Dwayne Johnson has come a long way as an actor in Hollywood. The wrestler-turned-actor is currently one of the highest-paid actors in the film industry and has established himself as a successful actor and producer. However, things were not the same, when he initially joined Hollywood. Followed by several appearances in television shows, The Rock made his theatrical debut with the 2001 film, The Mummy Returns.
After featuring as the Scorpion King in the 2001 film, he was offered the lead role in a spin-off based on the character. While The Scorpion King star was trying to make a name for himself in Hollywood, the host of The Howard Stern Show took the opportunity to challenge him to do so without Vince McMahon.
Howard Stern Believed Dwayne Johnson Needed His Ring Name as an Actor
When Dwayne Johnson joined Howard Stern on his show for the promotion of his 2002 film, The Scorpion King, he claimed that Johnson would probably not succeed with his real name. While discussing Vince McMahon getting credited as the executive producer of the film, the Red Notice star said that it was a deal McMahon had with the studio as he still owned his ring name, The Rock.
When Robin Quivers asked why he couldn’t star as Dwayne Johnson in the film, Stern said, “As Dwayne? Who’s going to go to a Dwayne Johnson movie? I mean, honestly.”
As the Jungle Cruise star tried to explain why he signed the deal with Vince McMahon, the host said, “Vince turns you into his b*tch.” Adding to his remark, Robin Quivers said while laughing, “You have been wrestling under the wrong name.”
The Jumanji star kept his calm and explained that its all business and that he has no issues with the transaction. Fans also appreciated Johnson for his humbleness, even after everyone on the show made the situation uncomfortable for him.
Later when he appeared on The Howard Stern Show in 2004, he shared that he had a conversation with Vince McMahon. Johnson told him that he wanted to own his name and McMahon agreed to it. The Fast & Furious star gladly shared that he owns the rights to his ring name.
Dwayne Johnson Took Acting Lessons For The Scorpion King
During his appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Dwayne Johnson also shared how he prepared for his role in The Scorpion King. Robin Quivers asked him if he took acting lessons for the lead role. The Rampage star agreed as he said, “I did, yeah.”
The Rock shared that he did not want people to criticize his performance and wanted to give his best in the film. He further shared that he took his acting lessons from Larry Moss “who coached Michael Clarke Duncan in Green Mile” and Helen Hunt.
He has also shared that Larry Moss taught him how to “cry on demand.” It’s been 20 years since The Rock got his first leading role in The Scorpion King. He is currently one of the most successful actors in Hollywood and has multiple upcoming projects under his name.
The Scorpion King is available to stream on Netflix.
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Source: The Howard Stern Show
