Fear prevented The Rock from pursuing career opportunities
Recent events have brought to light Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s admission of fear being a primary obstacle in his career, causing him to avoid specific professional opportunities. Johnson, in an interview with Vanity Fair discussing his upcoming film, The Smashing Machine, shared his feelings of trepidation and self-doubt surrounding the project.
Reflecting on the emotional intensity of the experience, Johnson expressed a sense of genuine fear that he hadn’t encountered in a long time, leading him to question his own capabilities. This realization prompted him to consider that his avoidance of certain roles may have been due to his reluctance to explore unfamiliar territory, admitting that he might have missed opportunities as a result of his fears.
This candid acknowledgment of vulnerability stands in stark contrast to the larger-than-life persona Johnson has portrayed in his past WWE appearances, notably as the imposing “Final Boss.” Johnson’s absence from WWE programming for an extended period, culminating in his last appearance at Elimination Chamber on March 1, 2025, raised speculation and intrigue within the wrestling community leading up to SummerSlam.
A noteworthy pre-SummerSlam moment occurred during a John Cena promo on the August 1 episode of SmackDown, which many interpreted as a departure from The Rock’s ongoing storyline. Cena’s shift towards a more positive character and his distancing from the “Final Boss” narrative hinted at a potential redirection in response to Johnson’s prolonged hiatus following WrestleMania 41.
The narrative involving Johnson’s feud with Cody Rhodes reached a climax at Elimination Chamber, where an altercation unfolded between The Rock, a newly aggressive John Cena, and Rhodes. However, this dramatic encounter was left unresolved, leaving fans and critics anticipating a follow-up that never materialized.
Despite Johnson’s absence from the spotlight, his influence continues to pervade the wrestling world behind the scenes through his role on the TKO Group Holdings board of directors. This corporate involvement enables him to contribute to strategic decisions, including rumored interest from TKO management in a prominent wrestler from rival promotion All Elite Wrestling.
Johnson’s reflection on his career obstacles sheds light on the multifaceted nature of success and the internal struggles that even the most accomplished individuals face. By openly acknowledging his fears and the impact they have had on his professional opportunities, Johnson’s candidness offers insight into the human side of celebrity and the complexities of navigating personal growth within the public eye.