This comprehensive guide chronicles every step of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's career from his explosive WWE debut match to becoming a full-blown Superstar.
Dubbed "The Great One," for more than 20 years The Rock has delighted millions of fans with his charisma, catchphrases, and championship wins--all captured in this stunning book. Discover his fascinating family history as the first third-generation WWE Superstar; his training and early years in the ring; his epic wins and greatest moments as The People's Champion; and his impressive movie career including his appearances in The Scorpion King, The Mummy Returns, and the Fast and Furious franchise. Stunning photography captures The Rock's career highlights: headlining WrestleMania events and reigning supreme in matches against sports entertainment greats such as John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Triple H. A must-have for any WWE fan, The World of The Rock reveals the whole story behind "The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment," both in and out of the ring.
The Rock belongs to an elite group of celebrities. Very few are known throughout the world by either their first name or a catch phrase. Other celebrities that come to mind are Dolly, Cher, Madonna, Arnold, and the Italian Stallion. Steven Pantaleo's "The World of The Rock" is a completely illustrated, full-color biography of The Rock. It is a must have collector's item for all WWE fans. It chronicles his humble beginnings to his present day superstardom. In many ways, he reminds me of Dolly Parton who grew up in my neck of the woods, Sevierville, Tennessee. Both The Rock and Dolly came from talented families. His were wrestlers; hers were musicians. With barely a penny to their names, they went to Nashville with hope and determination to become stars. Like Madonna, The Rock has constantly reinvented himself in order to remain in the spotlight and become an international success.
"The World of The Rock" chronicles his wrestling bouts with numerous wrestling superstars such as some of my favorites: John Cena, Triple H, and Big Show. It seems he nearly always won his matches. Due to his large size, masculinity, charisma, and fearless attitude, his career has expanded from the wrestling ring and into the film studios. He has proven to be quite the box office draw. The Rock rivals Arnold and Stallone. His legions of fans are everywhere. I took "The World of The Rock" to my work office and the ladies couldn't stop looking at his photos. (Oh, how I wish I lived in the world of The Rock.) However, The Rock is more than just a handsome face. He is extremely intelligent and talented. I learned a lot about him when I read "The World of The Rock." For example, I learned he was born Dwayne Johnson. However, in 1996, his wrestling name was Rocky Maivia, a combination of names belonging to his father, Rocky Johnson, and his grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia. Both of them were wrestling legends.
In 1998, Rocky Maivia became known as The Rock. Soon after, his fame began to soar towards the heavens. No one could defeat him in the ring. He fought and beat opponents that were much larger than himself. Therefore, I always suspected he possessed more than just brute strength. I've always admired wrestlers for their speed, strength, coordination, and agility; they are able to perform spectacular stunts in the ring without hurting themselves. (Well, sometimes there are accidents.) Yes, The Rock is big and strong (and he's a good actor), but I especially admire him for his perseverance, faith, and determination. Those are qualities that I am endeavoring to possess more of in myself. I am not a wrestler. However, I am working to have more faith in my spiritual life. One day I hope to have the type of steadfast faith that is unmovable and unshakeable. In other words, I want to have faith like a rock.
I love this guy, he’s so real and original. This is a great book that goes over his wrestling career. There were so many things that I never knew! This is a must for any Rock fan, whether it is the wrestling or acting, he’s the full package with a megawatt smile!