Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Joins Board Of UFC-WWE Merger Owner, TKO Group
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has boosted his already stellar resume. The 51-year-old multihyphenate has joined the Board Of Directors for TKO Group Holdings.
TKO Group Holdings was formed back in September 2023 after Endeavor completed a deal that would merge the WWE and UFC. In conjunction with this announcement, the Fast & Furious actor has also obtained the trademark to “The Rock” which includes “promotional, licensing, and other services” rights in addition to the “intellectual property assignment agreement.” The 10-time world champion was enthused about this opportunity, referring to the road that his elders paved for him to make such a move.
“My grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, and my dad, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson, would’ve never thought this day would come,” Johnson said in a statement. “Which 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. 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.”
This news comes on the same day that the WWE announced a 10-year, $5 billion deal to broadcast Monday Night Raw on Netflix starting in 2025, mere weeks after Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made his grand return to WWE’s flagship show. He appeared in an in-ring talking segment with former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal, which resulted in a brawl. As per usual, The Rock got the upper hand and delivered his legendary finishing move, The People’s Elbow.
After disposing of Mahal, Rocky picked up the microphone and called out his cousin, the current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. The Reigns’ callout has had the internet wrestling community at a fever pitch with the Royal Rumble premium live event taking place this Saturday (Jan. 27) and Wrestlemania coming in April.
In December 2023, news came out that Johnson would star in the upcoming A24 movie The Smashing Machine. The film tells the story of two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion Mark Kerr and the highs and lows of his career including his struggles with addiction.
The Rock will star in 'The Smashing Machine' for A24?
It's written and directed by Benny Safdie and follows the life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr pic.twitter.com/cXYrqSI8KX— Culture Crave ? (@CultureCrave) December 13, 2023
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