Dwayne Johnson Joins TKO Group Holdings Inc. As Board Of Directors Member
Dwayne Johnson is now on the UFC-WWE Board of Directors.
Johnson is most known for being a WWE legend and is now a Hollywood actor. But his love for the UFC has been there for all to see. He most famously was on hand to give Jorge Masvidal the BMF Title. This was after he knocked out Nate Diaz at UFC 244.
His love for the sport also increased speculation that he could join MMA. His pedigree in WWE showed his skills in combat sports. He has been a 10-time world champion. His most notable achievements include wins at Royal Rumble in 2000 and a WWE Triple Crown champion for the sixth time. Despite this, Johnson never went ahead by joining the UFC.
Johnson On MMA
“PRIDE [a defunct] MMA company just opened up in Japan. I started seeing all these MMA guys going over to PRIDE. At that time, I was making $150,000 dollars wrestling 235 days a year. Do the math on that and how much you’re making per match. We start hearing, ‘These guys in PRIDE are making $250,000, $350,000, $500,000.’ I thought then, ‘F**k, I don’t think I’m going to make it in WWE,” Johnson stated
But now he has the chance to do the next best thing. He has joined the board of directors of TKO Group Holdings Inc. following the merger between the WWE and the UFC.
Reaction
“Very few people on the planet understand the convergence of sports, entertainment, media, and business like ‘The Rock’. We are proud to have him join the TKO board to help take our company to new heights,” Vince McMahon stated
“My grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, and my dad, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson, would’ve never thought this day would come. Which is why I’m very humbled to have a seat at the table that has decades of history and family legacy for me, a table that my family helped to build.
“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 is coming full circle. At my core, I’m a builder who builds for and serves the people, and Ari (Emmanuel) is building something truly game changing
“I’m very motivated to help continue to globally expand our TKO, WWE, and UFC businesses as the worldwide leaders in sports and entertainment — while proudly representing so many phenomenal athletes and performers who show up every day putting in the hard work with their own two hands to make their dreams come true and deliver for our audiences. I’ve been there, I’m still there, and this is for them,” Johnson said
Outside of the UFC, Johnson will also portray the former UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion Mark Kerr. This is in the film ‘The Smashing Machine.’ His acting will focus on Kerr’s problems with narcotics. At the same time, looking at his achievements. If there is anyone who can do the role justice, then it is Johnson.
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