‘The Rock’ appointed to UFC, WWE’s TKO Group board of directors،
“The Rock” is going to need some new custom suits for his well-muscled 6-foot-5 frame.
Dwayne Johnson, the actor, former WWE star and most followed American on social media platforms in the world, was named Tuesday to the board of directors of TKO Group, the publicly traded company made up of the UFC and of WWE.
Johnson is one of WWE's most well-known wrestlers, winning the promotion's championship eight times.
In addition to his appointment, Johnson, 51, was granted full ownership of “The Rock” brand, which was previously owned by WWE. And Johnson signed a new services and merchandising agreement with WWE “which provides for his promotional, licensing and other services,” according to a statement.
“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 comes full circle,” Johnson said in a press release. “At heart, I am a builder who builds for and serves the people, and [TKO CEO] Ari [Emanuel] builds something truly game-changing.
“I am very excited to continue to grow our TKO, WWE and UFC businesses globally as global leaders in sports and entertainment – while proudly representing so many phenomenal athletes and performers who show up every day to work hard with both hands to achieve their dreams and deliver them to our audience. I have been there, I am still here and this is for them.
Earlier this month, Johnson teased a potential match with his cousin, WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, during an appearance on WWE Raw. The match could take place at WrestleMania 40 in April. If this comes to fruition, it would be Johnson's first real wrestling match since 2013.
Since his time in WWE, he's been busy, whether with his television and film studio Seven Bucks Productions or Teremana Tequila or Zoa Energy or Project Rock, the Under Armor clothing line that has a deal with the UFC for Fighters Fight Week. shoe. Johnson is also a partner in the recently merged United Football League.
Despite all his ventures, Johnson remained connected to TKO properties. He'll play MMA legend and UFC veteran Mark Kerr in an upcoming film, and he's an avid UFC fan (Johnson is a longtime friend of WWE Chairman Nick Khan). Nahnatchka Khan, Nick's sister, was the creator and executive producer of Johnson's show “Young Rock.”
“Very few people on the planet understand the convergence of sports, entertainment, media and business like 'Rock,'” TKO Executive Chairman Vince McMahon said in a statement. “We are proud to have him join the TKO Board of Directors to help us take our company to new heights.”
The name “The Rock” comes from Johnson's original WWE name, Rocky Maivia, which was a tribute to his family. Johnson is a third-generation professional wrestler. His grandfather was “Big Chief” Peter Maivia and his father was Rocky Johnson, who was the first black champion in WWE history (winning the tag team titles with Tony Atlas). Both are in the WWE Hall of Fame.
“My grandfather, ‘Great Chief’ Peter Maivia, and my father, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson, never thought this day would come,” Johnson said in a statement. “That's why I'm so honored to have a seat at this table that carries for me decades of family history and heritage. A table that my family helped build.”
TKO Group's board of directors will grow to 13 people with the appointment of Johnson and Brad Keywell, CEO of artificial intelligence company Uptake Technologies.
