It’s a full circle moment for Dwayne Johnson, who has secured full ownership of “The Rock” trademark.
According to ESPN, the former wrestler who has gone on to become an actor and businessman has been appointed to the board of directors of TKO Group Holdings Inc., which is the parent company of WWE and UFC after Endeavor merged the two entities.
“I am thrilled to partner with Dwayne and welcome his immense talent to TKO’s Board,” Ariel Emanuel, CEO of TKO and Endeavor, shared in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter. “Dwayne brings an incredible track record of creating content and building globally recognized consumer brands, and he will play a key role in realizing our ambitions for TKO.”
What’s more, Johnson now has full ownership of “The Rock” trademark and has landed a services and merchandising agreement under the deal. For Johnson, who is a 10-time WWE champion and would go on to pursue a career in the entertainment industry as a blockbuster actor, he describes the feat as a full circle moment.
“My grandfather, ‘High Chief’ Peter Maivia, and my dad, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson, would’ve never thought this day would come,” Johnson said in a statement, according to Variety. “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. Being on the TKO Board of Directors, and taking full ownership of my name, ‘The Rock’, is not only unprecedented, but incredibly inspiring as my crazy life is coming full circle.”
He continued, “At my core, I’m a builder who builds for and serves the people, and Ari is building something truly game changing. I’m very motivated to help continue to globally expand our TKO, WWE, and UFC businesses as the worldwide leaders in sports and entertainment — while proudly representing so many phenomenal athletes and performers who show up every day putting in the hard work with their own two hands to make their dreams come true and deliver for our audiences. I’ve been there, I’m still there and this is for them.”
While exact details of the deal have not released to the public, it was mentioned by The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson could pocket $30 million in stocks overtime through the agreement, per an SEC filing. Additionally, he will receive royalties through the sales of merchandise tied to “The Rock.”