Renowned actor and professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson, widely known as ‘The Rock,’ has recently gained legal rights to his famous moniker through a groundbreaking agreement with WWE. This strategic collaboration also sees Johnson joining the board of TKO Group, a prominent sports and entertainment company housing WWE and UFC.
The iconic name “The Rock” has long been associated with professional wrestling, yet its legal ownership eluded Johnson until this recent accord with WWE. Originating from his father, WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson, the first Black champion in WWE history, the name carries a rich legacy within the wrestling community.
In addition to his stellar wrestling career, Johnson has established a diverse business portfolio, featuring Seven Bucks Productions, Teremana Tequila, ZOA Energy, Project Rock apparel, and the United Football League. Expressing his commitment to global expansion and representing athletes and performers, Johnson emphasized his ongoing dedication to the sports and entertainment industry.
Effectively appointed to the board of TKO Group, Johnson’s role signifies the company’s dedication to delivering long-term value and robust performance for shareholders across UFC and WWE. Having commenced his wrestling journey with WWE in 1996, Johnson’s illustrious career includes eight WWE championships, a bestselling autobiography, “The Rock Says,” and notable roles in blockbuster films such as “Fast X,” “Black Adam,” “Jungle Cruise,” and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.”
Recent appearances on WWE’s “Smackdown” and “Raw” have fueled speculation about Johnson’s participation in WrestleMania, further elevating excitement within the wrestling community. TKO Group’s CEO, Ariel Emanuel, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, citing Johnson’s exceptional track record in content creation and brand building as instrumental in realizing TKO’s ambitions.
In a concurrent announcement, TKO revealed the addition of Brad Keywell to its board. Keywell, a seasoned entrepreneur known for founding and leading companies like Groupon and MediaOcean, will contribute valuable insights to TKO’s strategic initiatives.
The notable expansion of TKO’s board, now comprising 13 members, coincided with a remarkable 20% surge in TKO Group’s shares following the revelation of WWE’s “Raw” moving to Netflix in a significant streaming deal set to take effect next year.
