History of Rocky Johnson in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 16, 2025

Rocky Johnson, a Canadian professional wrestler, achieved significant milestones in his career. He held numerous National Wrestling Alliance titles, notably becoming the first Black Georgia Heavyweight Champion and the NWA Television Champion. A historic moment came in 1983 when he and Tony Atlas won the World Tag Team Championship, marking the first time black wrestlers held that title in WWE history. Beyond his wrestling accomplishments, he is known as the father of actor and wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and the grandfather of Simone Johnson.

1919: Birth of Lillian Bowles

Rocky Johnson's mother, Lillian Bowles, was born in 1919.

August 24, 1944: Birth of Rocky Johnson

Rocky Johnson was born Wayde Douglas Bowles on August 24, 1944.

1957: Death of James Henry Bowles

Rocky Johnson's father, James Henry Bowles, passed away in 1957.

1964: Birth of Paula Parsons

Paula Parsons, one of Rocky Johnson's other children, was born in 1964.

1964: Professional Wrestling Debut

Rocky Johnson began his professional wrestling career in 1964 and legally changed his name.

1967: Birth of Trevor Edwards

Trevor Edwards, one of Rocky Johnson's other children, was born in 1967.

1968: Birth of Lisa Purves

Lisa Purves, one of Rocky Johnson's other children, was born in 1968.

1970: Birth of Adrian Bowles and Aaron Fowler

Adrian Bowles and Aaron Fowler, two of Rocky Johnson's other children, were born in 1970.

May 2, 1972: Birth of Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, son of Rocky Johnson and Ata Maivia, was born on May 2, 1972.

December 21, 1978: Marriage to Ata Maivia

Rocky Johnson married Ata Maivia on December 21, 1978.

1982: Notable Feuds

In 1982, Rocky Johnson engaged in feuds with several wrestlers, including Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, Mike Sharpe, Buddy Rose, and Adrian Adonis.

December 10, 1983: Tag Team Championship Victory

On December 10, 1983, Rocky Johnson and Tony Atlas won the Tag Team Championship against the Wild Samoans.

1983: World Tag Team Championship Win

In 1983, Rocky Johnson and Tony Atlas won the World Tag Team Championship, becoming the first black champions in WWE history.

June 1985: Departure from WWF

Rocky Johnson left the WWF in June 1985 and continued wrestling in other territories.

1987: Arrest and Charges

Rocky Johnson was arrested and charged with rape in 1987, leading to his blacklisting from wrestling.

1991: Retirement and Training The Rock

Rocky Johnson retired from professional wrestling in 1991 and began training his son, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

1996: Death of Lillian Bowles

Rocky Johnson's mother, Lillian Bowles, passed away in 1996.

1999: Portrayal in That '70s Show

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson portrayed his father, Rocky Johnson, in a 1999 episode of That '70s Show.

2000: Misconduct Investigation

In 2000, Rocky Johnson was investigated for misconduct, including unwanted groping of female coworkers.

November 29, 2003: Boxing Match Victory

Rocky Johnson defeated Mabel in a boxing match at Memphis Wrestling on November 29, 2003.

2003: Divorce from Ata Maivia

Rocky Johnson and Ata Maivia divorced in 2003.

February 25, 2008: WWE Hall of Fame Announcement

On February 25, 2008, Rocky Johnson and his father-in-law, Peter Maivia, were announced as inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame.

March 29, 2008: WWE Hall of Fame Induction

Rocky Johnson and Peter Maivia were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by The Rock on March 29, 2008.

2008: Hall of Fame Induction Acknowledgement

During his 2008 WWE Hall of Fame induction, Rocky Johnson thanked his children, Curtis and Wanda, from his first marriage.

December 20, 2019: International Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame Board Member

Rocky Johnson joined the board of directors of the International Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame on December 20, 2019.

2019: Autobiography Release and Recall

Rocky Johnson co-wrote his autobiography, "Soulman: The Rocky Johnson Story", which was released in 2019 but later recalled due to payment disputes.

January 15, 2020: Death of Rocky Johnson

Rocky Johnson passed away on January 15, 2020.

2022: Other Children Revealed

In 2022, Sports Illustrated revealed that Rocky Johnson had five other children.

Mentioned in this timeline

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is a globally recognized icon who...

World Wrestling Entertainment WWE is the global leader in professional...

Sports Illustrated SI is an American sports magazine launched in...

That ' s Show is a teen sitcom set in...

Boxing is a combat sport and martial art contested in...