If you've been keeping an eye on our sister site, TheRingReport.com, then you'll know it's been a wild few days for WWE news. Shortly after the company confirmed plans for a $5+ billion partnership with Netflix, Black Adam star Dwayne Johnson has joined TKO Group's board of directors.
TKO Group is owned by Endeavor and, since Vince McMahon sold WWE, serves as the parent company of that and UFC.
As part of the deal, Johnson has finally secured full ownership of "The Rock" name and trademark. Believe it or not, he hasn't owned the name before now and that's why he's never officially gone by that moniker in Hollywood since leaving WWE to embark on an acting career full-time.
Johnson has remained in good graces with the company, though, and rumour has it he'll square off with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
The Rock and WWE have also signed a new merchandising agreement, so expected to see a great deal more of the Brahma Bull on store shelves moving forward.
"I am thrilled to partner with Dwayne and welcome his immense talent to TKO’s Board," says TKO and Endeavor CEO Ariel Emanuel. "Dwayne brings an incredible track record of creating content and building globally recognized consumer brands, and he will play a key role in realizing our ambitions for TKO."
McMahon added, "Very few people on the planet understand the convergence of sports, entertainment, media, and business like Rock."
Johnson, meanwhile, issued a much lengthier statement revealing what this deal means to him:
"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 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."
Outside of acting and the wrestling ring, The Rock's business portfolio includes Seven Bucks Productions, Teremana Tequila, ZOA Energy, Under Armour, Project Rock, and the XFL (which recently merged with the USFL to become the UFL).
Could this lead to Johnson becoming a regular fixture in WWE? And will he now be known by The Rock for all future acting roles moving forward? We'll have to wait and see!