28 Years After Wrestling Debut, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Officially Owns His Name

His stage name pays homage to his father, WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson, part of the first Black championship-winning duo in WWE history alongside Tony Atlas.

The name “The Rock” has echoed through arenas, movie theaters, and the world of entertainment for decades, but surprisingly, Dwayne Johnson had never legally owned it—until now. According to a recent Time article, Johnson has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) that not only grants him ownership of the legendary moniker, but also welcomes him to the board of TKO Group, the sports and entertainment company encompassing WWE and UFC.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s illustrious wrestling career with WWE began in 1996. Known for memorable rivalries and his finishing maneuver, the Rock Bottom, Johnson has secured eight WWE championships. Beyond wrestling, he has authored a New York Times bestselling autobiography, “The Rock Says,” and ventured into blockbuster movies such as “Fast X,” “Black Adam,” “Jungle Cruise,” and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.”

“I am thrilled to partner with Dwayne and welcome his immense talent to TKO’s Board,” TKO CEO Ariel Emanuel said in a prepared statement. “Dwayne brings an incredible track record of creating content and building globally recognized consumer brands, and he will play a key role in realizing our ambitions for TKO.”

Paired with the announcement of the appointment, Johnson’s recent appearances on “Smackdown” and “Raw” television programs have left fans speculating a Wrestlemania match for the seasoned wrestler. Following the announcement, shares of TKO Group experienced a nearly 10% surge before the market opening.

Cover Photo: The celebrated wrestler and actor formerly played Spencer Strasmore on HBO’s Ballers. / Aaron Davidson / Getty Images