Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has reached a pivotal point in his career. The former professional wrestler, now a prominent Hollywood figure and a social media influencer with a massive following, has been appointed to the board of directors of the TKO Group. This publicly-traded umbrella organization oversees both the UFC and WWE.
In addition to his new board role, Johnson, a former multiple-time WWE champion, has taken full ownership of his iconic ‘The Rock’ name. This name, which has become synonymous with his brand, was previously the intellectual property of the world’s leading professional wrestling organization.
Expressing his thoughts on these developments, Johnson stated in a press release, “Being on the TKO Board of Directors and taking full ownership of my name, ‘The Rock,’ is not only unprecedented but incredibly inspiring as my crazy life is coming full circle.
At my core, I’m a builder who builds for and serves the people, and Ari [Emanuel] is building something truly game-changing.”
He continued, “I’m very motivated to help continue to globally expand our TKO, WWE, and UFC businesses as the worldwide leaders in sports and entertainment — while proudly representing so many phenomenal athletes and performers who show up every day putting in the hard work with their own two hands to make their dreams come true and deliver for our audiences. I’ve been there, I’m still there, and this is for them.”
Following his retirement from active competition in the WWE, Johnson has emerged as one of the most reliable names in the action genre of Hollywood movies.
Simultaneously, he has managed various business interests, including part-ownership of the United Football League, born out of the remains of Vince McMahon’s unsuccessful XFL.
Vince McMahon, his former boss and now a peer, commended Johnson’s suitability for his new role, stating, “Very few people on the planet understand the convergence of sports, entertainment, media, and business-like ‘Rock.’ We are proud to have him join the TKO board to help take our company to new heights.”
For Johnson, this moment holds immense significance for his family, deeply rooted in the history of professional wrestling.
Reflecting on this familial connection, he shared, “My grandfather, ‘High Chief’ Peter Maivia, and my dad, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson, would’ve never thought this day would come. This is why I’m very humbled to have a seat at the table that has decades of history and family legacy for me. A table that my family helped to build.”
