Speaking to Joel Madden on Artist Friendly, The Rock reflected on his relationship with his dad, Rocky Johnson.
The former WWE Champion recalled how his father pushed back on the idea of him getting into the wrestling business. He said,
“There was that dynamic of young buck son getting into the business, how is he going to do. I told him, ‘I think I want to do this. I think I have some talent. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll suck, but I feel I have a passion for this.’ He was so adamantly against me getting into pro wrestling. He’s like, ‘You don’t know if you have anything to offer. I don’t want you to live like this. I live in an apartment that I can’t afford in Tampa, Florida for $500 a month. I don’t want this for you.’ We [clashed]. At that time, I didn’t have the emotional tools to realize ‘That’s love, Dad. Thank you, I love you. I still have to make my path.’ I didn’t have that. I was like, ‘What the fuck are you talking about? It’s my life.’ We just [clashed] for a long time. I wish I reconciled. We got into this huge fight Christmas 2019. It was awful, one of the biggest fights we ever got into about some stupid shit. About a month later, he passed away. We weren’t talking. When my dad passed away, I felt like, all the dumb shit we were arguing about, it didn’t matter.”
In a recent interview with Joel Madden on Artist Friendly, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson opened up about his relationship with his late father, Rocky Johnson, and how their differing opinions on his career in professional wrestling caused tension between them.
The former WWE Champion shared that when he expressed his desire to pursue a career in wrestling, his father was initially against the idea. Rocky Johnson, who was also a professional wrestler, was concerned about the challenges and uncertainties that came with the industry. He didn’t want his son to experience the financial struggles he had faced.
Dwayne, however, believed he had the talent and passion for wrestling and wanted to give it a shot. This difference in opinion led to clashes between father and son. The Rock admitted that at the time, he didn’t have the emotional maturity to understand that his father’s concerns were rooted in love and a desire for him to have a better life.
The tension between them escalated, and they had a massive fight during Christmas 2019 over trivial matters. Unfortunately, just a month later, Rocky Johnson passed away. The Rock revealed that they were not on speaking terms when his father died, and it was a heartbreaking realization for him.
Losing his father made Dwayne realize that all the arguments and disagreements they had seemed insignificant in the face of such a profound loss. He regretted not reconciling with his father and resolving their differences before it was too late.
This candid reflection from The Rock highlights the complexities of parent-child relationships and the importance of communication and understanding. It serves as a reminder to cherish our loved ones and not let petty disagreements overshadow the love and bond we share with them.
Dwayne Johnson’s story also showcases the struggles many individuals face when pursuing their dreams against the wishes of their loved ones. It takes courage and determination to follow one’s passion, even when faced with opposition from those closest to us.
The Rock’s successful career in professional wrestling and later in Hollywood is a testament to his talent and perseverance. Despite the initial resistance from his father, he proved himself and became one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s interview sheds light on the complexities of his relationship with his father, Rocky Johnson, and the challenges they faced due to their differing opinions on his career in professional wrestling. It serves as a reminder to value our loved ones and to strive for open communication and understanding in our relationships.