It’s a title that has turn into nearly synonymous with skilled wrestling however its bearer, Dwayne Johnson, has by no means legally owned “The Rock.”
That may change below a brand new settlement with the WWE below which Johnson may even be part of the board of TKO Group, the sports activities and leisure firm that homes WWE and UFC.
“The Rock” is a reputation is derived from Johnson’s father, WWE Corridor of Famer Rocky Johnson, who was the primary Black champion in WWE historical past (alongside associate Tony Atlas), in line with the WWE.
Johnson, a film and wrestling star, has a enterprise portfolio that features manufacturing firm Seven Bucks Productions, tequila model Teremana Tequila, vitality drink firm ZOA Vitality, Mission Rock attire model and the United Soccer League.
“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,” Johnson stated in a ready assertion. “I’ve been there, I’m still there and this is for them.”
TKO Group Holdings Inc. says Johnson’s board appointment, efficient Tuesday, displays its “commitment to delivering long-term value and strong performance for shareholders through strategic growth initiatives across both UFC and WWE.”
Johnson started his wrestling profession with WWE in 1996. The third-generation wrestler turned well-known for rivalries with wrestlers together with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Triple H and his ending maneuver, The Rock Backside, in line with his biography on WWE’s web site.
He has received eight WWE championships, has a New York Instances bestselling autobiography, “The Rock Says,” and starred in motion pictures together with “Fast X,” “Black Adam,” “Jungle Cruise” and ”Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.”
Johnson has lately appeared on World Wrestling Leisure Inc.’s “Smackdown” and “Raw” tv applications, with rumors swirling that he might compete at this 12 months’s WrestleMania.
“I am thrilled to partner with Dwayne and welcome his immense talent to TKO’s Board,” TKO CEO Ariel Emanuel stated in a ready assertion. “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.”
TKO additionally introduced Tuesday that Brad Keywell will turn into a board member. Keywell has co-founded and led a number of firms, together with Groupon, Echo Global Logistics, MediaOcean, and Uptake Applied sciences, the place he’s at the moment founder and government chairman.
The additions of Johnson and Keywell will improve TKO’s board from 11 to 13 members.
Shares of TKO Group surged almost 10% earlier than the market open.
