He eventually became the jabroni beating, pie-eating, high-flying, elbow-dropping, spine-popping, eyebrow-raising, people’s champ.
But Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has not forgotten his humble beginnings.
The 48-year-old movie superstar took to Instagram on Thursday to share a throwback photo of himself with a young fan after one of his early pro-wrestling matches.
‘TBT’: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson took to Instagram on Thursday to share a throwback photo of himself with a young fan after one of his early pro-wrestling matches
Megastar: The 48-year-old star seen on set of his reality show The Titan Games last year
Johnson shared the Polaroid snap with his 211million followers with a lengthy caption about beginning his career in the squared-circle as he was known as Flex Kavana.
‘My ring name was “Flex Kavana” (hey I thought it was a cool name at the time) and I was making a GUARANTEED $40 bucks per match.’
His hardships early on in his pro-wrestling career were well documented as The Rock credited his strong will to helping him get through.’I was broke as hell!’: Johnson shared the Polaroid snap with his 211million followers with a lengthy caption about beginning his career in the squared-circle as he was known as Flex Kavana wrestling for $40 a night
The actor continued: ‘I was broke as hell, passionate and gave it all I got – having NOOO IDEA the long, windy, unpredictable road that lay ahead.
‘Sounds crazy but looking back at this time – these nights of wrestling at flea markets, fairs, high school gyms, used car dealerships etc…this is where I learned the value of always taking care of the audience and sending them home happy.’
Johnson eventually signed with the WWF (now WWE) in 1996 and became one of the biggest Superstars as he took on the persona of The Rock before eventually becoming a blockbuster movie star.
People’s champion: Johnson – seen in 1999 – eventually signed with the WWF (now WWE) in 1996 and became one of the biggest Superstars as he took on the persona of The Rock before eventually becoming a blockbuster movie star
Johnson has since carved out quite the successful career for himself as he is not only one of the highest paid film stars in the world but has also launched several successful products.
His latest of which came Monday when he announced the upcoming launch of his ZOA ‘healthy warrior’ energy drink.
The 48-year-old former professional wrestler boasted that the clean and healthy energy drink is ‘the first of its kind’ as it also supports immunity.
‘The first of its kind’: The 48-year-old former professional wrestler boasted that the clean and healthy energy drink is ‘the first of its kind’ as it also supports immunity
He shared a short commercial for the new product set to tribal drums which showed the can featuring a logo reminiscent of Polynesian style tattoos much like The Rock has on his body.
It concluded with the words: ‘Healthy positive energy… Coming in March.’
Dwayne shared the video with his followers and a lengthy caption which began: ‘Ladies & gents, it’s our honor to introduce you to @zoaenergy
Daddy duty: He shared a short commercial for the new product set to tribal drums which showed the can featuring a logo reminiscent of Polynesian style tattoos much like The Rock has on his body as he is seen with his daughter Tia
‘The first of its kind, CLEAN & HEALTHY energy drink that champions the everyday warriors in all of us.’
As the product includes natural ingredients including Vitamins C, D, and B on top of 160mg of natural caffeine from green tea extracts and green coffee beans it will not only give energy but support immunity as well.
He concluded the post writing: ‘This ones for all of you – the health conscious everyday warrior who lives LIFE POSITIVE.
His own best advert: The fitness enthusiast also cashes in on his gym obsession through his partnership with Under Armor via his very successful Project Rock line which sells clothing, shoes, and headphones
The former WWE Champion is also capitalizing on the small screen with reality competition show The Titan Games and upcoming biographical sitcom Young Rock.
The fitness enthusiast also cashes in on his gym obsession through his partnership with Under Armor via his very successful Project Rock line which sells clothing, shoes, and headphones.
Last year he got into the alcohol business as he launched his own spirit, Teremana Tequila, which is one of the fastest growing celebrity spirits in history.
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A good shot: Last year he got into the alcohol business as he launched his own spirit, Teremana Tequila, which is one of the fastest growing celebrity spirits in history