Infobox actor

caption = Johnson at a WWE event, 2002.
alias = Rocky Maivia
The Rock
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
birthdate = birth date and age|mf=yes|1972|5|2
birthplace = Hayward, California, U.S.
height = 6' 5" (196 cm)
weight = 265 lbs (120 kg)
yearsactive = 1995–2004 (wrestler)
1999-present (actor)
birthname = Dwayne Douglas Johnson
spouse = Dany Garcia (1997-2007)
baftaawards =
naacpimageawards =
awards =
website =
Dwayne Douglas Johnson [cite web|url=http://www.notablebiographies.com/news/Ge-La/Johnson-Dwayne-The-Rock.html|title=Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Biography|accessdate=2008-04-13|publisher=Notable Biographies] (born May 2, 1972), better known by his former ring name The Rock, and occasionally credited as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, is an American actor and former professional wrestler.[cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/therock/bio/|title=The Rock's WWE Alumni Profile|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-06-04] Johnson was also a collegiate football player, and in 1991, he was part of the University of Miami's national championship team. He later played for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League, but was cut two months into the season.] This led to his decision to become a professional wrestler, like his grandfather, Peter Maivia and his father Rocky Johnson.He gained mainstream fame as a standout in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), then known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), from 1996 to 2004. Johnson was quickly given a push in WWE, first as "Rocky Maivia", and then as "The Rock", a member of the Nation of Domination. Two years after he joined the WWE, Johnson won the WWF Championship, and became one of the most popular wrestlers within the company for his engaging interviews. Since 2001, he has focused on an acting career, though he still makes occasional WWE appearances for promotional purposes.
Johnson was a nine-time world champion in his career, including a record-setting seven-time WWE Champion where he ties current Champion Triple H in most reigns; his last reign was as WWE Undisputed Champion in 2002, and a 2 time WCW Champion. He also won the WWF Intercontinental Championship twice and is a former five-time WWE Tag Team Champion. He also was the winner of the 2000 Royal Rumble.
Johnson is also an actor, with his first leading role in 2001, in "The Scorpion King". For this film, he received the highest salary for an actor in his first starring role, earning $5.5 million. He has since starred in movies such as "Be Cool", "The Game Plan", "Gridiron Gang", "Doom", and "Get Smart".
Biography
Early life
Dwayne Johnson, the son of Ata (née Maivia) and professional wrestler "Soulman" Rocky Johnson, was born in Hayward, California.[cite web|url=http://www.filmreference.com/film/3/Dwayne-Johnson.html|title=Dwayne Johnson Biography (1972-)|accessdate=2008-04-13|publisher=Film Reference] His maternal grandfather, "High Chief" Peter Maivia, was also a professional wrestler. He is of half Black Canadian, half Samoan heritage (his mother is Samoan and his father is a Black Canadian).][cite web|url= http://www.islandconnections.com/edit/dwayne_johnson.htm|title=Dwayne Johnson — How The Rock Transformed from Pro Wrestler to Bankable Movie Star|accessdate=2006-12-29|author=Morgan, Kaya] For a brief period, Johnson lived in Auckland, New Zealand, with his mother's family.] During this time his mother Ata ensured Johnson was exposed to one of the urban Polynesian cultural strongholds of the Southern Hemisphere.[cite web|url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/archive/peoplearchive.php/The_Rock/biog|title=Actors - The Rock|accessdate=2008-04-21|publisher=Monsters&Critics] Johnson attended Richmond Road Primary School before returning to the U.S. with his parents.]He spent 10th grade at President William McKinley High School in Hawaii. As he entered 11th grade, Johnson's father's job required his relocation to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in the state's Lehigh Valley region. He began playing football at Bethlehem's Freedom High School in the highly competitive Lehigh Valley Conference. In addition to playing football at Freedom High School, he also was a member of the high school's track and field and wrestling teams.
Education, football and philanthropy
Johnson received collegiate football scholarship offers from several universities and selected the University of Miami. While the University of Miami football program did not openly recruit Johnson, he entered try-outs as a walk-on for the program and made the team, playing defensive tackle. In 1991, he was part of the Miami Hurricanes' national championship team.[cite web | url = http://www.ncaaticketsnow.com/miami-tickets.asp | title = University of Miami Famous Alumni | accessdate =2006-12-29 | author = Morgan, Kaya] After an injury kept him sidelined, Johnson was replaced by fellow Hurricane and future NFL star Warren Sapp.] Johnson met his future wife, Dany Garcia, who also was attending Miami at the time. Garcia, who graduated from the University of Miami in 1992, is a member of the University of Miami's Board of Trustees,[cite web | url = http://www6.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/1,1770,2593-1;49592-3,00.html | title = University of Miami Receives $2 Million Gift from Alumni Power Couple | accessdate =2006-12-29 | author = University of Miami] and the founder of a Miami-based wealth management firm. The two have remained close to their alma mater, giving a $2 million donation in 2006 to build a living room at the university's alumni center. Johnson graduated from the University of Miami in 1995 with a degree in criminology.] On November 10, 2007 he returned to the Orange Bowl in Miami to participate in the festivities surrounding the University of Miami's last home football game at the stadium.Johnson continued his football career in 1995, joining the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League after being passed over by the NFL, but he was cut two months into the season.[cite web|url=http://calsun.canoe.ca/Sports/Football/2007/09/24/4521230-sun.html|title=Sticking to the Gameplan|accessdate=2007-09-27|last=Baines|first=Tim|publisher=The Calgary Sun] ]In 2006, Johnson started up "The Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation", which is known for its charitable work with at-risk and terminally ill children. [cite web | url = http://www.djrockfoundation.org/about-us/ | title = DJ Rock Foundation: Mission Statement | accessdate=2007-06-04 | date = 2006] On October 2, 2007, Johnson and his wife donated an additional $1 million to the University of Miami to support the university's football facilities renovation; it was noted as the largest donation ever given to the university's athletics department by former students. The University of Miami plans to rename the Hurricanes' locker room in Johnson's honor. [cite news | url=http://www.comcast.net/entertainment/index.jsp?cat=ENTERTAINMENT&fn=/2007/10/02/778132.html | title=`The Rock' Gives $1M to Miami Football | accessdate=2007-10-02 ]
Personal life and politics
Johnson married Dany Garcia on May 3, 1997, a day after his 25th birthday. His best man at the wedding was fellow wrestler and long-time family friend Tonga "Haku" Fifita. Johnson and his wife have a daughter, Simone Alexandra, born August 14, 2001. On June 1, 2007, Johnson and Garcia announced that they would be splitting up after 10 years of marriage. They indicated that their parting was amicable and that they would spend the rest of their lives together as best friends.[cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20041195,00.html|title=Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson & Wife Split Up|author=Julie Jordan|publisher=People.com|accessdate=2007-06-04|date=June 1, 2007] ]In 2000, Johnson delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention. Because his mother, Ata Maivia, had royal blood, Samoan King Malietoa Tanumafili II bestowed Johnson with the noble title of "Seiuli" during his visit to Samoa in July 2004. [cite web|title=The Rock’s Royal Homecoming|url=http://www.pacificmagazine.net/issue/2004/10/01/the-rocks-royal-homecoming|accessdate=2008-05-13|publisher=Pacific Magazine] He is a supporter of the Samoan national rugby team, as the team's website during the run-up to the 2007 Rugby World Cup showed him holding a personalized Manu Samoa jersey with "The Rock" emblazoned on the back. [cite web|url=http://www.manusamoa.com.ws/|title=Manu Samoa|accessdate=2007-12-07]
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
Training and Rocky Maivia (1996)
Infobox Wrestler
name=Dwayne Johnson
names=Flex Kavana
Rocky Maivia
The Rock
real_height=height|ft=6|in=4.5[cite web|url=http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2006/breakingtheice/gridirongang.html|title=An interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson|last=Shoquist|first=Lee|accessdate=2008-04-21|publisher=The Oscar Igloo] ]
real_weight=convert|225|lb|kg|abbr=on
height=height|ft=6|in=5
weight=convert|260|lb|kg|abbr=on
birth_date=birth date and age|mf=yes|1972|5|2[cite web | url = http://www.filmreference.com/film/3/Dwayne-Johnson.html | title = Dwayne Johnson Biography (1972-) | accessdate = 2008-04-13 | publisher = Film Reference] ]
death_date=
birth_place=Hayward, California
resides=Fort Lauderdale, Florida
billed=Miami, Florida
trainer=Rocky Johnson
Pat Patterson
debut=1995
retired=March 14, 2004Along with his father and grandfather, several members of Johnson's family are current and former professional wrestlers, including his uncles, the Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika Anoa'i) and cousins, such as Rikishi, Rosey, and Umaga. When he declared his intention to join the family business, his father resisted, but agreed to train his son himself, warning him that he would not go easy on him. With help from veteran wrestler Pat Patterson, Johnson had several tryout matches with WWE in 1996; he defeated The Brooklyn Brawler at a house show, and lost the others to Chris Candido and Owen Hart. Impressed by his talent and charisma, Johnson was signed to a deal after a short stint for "seasoning" in Jerry Lawler's United States Wrestling Association, where he wrestled under the ring name "Flex Kavana". While there, he won the USWA World Tag Team Championship twice with Bart Sawyer in the summer of 1996.
Johnson made his WWF debut as Rocky Maivia, which combined his father and grandfather's ring names; Johnson was initially reluctant to the idea, but was persuaded to go ahead with the name by Vince McMahon and Jim Ross. [cite book|last=Rock|first=The|coauthors=Layden, Joe|title =The Rock Says...|publisher=Harper Collins Publishers Inc.|date=2000|location=Chapter 10, "Rocky Maivia"|pages=146|isbn=0-06-039298-3] In addition to tacking on the nickname "The Blue Chipper," the WWF played up his connection to his father and grandfather, calling him the company's first third-generation wrestler.
Johnson, who was first portrayed as a clean-cut babyface, was pushed heavily from the start despite his lack of in-ring experience. He debuted at Survivor Series in November 1996 and was the sole survivor, [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1996/results/|title=Survivor Series 1996 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] and he won the Intercontinental Championship from Hunter Hearst Helmsley on "Raw" on February 13, 1997, after only three months in the company. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1997/raw021397|title=WWF Thursday RAW: February 13, 1997|publisher=The Other Arena|accessdate=2008-03-19] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/322532|title=Rocky Maivia's first Intercontinental Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] Fans, however, quickly grew sick of the one-dimensional good guy character, thanks in part to the exploded popularity of Stone Cold Steve Austin.[cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/rock.html|title=The Rock|last=Milner|first=John|accessdate=2008-04-13|publisher=Slam! Sports] As a result, a regular occurrence during Johnson's matches was the fans' angry chants of "Die Rocky Die!" and "Rocky Sucks!"][cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/r/rock.html|title=The Rock Profile|accessdate=2008-04-13|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling] ] Nation of Domination and feuding with DX (1997–1998)
After losing the Intercontinental Championship to Owen Hart on the April 28, 1997 edition of "Raw is War", [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1997/raw042897|title=WWF RAW: April 28, 1997|publisher=The Other Arena|accessdate=2008-03-18] and returning from an injury, Johnson was allowed to turn heel. He joined the Nation of Domination with Faarooq, D'Lo Brown and Kama, using the nickname "'The Rock' Rocky Maivia," which was quickly shortened to just "The Rock."[cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/n/nation-of-domination.html|title=Nation of Domination Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-03-19] During that time, Johnson attacked and insulted the fans in his promos. In sharp contrast to the overly positive persona of Rocky Maivia, The Rock was a charismatic bully, eventually driving out the group leader, Faarooq in February 1998.] The Rock also referred to himself in the third person, starting many sentences with "The Rock says..."Johnson was soon recognized for cutting arguably the best promos in the industry. In his 2000 autobiography, Johnson attributed this skill to his exceptional performance in speech communications classes at Miami, in which he earned "A" grades. At , Austin defeated The Rock in less than six minutes to retain the Intercontinental title. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/inyourhouse19.html|title=In Your House 19: D-Generation X results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-03-19] The following night on "Raw is War", Austin was ordered by Mr. McMahon to forfeit the WWF Intercontinental Championship, which Austin handed over to The Rock before hitting the Stone Cold Stunner on him. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1997/raw120897|title=WWF RAW: December 8, 1997|publisher=The Other Arena|accessdate=2008-03-19] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/322552|title=The Rock's second Intercontinental Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] Rock spent the end of 1997 and the beginning of 1998 feuding with both Austin and Ken Shamrock. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811511/results/|title=Royal Rumble 1998 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm14/results/|title=WrestleMania XIV official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19|]
Johnson next feuded with Faarooq, who was angry at The Rock for usurping his position. The two had a title match at , where Rock retained the Intercontinental belt. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/inyourhouse22.html|title=In Your House 22: Over the Edge 1998 results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-03-19] The Rock then moved into a feud with Triple H and D-Generation X. Nation members fought DX while The Rock fought Triple H over the Intercontinental Championship. They first had a two out of three falls match at Fully Loaded for Rock's title, where Rock retained the belt in controversial fashion. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/inyourhouse23.html|title=In Your House 23: Fully Loaded 1998 results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-03-19] This led to a ladder match at SummerSlam where Rock lost the belt. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1998/results/|title=SummerSlam 1998 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] At , Rock defeated Ken Shamrock and Mankind in a triple threat steel cage match to become the #1 contender to the WWF Championship before feuding with fellow Nation member Mark Henry, effectively disbanding the Nation. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/breakdown98.html|title=In Your House 24: Breakdown 1998 results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/judgementday98.html|title=In Your House 25: Judgment Day 1998 results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-03-19]
The Corporation (1998–1999)
Johnson's popularity as The Rock propelled him to the WWF Championship. The Rock began to conduct many entertaining interviews, and thus he got over with the fans. Fan reaction effectively turned him face, and he began to feud with Mr. McMahon, who said he has a "problem with the people" and thus he should target the "People's Champion" (as The Rock claimed himself to be). A double-turn occurred at Survivor Series, when The Rock defeated the then-heel Mankind in the finals of the "Deadly Game" tournament for the vacant WWF Championship,[cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1998/mainevent/|title=The Rock def. Mankind to become new WWE Champion|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] to become the first world heavyweight champion of African American descent in WWF history and the youngest WWF Champion at the time. At the end of the match, The Rock applied a Sharpshooter on Mankind. As he did this, McMahon called for the bell to be rung and then ordered for The Rock to be declared the winner.][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/3044541401|title=The Rock's first WWE Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] ]With the plan coming to fruition, The Rock turned heel again and sided with Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon as the crown jewel of The Corporation stable. This was also a start of a double turn, as Mankind was kicked out of The Corporation and made a face turn.[cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/c/corporation.html|title=The Corporation Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-03-19] Later, The Rock had his own pay-per view where he had a rematch against Mankind for the WWF Championship. Mankind won by submission but Mr. McMahon said that since The Rock did not tap out that The Rock would retain his title. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/rockbottom98.html|title=In Your House 26: Rock Bottom results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-03-19] ] The Rock began a feud with Mankind over the WWF Championship, during which the title changed hands back and forth between the two, first during the main event of the January 4, 1999 edition of "Raw is War", when Mankind defeated The Rock with the help of Stone Cold Steve Austin. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw010499|title=Monday Night RAW: January 4, 1999|publisher=The Other Arena|accessdate=2008-03-19] The Rock captured his second WWF Championship in an "I Quit" Match at Royal Rumble in early 1999, [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881143/results/|title=Royal Rumble 1999 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/3044541412|title=The Rock's second WWE Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] when a pre-recorded sample of Mankind saying "I quit" from an interview segment was played over the sound system. This latest reign did not last long, however. In a match that counter-programmed the Super Bowl halftime show on January 31, 1999, Mankind pinned The Rock using a forklift in an Empty Arena Match where the competitors used everything from bags of popcorn to garbage to punish each other. [cite web|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/99.htm|title=WWF results, 1999|publisher=Angelfire|accessdate=2008-03-19] This feud lasted until February 15 edition of "Raw is War", where The Rock won his third WWF Championship in a ladder match after The Big Show chokeslammed Mankind off a ladder. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw021599|title=Monday Night RAW: February 15, 1999|publisher=The Other Arena|accessdate=2008-03-19] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/30445414121|title=The Rock's third WWE Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] With Mankind out of the way, The Rock had to defend his WWF Championship at WrestleMania XV, but lost the belt to Austin. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm15/mainevent/|title=Stone Cold vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] Rock lost the title rematch to Austin at . [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash1999/mainevent/|title=WWE Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin def. The Rock|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] WWF fans began to cheer The Rock despite him being a heel, due to his comedic interviews, promos and segments which mocked wrestlers and announcers and made him popular to the fans. Rock eventually made his second face turn after being betrayed by Shane McMahon and established a feud with The Undertaker, Triple H and the Corporate Ministry. During this feud, he sometimes found himself fighting alongside Steve Austin. Rock defeated Triple H at Over the Edge before losing to WWF Champion Undertaker at King of the Ring. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/overtheedge99.html|title=Over the Edge 1999 results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-03-19] [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/kingofthering99.html|title=King of the Ring 1999 results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-03-19] He continued his rivalry with Triple H, after losing to him in a #1 contender's match at Fully Loaded. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/fullyloaded99.html|title=Fully Loaded 1999 results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-03-19]
The Rock 'n' Sock Connection (1999)
Later on, still as a face, besides feuding with Triple H, The Rock also feuded with Mr. Ass over the summer of 1999, including a "Kiss My Ass" match at SummerSlam. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1999/results/|title=SummerSlam 1999 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] In the fall of the same year, The Rock found himself in several singles and tag championship opportunities. He teamed with former enemy Mankind to create the Rock 'n' Sock Connection, after The Rock challenged the team of The Undertaker and The Big Show, which led to Mankind offering his help.[cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/_1999/|title=WWE RAW RESULTS - August 30, 1999|date=1999-08-30|accessdate=2008-05-04|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling] The Rock accepted, and they went on to win the WWF Tag Team Championship three times.][cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/r/rocknsock.html|title=Rock 'n' Sock Connection Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-03-19] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132135|title=Rock 'n' Sock Connection's first World Tag Team Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-03-19] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321116|title=Rock 'n' Sock Connection's third World Tag Team Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-03-19] Aside from the championships, the team was regarded as one of the most entertaining teams in history, as Mankind imitated The Rock, who ignored Mankind, with both wrestlers having support from the crowd. The team was also involved in a segment which occurred on "Raw is War" called "This Is Your Life," in which Mankind brought out people from The Rock's past, such as his high school girlfriend and gym teacher. The segment earned an 8.4 Nielsen rating and is, to this day, one of the single highest rated segments in terms of viewership in "Raw" history. [cite web |url=http://slashwrestling.com/raw/990927.html |title=Slashwrestling RAW report - with ratings |accessdate=2007-01-13 |author=Christopher Robin Zimmerman] ] Feuds for the WWF Championship (2000–2001)
At Royal Rumble in early 2000, The Rock entered in the Royal Rumble match and lasted until he and The Big Show were the final two men. In the final moment of the match, The Big Show was seemingly going to dump The Rock over the top rope in a running powerslam-like position, but when they got to the apron The Rock reversed the throw, sending the Big Show to the outside floor and then came back up. [cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811411/mainevent/|title=The Rock (No. 24) wins the Royal Rumble Match|accessdate=2008-03-20 |publisher=WWE] The Rock's feet, however, hit the floor first, although those watching the event did not see that. The Big Show attempted to prove that The Rock's feet, not his, touched the ground first. He provided video footage showing that he was the rightful winner. Despite that, the decision that The Rock had won the Rumble match could not be reversed, so a number one contender's match for the WWF Championship at No Way Out was held, which saw the Big Show come out on top after Shane McMahon interfered, knocking The Rock in the head with a steel chair as he attempted to finish off his opponent with a People's Elbow. [cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2000/results/|title=No Way Out 2000 official results|accessdate=2008-03-20 |publisher=WWE] The Rock later defeated The Big Show on March 13, 2000 edition of "Raw is War" to regain the right to face the WWF Champion, Triple H, at WrestleMania 2000 in a Fatal Four-Way Elimination match where The Big Show and Mick Foley competed, as well.[cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/_2000/|title=Raw 2000 results|accessdate=2008-03-20 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling] ][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm16/results/|title=WrestleMania 2000 official results|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher=WWE] Each competitor had a McMahon in their corner; for Triple H, his on-screen wife and then off-screen girlfriend Stephanie McMahon; for Mick Foley, the matriarch Linda McMahon; for The Rock, Vince McMahon; and in Big Show's corner, Shane McMahon.][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm16/mainevent/|title=Triple H w/ Stephanie McMahon vs. Mick Foley w/ Linda McMahon vs. Big Show w/ Shane McMahon vs. The Rock w/ Mr. McMahon|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher=WWE] Triple H retained the title when Vince turned on The Rock, giving him two chair shots, allowing Triple H to pin The Rock for the three-count.][cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/wrestlemania2000.html|title=WrestleMania 2000 results|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] ]Over the next couple of months The Rock feuded with Triple H over the WWF Championship. A month after the match at WrestleMania 2000, The Rock had a rematch with Triple H at Backlash in which The Rock won his fourth WWF Championship, after Stone Cold Steve Austin made a brief return and intervened on The Rock's behalf.[cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2000/mainevent/|title=The Rock defeats Triple H to become new WWE Champion|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher=WWE] ] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454141111|title=The Rock's fourth WWE Championship reign|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] Later, at Judgment Day, the two had an Iron Man match with Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee, that saw The Undertaker return.[cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2000/mainevent/|title=The Rock vs. Triple H in a 60-Minute WWE Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher=WWE] The Rock got disqualified and lost the title, as a result of The Undertaker attacking Triple H.] The following night on "Raw is War", The Rock got his revenge, taking out the entire McMahon-Helmsley Faction with the help of The Undertaker.[cite web|url=http://www.lordsofpain.net/reports/raw/raw5-22-00.html|title=Raw results - May 22, 2000|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher=Lords of Pain] He later won his fifth WWF Championship at King of the Ring in a tag team match, which saw him team up with Kane and The Undertaker to fight Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon and Triple H.][cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/kingofthering00.html|title=King of the Ring 2000 results|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454140|title=The Rock's fifth WWE Championship reign|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] He successfully defended the championship against superstars such as Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle, Triple H, Kane, The Undertaker, and Shane McMahon.][cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/r/rock.html|title=The Rock Profile|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] ][cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/fullyloaded00.html|title=Fully Loaded 2000 results|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] ][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2000/mainevent/|title=The Rock vs. Triple H vs. Kurt Angle in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] ]The Rock later lost the WWF Championship to Angle at No Mercy in October.[cite web|url=|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2000/mainevent/|title=The Rock vs. Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] During this time, he feuded with Rikishi and defeated him at Survivor Series.][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2000/results/|title=Survivor Series 2000 official results|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher=WWE] He also participated in a six-man Hell in a Cell match at Armageddon for the WWF Championship, in which Kurt Angle retained the title.][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/2000/mainevent/|title=Six-Man Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE Championship|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] Around that same time, Rock held the WWF Tag Team Championship with The Undertaker and the duo exchanged the titles with Edge and Christian.][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132112212|title=Undertaker and Rock's first World Tag Team Championship reign|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] ]In 2001, The Rock continued his feud with Angle over the WWF Championship and eventually settled it at No Way Out. After a battle that saw both wrestlers kick out of each other's finishers, The Rock finally came out on top and regained the WWF Championship.[cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2001/mainevent/|title=Kurt Angle vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454141121|title=The Rock's sixth WWE Championship reign|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] Afterwards, he feuded with the Royal Rumble winner, Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Rock went into WrestleMania X-Seven as the WWF Champion, but he was defeated after a shocking heel turn from Austin, who used Mr. McMahon to win the title.][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm17/mainevent/|title=Stone Cold vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] During a Steel Cage match with Austin in a rematch for the WWF title on the following night's "Raw is War", Triple H came down to the ring with a sledgehammer. Many thought he was coming to aid The Rock, due to the hatred between Austin and Triple H (and an argument with Vince earlier in the night), but it transpired that he had joined the Austin/McMahon partnership by hitting The Rock instead. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2001/raw040201|title=WWF Raw: April 2, 2001|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=The Other Arena] Austin and Triple H became a Tag Team and called themselves "The Two-Man Power Trip." [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/p/power-trip.html|title=The Power Trip Profile|accessdate=2008-04-13|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling] Rock went on to film the movie "The Mummy Returns" after a storyline suspension.] The Invasion and the return back from Hollywood (2001–2002)
He returned in late July 2001 and had to decide if he wanted to join the WWF or The Alliance during The Invasion, eventually siding with the WWF. At SummerSlam, The Rock defeated Booker T to win the WCW Championship.[cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2001/mainevent/|title=The Rock vs. Booker T w/Shane McMahon for the WCW Championship|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/304454110223|title=The Rock's first WCW Championship reign|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] He lost the WCW title to Chris Jericho, with whom he won the WWF Tag Team Championship around the same time, at No Mercy.][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2001/results/|title=No Mercy 2001 official results|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321134|title=Chris Jericho and The Rock's first World Tag Team Championship reign|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] ]Rock defeated Jericho on November 5 edition of "Raw is War" for his second WCW Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411028|title=The Rock's second WCW Championship reign|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] The Rock ultimately decided to join the WWF in its battle against The Alliance and was involved in a "Winner Takes All" match at Survivor Series, which saw him end up one on one with Steve Austin. The Rock seemed to be superior than Austin, until Chris Jericho, who was also a member of team WWF and was eliminated a few minutes before that point, came inside the ring and attacked The Rock. Austin took advantage of that and tried to defeat The Rock, but Kurt Angle, a supposed teammate of Austin, proved out to be a mole planted by Vince McMahon and hit Austin in the head with a title belt, allowing The Rock to eliminate him, destroying The Alliance once and for all.[cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2001/mainevent/|title=The Rock, Chris Jericho, Big Show, Kane & Undertaker def. Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, Shane McMahon, Booker T & Rob Van Dam; Sole Survivor: The Rock|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] The Rock closed out the year losing the WCW Championship to Chris Jericho at Vengeance as Jericho became the Undisputed WWF Champion.][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2001/results/|title=Vengeance 2001 official results|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] ]In early 2002, Rock feuded with Jericho and challenged him for the Undisputed Championship at Royal Rumble, but lost the match.[cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811413/results/|title=Royal Rumble 2002 official results|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] After losing to Jericho, Rock engaged in feuds and wrestled the likes of The Undertaker at No Way Out and Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X8.][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2002/results/|title=No Way Out 2002 official results|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE|quote=The Rock def. Undertaker] ][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm18/results/|title=WrestleMania X8 official results|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] On July 21, The Rock won his record-breaking seventh and final WWE Championship, which was then under the name "WWE Undisputed Championship".][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454141122|title=The Rock's seventh WWE Championship reign|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] He defeated Kurt Angle and The Undertaker in a match at Vengeance, after he hit the Rock Bottom on Angle.][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2002/mainevent/|title=The Rock defeats Undertaker and Kurt Angle in a Triple Threat Match to become WWE Champion|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] The Rock successfully defended the title at "Global Warning" against Triple H and Brock Lesnar by pinning Triple H, who then saved The Rock after Lesnar tried to ambush him after the match. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/liveevent/020810s.html|title=Global Warming results|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] Johnson finally dropped the WWE Undisputed Championship to Lesnar at SummerSlam, ending his final championship reign.][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2002/mainevent/|title=Brock Lesnar w/Paul Heyman vs. The Rock for the Undisputed Championship|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] ] Final heel turn (2003)
The Rock's last heel turn began on "SmackDown!" in January 2003, where he publicly criticized Hulk Hogan. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030130.html|title=WWE SMACKDOWN! RESULTS - January 30, 2003|date=2003-01-30|accessdate=2008-05-02|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling] Their WrestleMania X8 rematch at No Way Out ended with The Rock claiming victory again, with assistance from Vince McMahon and Sylvain Grenier.[cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2003/mainevent/|title=The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] The Rock later drafted himself to "Raw" and started a feud with The Hurricane and other babyfaces. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030224.html|title=WWE RAW RESULTS - February 24, 2003|date=2003-02-24|accessdate=2008-05-02|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling] He also had a comical gimmick, where he played the guitar and sang songs mocking the host city for the event, which culminated in a "Rock concert" that took place during the main event of the March 24, 2003 edition of "Raw", where The Rock mocked host city Sacramento because of the Sacramento Kings' inability to beat the Los Angeles Lakers.] After putting down the city of Sacramento and singing about how he intended to leave as soon as possible, he concluded the song with, "I'll be sure to come back when the Lakers beat the Kings in May!".[cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030324.html|title=RAW results - March 24, 2003|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] ]When Stone Cold Steve Austin returned, they once again feuded, and The Rock defeated Austin at WrestleMania XIX, which was Austin's last major appearance in a wrestling role.[cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm19/results/|title=WrestleMania XIX official results|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] The Rock then had a feud with former WCW star Bill Goldberg, to whom Rock lost at Backlash.][cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2003/mainevent/|title=Goldberg defeats The Rock|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] The Rock then turned face once more by engaging in a one night feud against Chris Jericho and then-heel, Christian.][cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030602.html|title=WWE RAW RESULTS - June 2, 2003|accessdate=2008-05-02|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling] During his previous heel turn, he had declared Christian as his favorite wrestler, leading Christian to begin calling himself the "new people's champion" and referring to his fans as "his peeps."][ [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030407.html|title=WWE RAW RESULTS - April 7, 2003|date=2004-04-07|accessdate=2008-05-02|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling] ] Sporadic appearances (2004–2008)
The Rock made occasional wrestling appearances up to 2004's WrestleMania XX, when the storyline revolving around Mick Foley had him brought back to help in his feud with Evolution (Ric Flair, Randy Orton and Batista). One humorous in-ring segment involved The Rock hosting his own version of "This Is Your Life" for Foley on the March 8, 2004 edition of "Raw". [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040308.html|title=RAW results - March 8, 2004|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] Rock reunited with Foley after five years, as Rock 'n' Sock Connection and the duo went on to lose to Orton, Flair and Batista at WrestleMania XX in a handicap match when Orton pinned Foley with a RKO.[cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/results/|title=WrestleMania XX official results|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] As of 2008, this was Rock's last match.]He made sporadic appearances in WWE following WrestleMania, including standing up for Eugene, making a cameo appearance in his home-town of Miami and helping Foley turn back La Résistance. He hosted a "Pie-Eating Contest" during the Diva Search 2004 and ended the segment by giving Jonathan Coachman a Rock Bottom and a People's Elbow. After this appearance, Johnson reported in several interviews that he was no longer under contract with WWE. He also reported that the reason he was able to continue using the name "The Rock" was part of a dual ownership between him and WWE. [cite web|url=http://www.rootzoo.com/articles/view/3277/|title=The Great One,The Rock-A Biography|date=2008-03-30|accessdate=2008-04-13|publisher=RootZoo.com] [cite web|url=http://dwaynejohnson.humanarchives.org/|title=Dwayne Douglas Johnson|accessdate=2008-04-13|publisher=Human Archives.org]
On March 12, 2007, The Rock made an appearance on WWE after a near three year absence, appearing on "Raw" via a pre-taped segment on the titantron. He correctly "predicted" that Bobby Lashley would defeat Umaga at WrestleMania 23 in Donald Trump and Vince McMahon's "Battle of the Billionaires" match. [cite web|first=Noah|last=Starr|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03122007/|title=Billion dollar burn|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE]
On March 29, 2008, The Rock inducted his father, Rocky Johnson, and his grandfather, Peter Maivia into the WWE Hall of Fame. During his induction speech he roasted WWE superstars such as Santino Marella, John Cena, Chris Jericho, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/articles/rockathof|title=Johnson Family Reunion|publisher=WWE|date=2008-02-25]
In wrestling
*Finishing and signature moves
**Diving crossbody – 1996–1997
**"People's Elbow" / "Corporate Elbow" (Feint leg drop transitioned into an high-impact elbow drop to the chest, with theatrics)
**"Rock Bottom" (Lifting side slam)
**Shoulderbreaker – Used as a finisher from 1996–1997; Used as a regular move from 1997–2003
**Arm wrench inside cradle pin
**Double leg takedown spinebuster
**Float–over DDT
**Flowing snap DDT, occasionally preceded by an arm twist
**Kip–up
**Overhead belly to belly suplex
**Running swinging neckbreaker
**Running thrust lariat
**Samoan drop
**Scoop slam
**Sharpshooter, often transitioned from a dragon screw legwhip, a double leg takedown or a "People's Spinebuster" – Used as a tribute to Owen Hart
**Three or four punches followed into a hand–spitting motion or theatrics finished with another, more powerful punch or a slap, which typically levels the opponent or knocks them out of the ring
*Managers
**Debra
**Vince McMahon
**Shane McMahon
*Nicknames
**The People's Champion[cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/ruggedroadstomania/roadstomania2|title=Rock of Ages|last=McAvennie|first=Mike|accessdate=2008-06-10|date=2007-03-29|publisher=WWE] ]
**The Brahma Bull
**The Corporate Champion[cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/raw15/exclusives/raw15guests/|title=Raw's Returning Superstars: Are They Friend or Foe for Mr. McMahon?|accessdate=2008-06-10|publisher=WWE] ]
**The Great One
**The Most Electrifying Man In Sports Entertainment
**Rocky [cite book|title=Wrestling's Sinking Ship: What Happens To An Industry Without Competition|last=Hamilton|first=Ian|year=2006|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=1411612108|pages=pp. 39] *Entrance themes
**"Destiny" by Jim Johnston (1996–1997)
**"Know Your Role" by Jim Johnston (1999–2001, 2004–present)
**"If Ya Smell..." by Jim Johnston (2001–February 2003)
Relatives in wrestling
Championships and accomplishments
*Pro Wrestling Illustrated
**PWI Match of the Year (1999) vs. Mankind at Royal Rumble[cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimoty.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Match of the Year|accessdate=2008-05-12|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive] ]
**PWI Match of the Year (2002) vs. Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X-8
**PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1999, 2000)[cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimpoty.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Most Popular Wrestler of the Year|accessdate=2008-05-12|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive] ]
**PWI Wrestler of the Year (2000) [cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiwoty.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Wrestler of the Year|accessdate=2008-05-12|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive]
**PWI ranked him #2 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 2000 [cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50000.htm|title= Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2000|accessdate=2008-05-12|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive] *United States Wrestling Association
**USWA World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Bart Sawyer[cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttuswa.html|title=USWA World Tag Team Title History|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=Solie's Title Histories] ]*World Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Entertainment
**WCW Championship (2 times)1 [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/|title=WCW Championship official title history|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE]
**WWF/E Championship (7 times)² [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/|title=WWE Championship official title history|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE] (Tied for most reigns)
**WWF Intercontinental Championship (2 times) [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/|title=WWE Intercontinental Championship official title history|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE]
**WWF Tag Team Championship (5 times) – with Mankind (3), The Undertaker (1), and Chris Jericho (1) [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/|title=World Tag Team Championship official title history|accessdate=2008-03-21|publisher=WWE]
**Royal Rumble (2000)
**Sixth Triple Crown Champion1Won during The Invasion ²Final reign was as WWE Undisputed Champion
*Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
**Most Improved (1998)
**Best Gimmick (1999)
**Best on Interviews (1999, 2000)
**Most Charismatic (1999–2002)
**Best Box Office Draw (2000)
**Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2007)
Television and movie career
The success of Johnson's in-ring character allowed him to cross over into mainstream popularity, and he appeared on Wyclef Jean's 2000 single "It Doesn't Matter" and the accompanying video. [cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429153/20000607/fugees.jhtml|title=Wyclef, The Rock Shoot "It Doesn't Matter" Video|date=2000-06-07|last=Nazareth|first=Errol|accessdate=2008-04-22|publisher=MTV.com] [cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_3_2/ai_65858896?tag=artBody;col1|title=Rock On|date=October 2000|accessdate=2008-07-17|publisher=Wrestling Digest] That same year, he hosted "Saturday Night Live".[cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_5_2/ai_68951382?tag=artBody;col1|title=7 Superstars Shining Brightly|first=Anderson|last=Steve|publisher=Wrestling Digest|accessdate=2008-07-17|date=February 2001] Fellow wrestlers Triple H, The Big Show, and Mick Foley appeared on the show.][cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2000/2000_03_21.jsp|title=What 'The Rock' Is Cooking|date=2000-05-21|accessdate=2008-07-21|publisher=WWE Corporate] According to Johnson, it was due to the success of that episode that he began receiving offers from Hollywood studios. [cite web|url=http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=17317|title=Chat with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson!|accessdate=2008-04-22|publisher=ESPN] ]He filmed guest roles on "" and "That '70s Show" where he played his father, Rocky Johnson. His motion picture debut was a brief appearance as The Scorpion King in the opening of "The Mummy Returns".[ The film's financial success led to his first leading role starring in the follow-up, "The Scorpion King".] He was considered for the lead in a feature-length "Johnny Bravo" film, but it was canceled during production.Since his last WWE match in 2004, he has quit wrestling and focused solely on acting.[cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=100&objectid=10401278|publisher=New Zealand Herald|title='The Rock' rules out return to wrestling|author=Reuters|accessdate=2007-06-04|date=September 14, 2006] He also continued to make television appearances, including Disney Channel's hit show "Cory in the House", in the episode entitled “Never The Dwayne Shall Meet.” [cite web|title=The Rock Drops By ‘Cory in the House’|publisher=Disney Fan Club|url= http://www.disneyfanclub.org/blog/disney-shows/the-rock-drops-by-cory-in-the-house|accessdate=2008-02-10] Though Johnson is no longer active with WWE, the company continues to sell "The Rock" merchandise, and Johnson continues to be featured prominently in the opening montages of their television programming.] The Rock has continued to show a multitude of his acting/talent skills including movie roles like the cocky famous football player Joe Kingman in "The Game Plan", and in "Get Smart" where he played Agent 23.Johnson was featured in the 2007 "Guinness Book of World Records" for having the highest salary as an actor in his first starring role, receiving $5.5 million. [cite web|title=Dwayne Johnson Biography|publisher=Movies.com|url=http://movies.go.com/dwayne-johnson/b737668|accessdate=2007-11-05] [cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Top+25+Hollywood+moneymakers:+these+black+powerhouses+generate+the...-a0175876346|title=Top 25 Hollywood moneymakers: these black powerhouses generate the most green in Tinseltown.|accessdate=2008-04-22|publisher=The Free Library] He appeared at the 80th Academy Awards on February 24, 2008 as a presenter for the Best Visual Effects award. [cite web|url=http://www.digitalhit.com/academy/80/winners.shtml|title=80th Annual Academy Awards® Results & Commentary|accessdate=2008-04-22|publisher=DigitalHit.com|quote=Dwayne Johnson a.k.a. The Rock, presents Visual Effects] He was nominated for Favorite Movie Actor at Nickelodeon's 2008 Kids' Choice Awards for his role in "The Game Plan", but lost out to Johnny Depp, who won for his performance in "". [cite web|url=http://www.nickkcapress.com/2008KCA/nominees.php|title=2008 Host & Nominees Release|accessdate=2008-04-22|publisher=Nickelodeon] [cite web|url=http://www.nickkcapress.com/2008KCA/winners.php|title=2008 KCA Winners Release|date=2008-01-04|accessdate=2008-05-28|publisher=Nicklodeon]
Filmography
Notes
External links
* [http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/therock/bio/ WWE Alumni Profile]
*
Persondata
NAME= The Rock
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Dwayne Douglas Johnson
SHORT DESCRIPTION=
DATE OF BIRTH=1972-5-2
PLACE OF BIRTH=Hayward, California, USA
DATE OF DEATH=
PLACE OF DEATH=