Central Texas Boy Gets Unbelievable Shout-Out from The Rock After Wrestling Hero’s Special Request

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, known not only for his Hollywood stardom but also for his strong connection with fans, recently took a moment to send a personalized shout-out to Finnley Hager, a young wrestling enthusiast from Belton, Texas. The message came after Finnley attended a meet-and-greet event with WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley at Battleground Collectibles, a local haven for wrestling fans.

A Special Request Gets Noticed
During the April 6 event, Finnley asked Mick Foley to pass along a comment to The Rock, one of his wrestling heroes. Foley, known for his legendary hardcore matches and colorful WWE persona, texted Johnson on Finnley’s behalf. To everyone’s surprise, Johnson responded the very next day, sharing a personal video message on social media.

“Maybe I’ll look forward to shaking your hand one day and thanking you for helping straighten up final boss just a little bit. Finnley, thank you for the message,” Johnson said. For Finnley, who idolizes both Foley and The Rock, it was an unforgettable moment. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, he actually responded,’” Finnley told local news outlet KWTX. “I couldn’t believe it because he’s busy sometimes.”

Making Memories at Battleground Collectibles
The event, hosted by Battleground Collectibles, aimed to bring wrestling fans closer to the superstars they admire. Store owner Brandon Crawford noted how rare it was for Johnson—who balances a packed schedule of movie projects, television appearances, and brand endorsements—to take the time to respond personally. “To take a couple of minutes out of his day to record a message like that is a huge deal,” Crawford said. “It’s going to make Finnley the coolest kid in school.”

For Finnley, the shout-out is more than just a social media moment. It’s a reminder of the power of fandom and the excitement that comes from connecting with someone you look up to. The young wrestling fan has big aspirations, including meeting The Rock in person one day and attending WrestleMania. “It’s my dream to go,” he said, adding that he hopes to make that dream a reality soon.

An Inspiring Lesson for Fans
Beyond the thrill of receiving a message from The Rock, Finnley also learned a valuable lesson: be bold in reaching out. “Sometimes people get shy to say stuff. I was at first,” he said. “But people should do it so they cannot be that shy anymore so they can actually stand up for themselves.”

As for Battleground Collectibles, the store plans to continue bringing wrestling stars to Belton, Texas, creating opportunities for fans like Finnley to meet their heroes. Crawford confirmed that more wrestler meet-and-greets are in the works, ensuring that the local wrestling community remains vibrant and engaged.

A History of Uplifting Fans
This isn’t the first time Johnson has used his platform to lift a fan’s spirits. In the past, he has sent heartwarming messages to children battling illnesses, such as a 2019 video for 3-year-old Hyrum Harris and a 2020 shout-out to Naomi Short, an 8-year-old fighting cancer. These thoughtful gestures underscore Johnson’s dedication to connecting with his audience and making a positive impact on the lives of his fans.

For Finnley Hager, this unexpected shout-out from one of wrestling’s most beloved icons turned an ordinary day into an extraordinary memory. It’s a moment that will likely fuel his passion for wrestling for years to come.