Rocky “Soulman” Johnson, the father of Hollywood megastar and former WWE champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, has passed away at the age of 75. The wrestling world and fans across the globe are mourning the loss of a true pioneer and influential figure, best known to many as The Rocks Dad, but celebrated in his own right as a barrier-breaking performer.
Johnson, inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, carved his own legendary path in professional wrestling long before his son became a household name. While Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s global fame inevitably casts a large shadow, it’s crucial to remember Rocky Johnson’s significant contributions to the sport. He wasn’t just the rocks dad; he was a groundbreaking athlete who achieved remarkable success and paved the way for future generations.
In a career that spanned decades, Rocky Johnson, born Wayde Douglas Bowles, made his mark in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) during the mid-1960s before joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now WWE, in the 1980s. Alongside Tony Atlas, he formed the dynamic tag team known as “Soul Patrol.” This partnership reached its pinnacle on December 10, 1983, when Johnson and Atlas defeated The Wild Samoans to become the first African American world tag team champions in WWE history. This historic victory was a monumental moment, breaking racial barriers and solidifying Johnson’s place in wrestling history. He was more than just the rocks dad; he was a history maker.
News of Johnson’s passing on Wednesday night prompted an outpouring of tributes from the wrestling community and beyond. WWE issued an official statement acknowledging his immense impact and expressing condolences to his family. Paul “Triple H” Levesque, a WWE executive and wrestler himself, tweeted, “A loss for every fan of @WWE, Rocky Johnson was a barrier-breaking performer. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.” These sentiments underscore the deep respect and admiration held for Johnson within the wrestling world, independent of his connection as the rocks dad.
Later in his life, Johnson played a pivotal role in shaping the career of his son, Dwayne. He imparted his wrestling wisdom and trained “The Rock,” even famously appearing at ringside to assist his son at WrestleMania in 1997. Dwayne, acknowledging his father’s profound influence, proudly inducted Rocky Johnson into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008. This act was a testament to the strong bond between father and son and a recognition of Rocky’s enduring legacy, not just as the rocks dad, but as a wrestling icon in his own right.
According to former professional wrestler Brian Blair, a long-time friend of Johnson, the wrestling legend had been feeling unwell recently. Blair mentioned that Johnson had missed church and initially believed he had the flu. Tragically, Johnson’s condition worsened, and he passed away at home. His wife, Sheila, is reportedly deeply saddened by his loss.
Rocky Johnson’s legacy extends far beyond being known as the rocks dad. He was a celebrated wrestler, a trailblazer for African Americans in professional wrestling, and a loving father who instilled his values and passion into his son. His contributions to the wrestling world will never be forgotten, and he will be remembered as a true legend both inside and outside the ring.
