After Decades, Dwayne Johnson Finally Owns 'The Rock'

28 years after signing his first contract with the then-WWF, Dwayne Johnson finally has full ownership of “The Rock,” Time reports. TKO Group Holdings, which owns the since-renamed WWE, announced the news on Tuesday, along with Johnson’s appointment to TKO’s board of directors. In their statement, the media company noted Johnson’s “decades of experience” in professional wrestling, entrepeneurship, and filmmaking.

Though Johnson’s stage name is just as well-known as the WWE itself, he never owned “The Rock” moniker. Johnson’s full ownership of the name is practically unheard of in the industry. The nickname honors Johnson’s father, WWE Hall of Famer Rocky. Along with his partner, Rocky was the first Black champion in the WWE’s history, according to the company.

“My grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, and my dad, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson, would’ve never thought this day would come,” Johnson reflected in a statement. “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. Taking full ownership of my name, ‘The Rock,' is not only unprecedented, but incredibly inspiring as my crazy life is coming full circle.”

Johnson began his wrestling career in 1996 before quickly moving into an acting career with The Scorpion King (2002). He’s gone on to star in major franchises like the Fast series, Jumanji, and Black Adam. He’s also a prominent entrepreneur, with a production company, tequila brand, and his Project Rock apparel label adding to his packed schedule.

Johnson said that, through his position on TKO's board, he would be "proudly representing so many phenomenal athletes and performers who show up every day ...and deliver for our audiences. I’ve been there, I’m still there and this is for them,” he concluded.