Before he was making buzz and creating headlines in the Hollywood realm, Dwayne Johnson was a highly regarded professional wrestler. In a recent Instagram post, the uber-accomplished, multi-talented actor and ex-professional wrestler reflected on his now 20-year-old match with Brock Lesnar. With what can be deemed as a legendary moment in WWE history, The Rock had none but praises for the extraordinary wrestler, who’s known for being the youngest WWE World Champion to date — a title that was crowned upon him following the 2002 SummerSlam match with Johnson.
In his post, Dwayne Johnson also wrote that he “did the honors” of having Lesnar beat him right in the middle of the ring. Owing to this moment, Brock Lesnar became the new face of WWE at the mere age of 25.
Dwayne Johnson and Brock Lesnar Made History
While notable for numerous reasons, the SummerSlam 2002 was a special occasion for both Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Brock Lesnar. For an aspirational WWE debutant like Lesnar, getting to take the title of the Undisputed WWE Champion at such a young age felt like the ushering in of a new era. However, that was not the only significance behind the historic event. Besides being a legendary passing-the-torch endeavor, the SummerSlam was historic for two reasons, according to Dwayne Johnson.
Firstly, Brock Lesnar became the new face of WWE and the rightful holder of the title. Secondly, Dwayne Johnson, while having made several reappearances from 2011 to 2013, retired as a full-time professional wrestler, deciding to shift his focus on his journey to the realms of Hollywood.
In the post, the Black Adam star wrote:
“My contract was up in WWE and I quietly – and GRATEFULLY – retired as a full-time pro wrestler after an incredible (and insanely short) 6-year career.”
It is quite a baffling fact to take in. The legacy of The Rock cannot be denied; in his short pro-wrestling career of 6-years, the man had managed to make history many a time.
Chemistry With Brock Lesnar
In his post, the actor commended Lesnar, who holds titles in all the primary heavyweight championships. Dwayne Johnson remarked on the chemistry he shared with the talented man. Following is what he said:
“I always had great chemistry with Brock as he was one of the greatest pure athletes I’ve ever danced with.”
The two had spent their time together wrestling globally, all across the world for 6 months. In his own words, Johnson said, “Grooming Brock to become WWE Heavyweight Champion.” The match singlehandedly set off The Rock as a somewhat recurring, but fleeting figure in the world of WWE, as he took on to establish himself in Hollywood. At the same time, the event dictated the terms for Brock Lesnar, whose journey as one of the best wrestlers and mixed-martial artists officially began, with no looking back. While he did mark a leave from WWE in 2004, returning only in 2012, his time in UFC started successfully, as he started becoming a household name.
Hence, it can be ascertained that the match meant a lot for the two; both emotionally and career-wise. It was a turn of events that shaped the rest of media and wrestling history.
According to recent rumors and reports, when it comes to Johnson’s return to the WWE, many have speculated and highly anticipated that the actor will square off with Roman Reigns in WrestleMania 39. As for now, nothing is confirmed yet. However, knowing the actor and his love for wrestling — in his words, “I just f’n love wrestling” — perhaps a potential return is not too far off the horizon; dependent on whether or not the actor can take a break from his Hollywood commitments.
As for now, Dwayne Johnson is slated to appear as the frontrunner in the upcoming DCEU film, Black Adam, releasing on 21 October 2022.
Source: Instagram
