Dwayne Johnson, known for his successful career in both wrestling and Hollywood, is preparing to make his long-awaited return to the wrestling ring for WrestleMania 40. After an 11-year break from professional wrestling, Johnson has shared insights into the difficulties he faced in getting back into top form for the major event.
Wrestling Comeback After 11 Years
Johnson, also known as The Rock, acknowledged the challenges of re-entering the physical demands of wrestling after such a long time away. Speaking at the opening of Cirque du Soleil’s “Auana” in Honolulu, the actor discussed how tough it was to resume his rigorous training.
“The training becomes really extensive, and the training camp becomes extensive,” he explained. Reflecting on the experience, Johnson admitted that getting back into the rhythm of wrestling was “incredibly hard.” His body, no longer as accustomed to the physicality of the sport, presented additional obstacles.
Intense Training Regimen
To prepare for his comeback, Johnson entered a specialized training camp lasting about eight to nine weeks. While the process was “really fast,” he successfully navigated through the grueling schedule. The time frame for his preparation was short, but it was clear that Johnson’s commitment to returning to the ring was unwavering, despite the physical strain.
Speculation About WrestleMania 41
There has been ongoing speculation about Johnson’s involvement in future wrestling events, particularly WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas next year. Some of this speculation has been fueled by Johnson himself. Earlier in 2024, he teamed up with Roman Reigns for a match against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, calling the latter pair “great dance partners.” This encounter has led many to believe that Johnson may appear again in future events, continuing his legacy in WWE.
Balancing Wrestling with Film Projects
Despite the intensive training for WrestleMania, Johnson’s schedule remains incredibly busy. After his match with Reigns, he dedicated an additional seven weeks to training for his upcoming film The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie. The movie, which also stars Emily Blunt, is set to release in 2025.
Additionally, Johnson has been promoting his upcoming projects, including Moana 2 and the Christmas comedy Red One. Of Red One, he shared, “It’s our little Christmas movie, as I like to call it.” He also expressed pride in the global embrace of Polynesian culture, particularly through Moana 2, which continues to highlight the rich cultural heritage he holds dear.
A Special Moment with Family
During the premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s “Auana”, which celebrates Polynesian and Hawaiian culture, Johnson was accompanied by his 9-year-old daughter Jasmine. The moment was made even more meaningful as the family shared this special occasion in Hawaii. Johnson remarked, “It’s good to be back home during this time and bring the little one here, too.”
For more updates on Dwayne Johnson’s wrestling comeback and future projects, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
Source: People Mag
