Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is a third-generation combat sports athlete. His father and grandfather both made a name in the world of pro wrestling. However, Johnson was not too inclined to make it in the same industry. During the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Johnson talked about how he wanted to join boxing much earlier in his life and later he was also looking at MMA.
Johnson and Joe Rogan discussed several topics during an almost three-hour-long JRE #2063. In the final minutes of the podcast, Johnson explained his desire to become a boxer.
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He was a teenager when Mike Tyson faced Michael Spinks on June 27, 1988. Johnson said that before the match, he used to think that he could make it in boxing. He explained how his father had already taught him about boxing. He believed that if he found the right coach and received good training, in the next years, he could become a pro boxer fighting for the title.
Johnson believed at the time that “Everyone’s got a one-punch chance” to KO your opponent and win the match. The Fast & Furious star claimed, “I got a shot” if Spink was still Heavyweight champion when he made it big.
However, his dreams were shattered after Tyson vs Spinks. After watching the match, Johnson believes “There’s no f*cking way” he could make it in boxing while someone like Tyson was there.
Mike Tyson was inspired by Dwayne Johnson’s father Rocky Johnson
Dwayne’s father Rocky Johnson was a famous Canadian professional wrestler. He died at the age of 75 on January 15, 2020. On what would have been Rocky’s 78th birthday on August 24, 20222, Dwayne posted a heartfelt message for his old man on Instagram.
He talked about his father’s achievements and claimed Tyson was inspired by his father. Dwayne revealed he was shocked to know that his father inspired the man who inspired him.
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“Mike Tyson, for example. My boy Mike Tyson told me long time when I first met him. ‘Man, your dad is my inspiration.’ That sh*t blew me away because Mike was my inspiration.”
He added, “I got a lot of love and respect for him. My brother Mike. He was one example of many great athletes who looked at my dad that way and it really illuminated my dad’s work ethic.”
Decades after he ditched boxing and chose pro wrestling, few will argue that it was the wrong choice. The Rock went on to create an unmatched legacy in the WWE and is still a fan favorite.