World renown superstar
Dwayne Johnson, known as “The Rock,” is well known as a professional wrestler, actor, and businessman. He is celebrated as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. He also eventually became the highest paid actor in Hollywood. In this slideshow, we examine Johnson’s early years in the 90s before he became a world renown superstar.
Multiple high schools
Johnson attended multiple high schools, including President William McKinley High School in Honolulu, Glencliff High School, McGavock High School in Nashville, Tennessee, and Freedom High School in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1990.
Check fraud
At Freedom High School, Johnson experienced difficulties, becoming involved in a culture of conflict and petty crime, leading to multiple arrests for fighting, theft, and check fraud.
Athletic potential
Freedom High School football coach Jody Cwik recognized Johnson’s athletic potential and recruited him to the football team. This helped change his mindset and focus on goals. Johnson also participated in track and field and wrestling during his time at Freedom High School.
Football program
Despite playing only two years of football by his senior year, Johnson received a full athletic scholarship offer from the University of Miami, which was developing into a prominent NCAA Division 1 football program.
Championship team
Johnson played defensive tackle at the University of Miami, contributing to the Miami Hurricanes’ national championship team in 1991.
Defensive tackle
After graduation, Johnson signed with the Calgary Stampeders, transitioning from defensive tackle to linebacker, but was cut two months into the 1995 season.
His real name
Johnson began his professional wrestling career in 1996, securing tryout matches in the WWF, where he initially wrestled under his real name.
WWF debut
Johnson made his WWF debut as Rocky Maivia, a name derived from his father and grandfather, showcasing him as the first third-generation wrestler in the organization.
Became less popular
He won the Intercontinental Championship on February 13, 1997, and had success in his early matches, but faced increasing fan hostility as his character became less popular.
Won his first
The Rock won his first WWF Championship at Survivor Series on November 15 by defeating Mankind in the “Deadly Game” tournament.
Beyond wrestling
Beyond wrestling, the Rock was featured in Wyclef Jean’s 2000 single “It Doesn’t Matter” and its music video, and recorded “Pie” with Slick Rick for WWF The Music, Vol. 5.
Hollywood offers
Johnson made guest appearances on That ’70s Show and Star Trek: Voyager, and hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) for the first time in 2000, which led to increased Hollywood offers.
Numerous accolades
Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including being ranked No. 1 on Entertainment Weekly’s Top 12 Entertainers of the Year in 1999 and Access Hollywood’s Top 10 Celebrities in 2000, as well as appearing on various influential lists from 2000 to 2003.