founder of Seven Bucks Productions
In 2012, Dwayne Johnson co-founded the entertainment production company Seven Bucks Productions.
2012: The Rock appears on Raw 1000
In 2012, The Rock appeared on Raw 1000, which became the highest-rated Raw episode of the year. His segment with CM Punk and Daniel Bryan was a particular highlight, drawing the highest viewership of the show.
2012: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
The Rock continued his box-office success in 2012 with a starring role in the adventure film "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island."
February 17, 2013: The Rock Retains Championship at Elimination Chamber
On February 17, 2013, at the Elimination Chamber event, The Rock faced CM Punk in a rematch for the WWE Championship. The stipulation for this match stated that if The Rock was disqualified or counted out, he would lose the title. The Rock successfully defeated CM Punk, retaining his championship.
2013: The Hero Premiere
Dwayne Johnson hosted and produced the TNT reality competition series The Hero, which premiered in 2013.
2013: The Rock wins the WWE Championship
Following his victory at the Royal Rumble, where he won the WWE Championship for the first time in over a decade, The Rock's appearance on the following night's Raw resulted in the show's highest rating of the year.
2013: Transition to Sporadic Appearances
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson transitioned from part-time performer to making sporadic appearances in WWE in 2013.
April 2014: WrestleMania XXX Opening Segment
In April 2014, WrestleMania XXX kicked off with a memorable opening segment featuring iconic figures in wrestling: The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Hulk Hogan.
September 2014: Black Adam Casting
Dwayne Johnson was cast as the character Black Adam as early as September 2014, originally intended as the antagonist in the Shazam! film.
2014: Wake Up Call Premiere
Dwayne Johnson hosted another TNT reality series, Wake Up Call, in 2014.
2014: Hercules and Wake Up Call
In 2014, The Rock starred as the titular character in the historical fantasy film "Hercules." He also hosted the TNT reality series "Wake Up Call," assisting individuals facing significant life challenges.
January 25, 2015: The Rock Appears at the Royal Rumble
On January 25, 2015, The Rock made a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble event, aiding Roman Reigns in securing victory by fending off Big Show and Kane. Following Reigns' win, The Rock endorsed him in the ring.
March 29, 2015: The Rock and Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania 31
The Rock, alongside Ronda Rousey, appeared at WrestleMania 31 on March 29, 2015, where they engaged in a confrontation with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. The altercation saw The Rock overpowering Triple H and Rousey prevailing over McMahon.
2015: Ballers Premieres
The HBO comedy-drama series "Ballers", produced by and starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, premiered in 2015.
2015: Furious 7 and San Andreas
The Rock reprised his role as Luke Hobbs in "Furious 7" and starred in the disaster film "San Andreas" in 2015, showcasing his versatility across genres.
March 2016: Project Rock Launch
Dwayne Johnson partnered with Under Armour in March 2016 to launch "Project Rock," a line of fitness apparel and accessories.
April 3, 2016: The Rock's Record-Breaking WrestleMania 32 Appearance
The Rock appeared at WrestleMania 32 on April 3, 2016, marking the event's record-breaking attendance. Interrupted by The Wyatt Family, The Rock engaged in a verbal exchange with Bray Wyatt, leading to an impromptu match with Erick Rowan. The Rock swiftly defeated Rowan, setting a WrestleMania record for the fastest victory. John Cena then returned, assisting The Rock in fending off Wyatt, Rowan, and Braun Strowman.
2016: Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2016, Time named Dwayne Johnson as one of the world's most influential people.
2016: Central Intelligence and Moana
In 2016, The Rock starred in the action-comedy "Central Intelligence" alongside Kevin Hart and lent his voice to the Disney animated film "Moana," voicing the Polynesian demigod Maui.
2016: No Vote in Presidential Election
Dwayne Johnson did not vote in the 2016 presidential election.
2016: YouTube Channel Launch
Dwayne Johnson started his YouTube channel in 2016.
January 2017: Black Adam Film Announced
The development of a film centered around Teth-Adam/Black Adam, a character in the DC Extended Universe, was announced in January 2017, with Dwayne Johnson attached to star.
February 20, 2017: The Rock's Untelevised Raw Appearance
The Rock made an untelevised appearance at Raw on February 20, 2017, after the broadcast concluded. During his appearance, he promoted and filmed a scene for his movie, "Fighting with My Family."
2017: Independent Voter Status
As of 2017, Dwayne Johnson identifies as an independent voter.
2017: Academy Membership
Dwayne Johnson became a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the Actor's Branch in 2017.
2017: Tattoo Modification
In 2017, Dwayne Johnson decided to modify his existing "Brahma bull" tattoo. He had the smaller tattoo on his right arm covered with a larger half-sleeve tattoo of a bull's skull.
2017: The Fate of the Furious, Baywatch, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
The Rock had a busy year in 2017, reprising his role in "The Fate of the Furious," starring in the action-comedy "Baywatch," and taking on the lead role in the adventure film "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle."
September 2018: Hobbs & Shaw Begins Filming
Principal photography for "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" commenced in September 2018, marking another chapter in The Rock's successful film career.
October 2018: John Henry & The Statesmen Teaser Release
The first official teaser trailer for John Henry & The Statesmen, a Netflix exclusive film starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, was released in October 2018.
2018: Rampage and Skyscraper
The Rock continued to dominate the action genre in 2018 with starring roles in the video game adaptation "Rampage" and the action thriller "Skyscraper."
2018: Retrospective Analysis of The Rock's SummerSlam Match
In 2018, ESPN.com published a retrospective review by Sean Coyle analyzing The Rock's 2018 SummerSlam match with Brock Lesnar. Coyle highlighted the shift in fan support towards The Rock, attributing it to his transition towards an acting career.
July 26, 2019: Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw Release
"Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw," starring The Rock and Jason Statham, premiered on July 26, 2019, expanding the Fast & Furious universe.
August 3, 2019: The Rock Announces Retirement from Wrestling
On August 3, 2019, The Rock made the official announcement of his retirement from professional wrestling.
August 18, 2019: Marriage to Lauren Hashian
Dwayne Johnson and Lauren Hashian got married in a ceremony held in Hawaii on August 18, 2019.
September 30, 2019: The Rock to Appear at SmackDown's 20th Anniversary
After weeks of anticipation, The Rock announced on September 30, 2019, his appearance at SmackDown's 20th Anniversary on October 4, 2019, marking his first time back on the show since October 2014 and his first televised appearance since April 2016.
October 4, 2019: The Rock Returns at SmackDown's 20th Anniversary
The Rock returned to SmackDown for its 20th Anniversary on October 4, 2019. He delivered a promo alongside Becky Lynch, which was interrupted by King Corbin. The Rock and Lynch joined forces, attacking Corbin, and celebrated together in the ring.
November 14, 2019: Black Adam Release Date Announcement
On November 14, 2019, Dwayne Johnson announced that the standalone Black Adam film would be released in December 2021.
December 13, 2019: Jumanji: The Next Level Release
The Rock reprised his role as Dr. Smolder Bravestone in "Jumanji: The Next Level," released on December 13, 2019, following the success of its predecessor.
2019: Fighting with My Family Release
In 2019, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson produced and appeared as himself in the comedy-drama Fighting with My Family, based on the life of wrestler Saraya Bevis and her family.
2019: Ballers Ends
The HBO comedy-drama series "Ballers", produced by and starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, ended in 2019.
2019: The Titan Games Premiere
Dwayne Johnson began hosting the NBC competition series The Titan Games in 2019.
2019: Athleticon Announcement
Dwayne Johnson announced his plans to launch a bodybuilding show called "Athleticon" in 2019.
2019: Quiet Retirement from WWE
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson quietly retired from WWE in 2019.
February 2020: Simone Johnson Starts WWE Training
In February 2020, WWE announced that Simone Johnson, daughter of Dwayne Johnson, had begun her training at the WWE Performance Center, marking her as the first fourth-generation wrestler in WWE history.
March 2020: Teremana Tequila Launch
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson launched his tequila brand, Teremana Tequila, in March 2020.
August 2020: XFL Purchase
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, along with partners and investors, purchased the XFL for $15 million in August 2020.
October 2020: Planned Athleticon Debut
Dwayne Johnson's bodybuilding competition, "Athleticon," was originally scheduled to debut in October 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Joe Biden Endorsement and Regret
Dwayne Johnson endorsed Joe Biden for the 2020 presidential election but later expressed regret over his decision, citing "division" as the reason. He chose not to endorse any candidate for the 2024 election.
2020: The King Production Halted
Production on The King, a film about King Kamehameha Kūnuiākea starring Dwayne Johnson, was scheduled to begin in 2020 but was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 2021: Openness to Presidential Run
Dwayne Johnson first publicly acknowledged he would consider a future presidential run if there was enough public demand in February 2021, as reported by USA Today.
March 16, 2021: Fortnite Debut
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made his first appearance as The Foundation in the popular video game Fortnite Battle Royale on March 16, 2021. Although uncredited initially, Johnson hinted at his involvement on social media.
April 12, 2021: Presidential Run Consideration
In an interview on April 12, 2021, Dwayne Johnson expressed his potential interest in a presidential run, stating he would consider it if it was "what the people want." This followed a poll suggesting significant public support for his candidacy.
April 2021: Black Adam Filming Begins
Production on the Black Adam film, starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, began filming in April 2021.
July 30, 2021: Jungle Cruise Release
"Jungle Cruise," starring The Rock and Emily Blunt, premiered on July 30, 2021. The Rock was heavily involved in the film's production, even contributing to the redesign of the Disney theme park ride it's based on.
December 4, 2021: The Foundation Reveal
On December 4, 2021, during the Chapter 2 End Event of Fortnite Battle Royale, it was officially confirmed that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson provided the voice and likeness for The Foundation character.
December 2021: Black Adam Film Release (Original)
Dwayne Johnson announced a December 2021 release date for the standalone Black Adam film on November 14, 2019. However, the actual release date was later shifted to October 2022.
2021: Young Rock Premieres
The autobiographical sitcom "Young Rock", based on Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's life, premiered in 2021.
2021: Celebrating The Rock's Debut
In 2021, WWE celebrated the 25th anniversary of The Rock's debut with a special 25-man Battle Royal at the Survivor Series event. The match was won by Omos.
2021: Young Rock Premiere
Dwayne Johnson's biographical comedy-drama series, Young Rock, premiered on NBC in 2021.
2021: Face Off Collaboration
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was featured on the song "Face Off" from rapper Tech N9ne's 2021 album Asin9ne.
2021: Support for Samoa National Rugby League Team
During the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, Dwayne Johnson publicly expressed his support for the Samoa national rugby league team, especially when they reached the finals for the first time in their history.
May 2022: Simone Johnson's WWE Contract and Ring Name
In May 2022, Dwayne Johnson shared that his daughter, Simone, had officially signed a contract with WWE and revealed her wrestling name would be Ava Raine. She has since been making appearances on WWE's NXT brand.
October 21, 2022: Black Adam Film Release
The Black Adam film, starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, was released on October 21, 2022.
2022: Black Adam
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson joined the DC Extended Universe, playing the title role in "Black Adam", released in 2022.
2022: Planned XFL Relaunch
Dwayne Johnson announced plans to relaunch the XFL in the spring of 2022, although the actual relaunch happened in 2023.
May 2023: Fast X Cameo
Dwayne Johnson reprised his role as Luke Hobbs in a cameo appearance during the mid-credits scene of Fast X, released in May 2023.
May 2023: Fast X Cameo Announcement
Despite not starring in "Fast X," it was announced in May 2023 that The Rock would make a cameo appearance in a post-credits scene, surprising fans of the franchise.
July 2023: Donation to SAG-AFTRA Foundation
In July 2023, Dwayne Johnson made a significant donation to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation amidst the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. This act of generosity was noted as the largest single donation ever received by the foundation from an individual at one time.
September 15, 2023: The Rock Returns to SmackDown
On September 15, 2023, The Rock made a surprise comeback to SmackDown, marking his first televised appearance for WWE since October 4, 2019. During a segment featuring Pat McAfee and Austin Theory, The Rock swiftly took down Theory.
2023: Return to WWE
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson returned to WWE on a part-time basis in 2023.
December 31, 2023: UFL Announcement
On December 31, 2023, the XFL and United States Football League (USFL) announced their merger, forming the United Football League (UFL).
January 1, 2024: The Rock Returns on Raw
The Rock made a return to Raw on January 1, 2024, marking his first live appearance since 2016. He interrupted Jinder Mahal, who had been insulting the crowd, leading to a brawl where The Rock emerged victorious. He then challenged Roman Reigns, referencing him as "the head of the table."
January 23, 2024: TKO Group Holdings and WWE Agreements
Dwayne Johnson joined the board of directors of TKO Group Holdings on January 23, 2024, gaining full ownership of his trademarked name "The Rock" from WWE. He also signed new services and merchandising agreements with WWE.
March 30, 2024: UFL Launch Date
The newly formed United Football League (UFL) is set to commence its inaugural season on March 30, 2024.
2024: No Endorsement in Presidential Election
Dwayne Johnson declined to endorse any candidate for the 2024 presidential election.
2024: Academy Awards Presentation
Dwayne Johnson presented an award alongside musician Bad Bunny at the 2024 Academy Awards.
2024: The Rock's WrestleMania 40 Appearances
Throughout 2024, The Rock was involved in various storylines. He joined Roman Reigns' faction, The Bloodline, debuted a new "Hollywood Rock" persona, and challenged Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40. He received a "People's Championship" from Lonnie Ali during the Hall of Fame ceremony and interfered in the WrestleMania main event between Reigns and Rhodes. The Rock also announced his intention to return for Rhodes after filming his upcoming biopic.