Hollywood megastar Dwayne Johnson first met Muhammad Ali when he was 6 years old, long before becoming a global superstar. Johnson shares a special connection with the boxing legend and he many a time told that Ali was the one he took inspiration from.
Ali was his boyhood idol who made him believe to dream big and work harder to achieve that dream. Also, Johnson shared in an interview that one little thing from Ali made his day.
That One Emotional Message from Muhammad Ali to Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson was honored with the tribute at the 2021 People’s Choice Awards. The wrestler-turned-actor informed audiences that he does not consider himself the original People’s Champion.
“For those who may know or for those who may not know, the original people’s champion was the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali. I first met Muhammad when I was a little boy and he was so cool to me. He was so kind and he was so funny. He was always wonderful to me.” (Via E! News)
He posted on his Instagram:
“In 1998 the Ali family came to see me wrestle in Louisville, KY and gave me the officially nod from Muhammad himself to carry the “People’s Champ” name proudly. From that defining night in Louisville to last night’s WRESTLEMANIA 30 in New Orleans, I proudly stand The People’s Champ.”
Johnson later asked Ali’s wife for permission to use the title. And she said that Ali told her to tell Johnson to use the moniker.
The Rock’s Heel Gimmick: A Pivotal Moment in His Career
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history. His charisma, athleticism, and microphone skills made him a fan favorite and one of the most successful wrestlers ever.
His heel turn not only saved his wrestling career but also played a crucial role in propelling him to unprecedented fame and success, both inside and outside the squared circle.
After debuting in WWE in 1996 as Rocky Maivia, a third-generation wrestler, Johnson was met with intense negative reactions from the audience. His bland, babyface character failed to connect with fans. He embraced the heel role, shedding the Rocky Maivia persona and becoming the “people’s champion.”
The change in attitude and presentation resonated with the audience, and Johnson quickly became one of the most popular heels in WWE.
Johnson’s heel gimmick was a pivotal moment in his career. It allowed him to break out of his shell and develop his own unique persona. He became one of the most entertaining and charismatic performers in WWE history.
Also Read: Joe Rogan Does Not Completely Believe Dwayne Johnson’s Steroid Story
