[ad_1]
It’s a title that has turn into nearly synonymous with skilled wrestling however its bearer, Dwayne Johnson, has by no means legally owned “The Rock.”
That can change beneath a brand new settlement with the WWE beneath which Johnson may even be part of the board of TKO Group, the sports activities and leisure firm that homes WWE and UFC.
“The Rock” is a reputation is derived from Johnson’s father, WWE Corridor of Famer Rocky Johnson, who was the primary Black champion in WWE historical past (alongside associate Tony Atlas), based on the WWE.
Johnson, a film and wrestling star, has a enterprise portfolio that features manufacturing firm Seven Bucks Productions, tequila model Teremana Tequila, vitality drink firm ZOA Power, Undertaking Rock attire model and the United Soccer League.
“I’m very motivated to assist proceed to globally develop our TKO, WWE, and UFC companies because the worldwide leaders in sports activities and leisure — whereas proudly representing so many phenomenal athletes and performers who present up daily placing within the arduous work with their very own two fingers to make their goals come true and ship for our audiences,” Johnson stated in a ready assertion. “I’ve been there, I’m nonetheless there and that is for them.”
TKO Group Holdings Inc. says Johnson’s board appointment, efficient Tuesday, displays its “dedication to delivering long-term worth and robust efficiency for shareholders by strategic development initiatives throughout each UFC and WWE.”
Johnson started his wrestling profession with WWE in 1996. The third-generation wrestler grew to become well-known for rivalries with wrestlers together with “Stone Chilly” Steve Austin and Triple H and his ending maneuver, The Rock Backside, based on his biography on WWE’s web site.
He has received eight WWE championships, has a New York Instances bestselling autobiography, “The Rock Says,” and starred in films together with “Quick X,” “Black Adam,” “Jungle Cruise” and ”Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.”
Johnson has just lately appeared on World Wrestling Leisure Inc.’s “Smackdown” and “Uncooked” tv packages, with rumors swirling that he might compete at this 12 months’s WrestleMania.
“I’m thrilled to associate with Dwayne and welcome his immense expertise to TKO’s Board,” TKO CEO Ariel Emanuel stated in a ready assertion. “Dwayne brings an unbelievable monitor document of making content material and constructing globally acknowledged shopper manufacturers, and he’ll play a key position in realizing our ambitions for TKO.”
TKO additionally introduced Tuesday that Brad Keywell will turn into a board member. Keywell has co-founded and led a number of firms, together with Groupon, Echo Global Logistics, MediaOcean, and Uptake Applied sciences, the place he’s at present founder and govt chairman.
The additions of Johnson and Keywell will improve TKO’s board from 11 to 13 members.
Shares of TKO Group surged practically 10% earlier than the market open.
[ad_2]