Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Named to WWE Parent Company’s Board of Directors

Former WWE star and actor Dwayne Johnson was appointed Tuesday to the board of directors for TKO Group, the sports and entertainment company that houses WWE and UFC.

In addition to his appointment, Johnson legally will gain ownership of his famous nickname, “The Rock,” a trademark which previously was owned by WWE. The 51-year-old movie star also signed a services and merchandising agreement with WWE that “provides for his promotional, licensing, and other services,” per a press release.

“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 Tuesday. “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.”

TKO Group Holdings Inc. said Johnson’s board appointment reflects its “commitment to delivering long-term value and strong performance for shareholders through strategic growth initiatives across both UFC and WWE.”

Johnson, who started his wrestling career in 1996, has won eight WWE championships and achieved international acclaim for his fierce rivalries with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Triple H. 

The Fast and Furious star later left the ring for the bright lights of Hollywood, making a few rare appearances on WWE programming in the last five years. However, rumors are circulating that Johnson could compete at this year’s WrestleMania.