Dwayne Johnson Opens Up About Wrestling at 52: The ‘Incredibly Hard’ Truth Behind His Return!

Dwayne Johnson, the globally recognized superstar known for his wrestling career as “The Rock” and his successful Hollywood transition, has candidly discussed the challenges of returning to the wrestling ring at the age of 52. Known for his roles in blockbuster franchises like Fast & Furious, Jumanji, and voicing Maui in Moana, Johnson’s wrestling career was a significant part of his rise to fame, especially during the iconic Attitude Era with the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). However, after an eleven-year hiatus from the ring, Johnson has acknowledged that the physical toll of returning to the sport is much harder now.

The Intensity of Wrestling at 52

Speaking at the premiere of Cirque du Soleil: Auana in Honolulu on December 17, 2024, Johnson opened up about the difficulty of getting back into wrestling shape. He described the process as “incredibly hard,” emphasizing the intense training camp required for his return at WrestleMania 40 in April 2024. Johnson shared that an eight- to nine-week camp was necessary to prepare for the event, which included setting up multiple rings in Hawaii and on the West Coast to ensure proper training. This was no easy feat, particularly with his packed schedule in Hollywood, including working on projects like The Smashing Machine and filming the live-action Moana.

“I was out of the ring for 11 years, and it’s a completely different kind of workout when you’re preparing for a WWE event,” Johnson explained. “But I’m always up for a challenge, especially when it involves the ring, which I’ve loved since I was a kid.”

Recent Wrestling Engagements and Future Speculation

Johnson’s return to the ring was notably felt at WrestleMania 40, where he teamed up with Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. He praised his opponents as “great dance partners,” showing his respect for the current generation of wrestlers. Additionally, Johnson made a surprise appearance at the premiere of WWE’s Raw on Netflix on January 6, 2025, where he expressed his pride in representing his Samoan, Polynesian, and Black heritage, a significant aspect of his wrestling identity.

However, speculation about his participation in WrestleMania 41, scheduled for April 2025 in Las Vegas, began circulating. Reports from Marca suggested Johnson might miss the event due to his filming commitments for Moana. Johnson quickly addressed these rumors on January 20, 2025, through an Instagram post, dismissing them with the message, “Don’t believe any of that bull—-,” along with a wink and fist-bump emoji. He further teased his involvement, stating he was “on the 1-yard line to create the biggest WrestleMania of all time” and potentially the “biggest match of all time.”

Corporate Role and WWE Storylines

Adding an unexpected layer to his wrestling involvement, Johnson’s role as a member of the TKO board of directors has brought a corporate dimension to his participation. His recent interactions at the Elimination Chamber event, as well as his appearances on Raw and SmackDown, have hinted at a storyline where he attempts to influence other wrestlers, including an effort to bribe Cody Rhodes into becoming his “corporate champion.” This unexpected twist, combined with John Cena’s heel turn in support of Johnson, adds an intriguing layer to his upcoming matches and the overall WWE narrative.

While Johnson’s return to the ring is still clouded with uncertainty, his influence in the business side of WWE is undeniable. As a key figure in the company’s direction, his involvement in storylines and potential matches at WrestleMania 41 will undoubtedly generate significant buzz among fans.

Looking Ahead: The Future of “The Rock” in Wrestling

Dwayne Johnson’s journey back to the wrestling ring at 52 is a testament to his passion for the sport and his resilience. Despite the physical challenges of returning to a demanding profession after over a decade, Johnson remains eager to contribute to the sport that helped launch his career. His evolving role in WWE, whether inside the ring or in the boardroom, is poised to shape the future of the industry.

As WrestleMania 41 approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting what could be a monumental moment in wrestling history—one that blends Johnson’s iconic wrestling legacy with his broader influence in the world of entertainment and business.