Lasting Legacy of Dwayne Johnson: A Look at the Influence on History

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Dwayne Johnson

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Dwayne Johnson across different fields.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is an American actor, professional wrestler, and businessman. He gained prominence in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during the Attitude Era, becoming one of wrestling's all-time greats. Transitioning to acting, Johnson achieved immense success, becoming one of the highest-grossing and highest-paid actors globally, with his films earning over $14.9 billion worldwide. Beyond entertainment, he is a co-owner of the United Football League, a board member of TKO Group Holdings (UFC & WWE's parent company), and co-founder of Seven Bucks Productions, demonstrating his entrepreneurial ventures.

1982: Grandmother took over Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling

In 1982, Dwayne Johnson's maternal grandmother, Lia, took over Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling after her husband's death.

1983: Father became tag team champion

In 1983, Dwayne Johnson's father and Tony Atlas became the first black tag team champions in WWE history.

1988: Grandmother managed Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling until 1988

Dwayne Johnson's maternal grandmother, Lia, managed Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling until 1988.

1999: WWE's biggest star

In 1999, R. D. Reynolds stated that the Rock was "the biggest star for WWE" from 1999 until 2004, while also being listed as one of the all-time greatest professional wrestlers. Also in 1999, The Rock's "I quit" match with Mankind at the Royal Rumble event is infamous for its brutality and one of the most popular "I quit" match of all times.

2007: "Smackdown" included in dictionaries

In 2007, the term "smackdown", popularized by The Rock, was included in Merriam-Webster dictionaries.

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: Inducted father and grandfather into WWE Hall of Fame

In 2008, Dwayne Johnson inducted his father and grandfather into the WWE Hall of Fame.

2016: Time named him as one of the world's most influential people

In 2016, Time named Dwayne Johnson as one of the world's most influential people.

2019: Time named him as one of the world's most influential people

In 2019, Time named Dwayne Johnson as one of the world's most influential people.

October 2024: Instagram Following

As of October 2024, The Rock's Instagram account is the sixth most-followed in the world, with over 395 million followers.