CNN.com published an interview with The Rock this week where The Rock talked about what he looks for in a woman.
“Here’s what you’ve got to do: you’ve got to be independent, and you’ve got to have a sense of self,” Johnson says. “You’ve got to have a great sense of humor.”
But the true test? “You’ve got to laugh at my jokes,” he says. “Like, that’s the key.”
Johnson, who is currently dating a 27-year-old singer, added that he has no plans to re-marry.
In a separate interview with the Belfast Telegraph, he said, “I was so fortunate to have fallen in love once. To fall in love again? That’s a hard thing to do twice in the position I’m in. I’m one lucky son of a bitch.”
Check out these pictures of The rock and his girlfriend:
— The Rock is advertised for the Raw SuperShow following WrestleMania taking place April 2, 2012 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. The advertised main event is an Eight-Man Tag Team Match pitting John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton and Big Show against Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan, Kane and Mark Henry.
— Raw Superstars are advertised to appear at the April 3, 2012 SmackDown taping at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The advertised main event is a Ten-Man Tag Team Match pitting John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Big Show and Sheamus against Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan, Kane, Mark Henry and The Miz.
— Steve Austin says Jake “The Snake” Roberts is worthy of the WWE Hall of Fame. He wrote the following after reading Roberts’ thoughts on entering the Hall:
“JAKE THE SNAKE ROBERTS DEFINITELY DESERVES TO BE IN THE H.O.F. AND THAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE. One of my fave all time workers.”
— This week’s WWE Classics On Demand updates are as follows: Extreme Championship Wrestling (January 20, 1998), WWF Mania (January 9, 1993), World Class Championship Wrestling (February 18, 1984).
– The Associated Press has issued a negative review of The Rock’s new movie Journey 2. AP movie writer David Germain wrote the following about The Rock’s performance:
“[Journey 2] lacks the likable goof factor of Brendan Fraser, who starred in the first movie but isn’t back for the second. Dwayne Johnson steps in this time, and while he tries to yuck it up amid the nonstop action, he’s just not a goofball on the order of Fraser, who somehow can make extreme silliness palatable with that big, simpering grin of his. Johnson, on the other hand, merely simpers.”
“Johnson stars as ex-Navy guy Hank, stepfather to troublesome teenager Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson, reprising his role from the first “Journey”).”
“Size matters to the filmmakers here, which might be why they signed up Johnson, a co-producer as well as star, who strains for some laughs with an overdone gag about his massive pectoral muscles.”
Overall, the reviewer said the film is hampered by weak dialog and over-the-top gimmicky 3D effects. “If only the movie had the hint of a brain.”
– Former WWE wrestler Batista (Dave Bautista) has signed on to star in the third installment of the Riddick film series. The movie also stars Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Jordi Mollà, Matt Nable and Katee Sackhoff.
The film was delayed at one point due to financial issues but Universal Studios announced that principal photography has begun. Batista is said to have a major role in the movie, which will mark his highest-profile project to date.
Batista recently wrapped production on Russell Crowe’s latest film, Man With the Iron Fists, which is the directorial debut of hip-hop artist RZA of the Wu Tang Clan.
During an interview with Moviefone.com to promote his new movie Journey 2, The Rock spoke about a number of wrestling-related topics. Here are some highlights of what The Rock said about:
Finding Time To Train For WrestleMania While Shooting Movies:
“You fit it in, that’s what you do. I make sure there’s a ring on location with me, anywhere that I shoot. I had a ring down in New Orleans, when I was preparing for the Madison Square Garden event. I have a ring down in Florida, a ring down in Louisiana; there’s always a ring close by. In order to prep for WrestleMania, it’s a lengthy training camp that requires daily work inside the ring because you can’t simulate the physicality of professional wrestling.”
Whether John Cena Is In Trouble At WrestleMania:
“The only trouble he’s going to have is removing my size 15 boot from his ladyparts.”
Being Excited About Returning To WWE:
“That’s right — I’m excited about all the projects you just mentioned. I’m excited about WrestleMania; to be able to go back, team up with Vince [McMahon] and make a big vision like that come to life and create the biggest match-up of all time is very special to me. There’s countless matches that have moved me and inspired me, and we’re going to do something very special down in Miami, my hometown, sold-out Sun Life Stadium. Boots to John Cena’s ass.”
What It Would Take To Get Him Into Politics
Right now the best way that I can impact the world is through entertainment. One day, and that day will come, I can impact the world through politics. The great news is that I am American, therefore I can become President. But don’t forget: I am G.I. Joe.
WWE star The Rock was the featured guest on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Monday night. Rock talked about returning to WWE at Survivor Series, his upcoming match with John Cena at WrestleMania 28 and of course, his new movie, Journey 2. Rock also busted out the ukulele and sang a song for the live audience, which they loved.
— CNN.com published an article on what Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson looks for in a woman.
“Here’s what you’ve got to do: you’ve got to be independent, and you’ve got to have a sense of self,” Johnson says. “You’ve got to have a great sense of humor.”
But the true test? “You’ve got to laugh at my jokes,” he says. “Like, that’s the key.”
Johnson, who is currently dating a 27-year-old singer, added that he has no plans to re-marry. In a separate interview with Belfast Telegraph, he said, “I was so fortunate to have fallen in love once. To fall in love again? That’s a hard thing to do twice in the position I’m in. I’m one lucky son of a bitch.”
— WWE Hall of Famer Bobby Heenan will be making a rare public appearance this Saturday at Frank & Son Collectible Show 19649 San Jose Ave. City of Industry, California. Other talent scheduled for the event include “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Angelina Love, Missy Hyatt, Tatanka, Cowboy Bob Orton, Debra McMichael, One Man Gang and Paul Orndorff. Event information is available here.
— Super Crazy will be touring with Japanese wrestling promotion Pro Wrestling NOAH on February 25-28. He will face Ricky Marvin, Atsushi Aoki and Lance Bravado in separate bouts.
TNA Champion Bobby Roode has responded to The Rock endorsing him on Twitter over the weekend.
The Rock tweeted on Saturday:
“@REALBobbyRoode I dig your work. Keep movin’ the crowd and kicking that ass. (tell Bubba his calves still aren’t as big as mine)”
Roode responded with the following:
“@TheRock Thanks for the kind words, means a lot. I will make sure that I remind Bubba about the calves!”
DISCUSSION: Do you think Bobby Roode would fit in well as a main eventer in WWE? Should he stay in TNA, jump to WWE, or build himself up more in TNA before jumping to WWE?
— Promoting today’s World Wrestling Fan Xperience Champions Showcase Tour event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines, former WWE Women’s Champion Melina was asked at a press conference Friday if she planned to follow the footsteps of other WWE Divas who have posed for Playboy.
“Never say never, but as of now, no,” she said, much to the disappointment of the predominantly male media contingent.
Melina faces fellow former Diva Jillian Hall at the event. Click here for a recap of the press conference.
— It was reported Friday that the official website of WWE developmental league Florida Championship Wrestling removed Calvin Raines, Leroy Parks, Marcus Owens and Peter Orlov from their roster page, which indicates they have been released. The wrestler known was Peter Orlov has changed his Twitter handle to @AlexKoslovCom as well as name, Alex Koslov.
He also commented, “Please everyone vait in great suspense for first vords from mouth of horse, sanks!”
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will appear on mtvU on Monday to promote Journey 2. He will be appearing in a segment called “5 Questions With Dwayne Johnson.”
Sheamus was the last man standing at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, earning himself a title shot against a champion of his choosing at WrestleMania 28. While Sheamus winning the Rumble sets up a series of interesting scenarios for the next several months of WWE television, it was actually Chris Jericho who was originally scheduled to win the event.
Triple H, who has gained even more influence behind the scenes in recent months, made the call for Sheamus to win the Rumble just days before the event took place. The two have been close friends (and workout partners) since the Irish grappler’s promotion to the main roster in the summer of 2009.
In an interview with Power Slam magazine, Triple H singled out the Celtic Warrior as a wrestler with big potential:
“The closest to me is probably Sheamus, because we always train together on the road. But I try to watch all the young guys’ matches and give them advice, if they want to hear it. If they take advice to heart and really want to improve, then I’m wanting to help. As for seeing some of myself in someone? That’s tough. Sheamus just the other day showed up at a show he didn’t have to be at. He does whatever he’s asked to do without complaining, he goes to every show and is always wanting to work: he does it all, goes above and beyond. That’s what I was like.”
Randy Orton was also discussed as a potential winner of the Rumble, since he cleanly put over Mark Henry during The World’s Strongest Man’s rise as World Heavyweight Champion and the event was taking place in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. Before the final call was made for Sheamus to win the Rumble, Chris Jericho was the favorite, which would have set up a WWE Championship showdown against CM Punk at WrestleMania XXVIII (a match that will likely happen anyways).
WWE officials contemplated last week having John Cena win the match due to the stipulation that “everyone was eligible” for the Rumble. Cena would win the match and subsequently make a tough decision: take the title shot and not face The Rock at WrestleMania.
WWE officials contemplated months ago of putting The Miz back in the WWE Championship picture come January. That did not happen and he has not won a televised singles match since the December 5, 2011 edition of Raw. There are people within WWE who believe top officials are blaming him for the Survivor Series drawing a disappointing buy number. Teaming with R-Truth, he appeared in the main event against John Cena and The Rock.
The pay-per-view event, which featured The Rock’s first wrestling match in over seven years, is estimated to have garnered 260,000 buys worldwide. It was reported that of that figure, 160,000 pay-per-view purchases came from the United States.
The estimate compares to 244,000 buys in 2010 and 235,000 in 2009, which nearly got the show scrapped from the annual pay-per-view line-up.
– The Rock will be featured in a commercial that airs during this weekend’s SuperBowl. The new trailer for The Rock’s upcoming summer blockbuster G.I. Joe: Retaliation will debut during the big game.
– Speaking of GI Joe, toy company Hasbro unveiled its new line of action figures for the upcoming G.I. Joe movie, including one for The Rock’s character, Roadblock. You can check that out to the right.
– The Rock’s current film project, Journey 2, is performing very well internationally. It has taken in over $24 million already.
Journey 2 hits theaters in the United States on February 10th and will be shown in 3D IMAX in select theaters across the country.
– With WrestleMania 28 approaching, The Rock continues to talk trash about his opponent, John Cena. Rock tweeted on Friday morning:
“@JohnCena I was electrifying Topeka when you were sucking on yum rockets in college. My boot. Your ass. #Wrestlemania”
We Google’d “Yum Rockets” hoping to find that it’s the name of an ice pop desert treat .. Nope, they’re .. exactly what you think they are. Thanks, Urban Dictionary!
– Former WWE diva / porn star Chyna is in the midst of an epic Twitter rant today, posting hundreds of incoherent tweets @ChynaChyna9. Chyna rambles on and on Vince McMahon, Triple H, WWE’s Wellness policy, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, her porn career, wrestler deaths, her influence on the industry and much more. She’s been tweeting for hours and does not appear to be of sound mind. Let’s hope Chyna gets the help that she needs, because if these tweets are any indication, she is not well.
– During an interview with DigitalSpy.com to promote his new “Journey 2” movie, Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson said he’s scheduled to begin shooting “Fast 6” this summer, the 6th installment of the Fast and Furious franchise. Johnson said he can’t wait to reprise his role as Hobbs and is going to “rip someone’s f*cking face off” in the new movie:
“I had a blast creating Hobbs. We should start shooting Fast 6 in June, and I can’t wait. That was one of the most fun characters I’ve ever played. It’s very close to me, by the way, close to the heart – that type of hunter of men.
“In Fast 6 there’s unfinished business. I told Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel): ‘You have a couple of days, then I’m still gonna come find you and I’m still bringing you in’. So that has to come full circle.”
“Hobbs is going to bring it. Hobbs is gonna rip someone’s f**king face off, is what Hobbs is going to do!”
– Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reports that Mason Ryan’s sizable push was halted weeks ago due to his inability to connect with the audience. Nonetheless, WWE creative plans on renewing his push in the near future as they feel he has great potential. The Welsh wrestler was ultimately kept off Sunday’s 30-Man Royal Rumble Match because they felt it would have done “nothing positive” for him.
Meltzer adds that Vince McMahon at least initially had an “infatuation” with Ryan, hence his fast track to the main roster last year and subsequent protection on television.
— Lance Storm stated Tuesday on Twitter that he will be attending the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Miami, Florida to see longtime friend Edge’s enshrinement. He added that he does not know yet if he’ll stay for WrestleMania.
— A photo of The Rock face-to-face with John Cena is featured on the cover of the latest issue of The Wrestler.
– Chris Jericho’s feud with WWE Champion is officially underway. Prior to Monday’s RAW, Chris Jericho tweeted:
“I’ve got something to say…. #raw.”
On RAW, Jericho attacked WWE Champion CM Punk, kicking off their feud that is expected to culminate in a match at WrestleMania. After RAW, Jericho tweeted:
“Told u I had something to say…. #raw.”
– During Monday’s RAW Supershow, a commercial aired in the Boston market hyping an appearing from The rock on the March 5th episode of RAW. Here’s the updated schedule of when The Rock is advertised to appear on RAW:
February 27th (Portland, OR)
March 5th (Boston, MA)
March 12th (Cleveland, OH)
March 26th: (Atlanta, GA)
The Rock is expected to do a ton of media appearances to help promote his match against John Cena at WrestleMania 28 once he finishes the promotional rounds for his new movie, Journey 2.
– Kevin Nash wrote the following on Twitter last night and says he won’t be at the Royal Rumble:
“Under no circumstances will I be at the Royal Rumble, unless of course, I’m going over. Oh, and I need to be #30.”
– During an interview this week with MTV to promote his new movie “Journey 2,” The Rock said he is currently in talks to co-star in another project, “Pain and Gain.” Mark Wahlberg and director Michael Bay (“Transformers”) are also attached to the project. Here’s video of The Rock discussing Pain and Gain with MTV:
– The Rock is being advertised for the March 12th RAW Supershow from Cleveland, Ohio. This is the second upcoming RAW that The Rock is officially being advertised for. The Rock will also be appearing on the final RAW prior to WrestleMania 28, from Atlanta. Expect to see regular appearances from The Rock on WWE television in the weeks leading up to his match with John Cena WrestleMania 28.
– Do not expect to see Alberto Del Rio at Sunday’s Royal Rumble – that is, if his personal ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez is to be trusted. Rodriguez tweeted on Tuesday:
“If Mr Del Rio wasn’t hurt he could easily win the Royal Rumble again this year. He did win the biggest Royal Rumble match ever after all! :)”
– Fans may have noticed that Monday’s RAW did not feature any Twitter mentions or on-screen graphics promoting trending topics. WWE sources have indicated this was no coincidence, as the company is said to be re-evaluating its affiliation with the social networking service.
WWE Hall of Famer Tully Blanchard appeared on Busted Open, which airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on Sirius 92 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Highlights from the interview are as follows:
Why Barry Windham was chosen over other members for the WWE Hall of Fame: “The most dynamic group that we had was with Barry. You had more guys that could perform with more opponents. Big, small, all sizes and that was the most powerful group we had. Lex Luger was an addition. He was just coming in to work for Crockett as Ole was on his way out. So it was a place to put Luger to try to get him instantly to a star status since he had such a great look and it worked and it worked for quite a while. But when we switched him to babyface and Barry came back as a heel you had four guys that who could perform with Andre the Giant or the Rock and Roll Express or The Road Warriors. We could go out with all shapes and sizes and go out and tear the house down, and that is where your dynamics and your benefit for your promotion came.
Triple H possibly inducting The Four Horsemen: “He just shared with me in brief that he watched and appreciated everything we did, not just we, but he was talking about me specifically. Before he got into wrestling or at the start of his career, as he went in, if that is what he watched and that is what he molded himself after, then he would have a great amount of input on how the images of the Four Horsemen blended together and affected him.”
Thoughts on JJ Dillon: “JJ is definitely one of the finest managers in my opinion, if not the best manager that the wrestling business has ever had, and I have known some good ones. But a lot of the very good ones were fighting for center stage with talent many times, and JJ never did that. He complemented everything that was done and not taking away from what the guy was doing in the ring or what the guys were doing in the ring. That made it very, very simple to go out and perform, just like you’re out there by yourself or in a tag team match and JJ could put the gas to the fire when you needed it.”
What he expects the night of the Hall of Fame: “Right now the biggest honor is to be in the WWE Hall of Fame, in the wrestling business. There will be twenty thousand people at the American Airlines Center that Saturday night watching it. If I am still on this earth, I’ll be there, and I’m planning on having my four children there with me. They were born after my wrestling career and they have not really grabbed hold of the fact of what I used to do. With the magnitude of this setting and with Wrestlemania and Saturday night and Fan Axxess. My children have never seen me in that big of a setting. They have been in a couple of autograph settings with me, but this is going to be a little eye opening for them.”
The first review is in for The Rock’s new 3D action adventure movie, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. The Hollywood Reporter gives the movie an overall positive review and gives it a thumbs up as a colorful, family-friendly experience.
While the script is simplified from the original book, “the targeted demographic, however, will gladly hop aboard for a cornball ride through colorful, often glaringly phony sets popping with miniature elephants, gold-spewing volcanoes, and a monster-truck-sized lizard. For the adults, there’s the edifying sight of Michael Caine astride a giant bee,” says the reviewer.
As for The Rock’s performance, “Johnson sets the tone with an affable goofiness, although never ignites the spark that his labored banter with Caine requires.”
Meanwhile, The Rock is currently overseas making various public appearances to promote the film. The Associated Press has published a video report looking at this week’s Journey press conference in Taiwan. The Great One demonstrates two of his best talents – his singing and his ability to pop his pecs. Check it out:
— The official website of the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia is advertising The Rock for the March 26, 2012 Raw SuperShow.
This will be the final Raw before WrestleMania XXVIII.
— It was rumored at last night’s Raw SuperShow in Anaheim, California that Shawn Michaels and Triple H would together induct The Four Horsemen—Arn Anderson, Barry Windham, JJ Dillon, Ric Flair and Tully Blanchard—into the WWE Hall of Fame. WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent lobbied for the Horsemen to be inducted into the Hall.
Meanwhile, Alberto Del Rio is internally expected to induct his uncle, Mil Mascaras.
— Ken Shamrock and Sid Vicious have been announced for Wrestlereunion, which takes place January 27-29, 2012 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California.
— Speaking to Street and Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal, WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Paul “Triple H” Levesque reveals what he wants to accomplish personally and professionally in 2012.
He says, “My resolution is to continue sharpening my business and corporate skills in my new role as EVP, talent. Although whenever the day-to-day grind of being a company executive gets to me, I still have the opportunity to jump into the ring and take my aggression out on a few unsuspecting opponents.”
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stated on Twitter that he is beginning a twenty-five day press tour today that will include stops in Taiwan, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Mexico and New York.
— Former WWE Women’s Champion Molly Holly is scheduled to appear at Pro Wrestling World in the Merchants Square Mall 1901 S.12th St. Allentown, Pennsylvania on March 3, 2012 from noon to 2:00 p.m. Contact prowrestling1@aol.com for more information.
— As a result of her accidental collision with Big Show during Friday’s World Heavyweight Championship Match on SmackDown, an injured A.J. had to be carried out on a stretcher. According to WWE physician Dr. Michael Sampson, “AJ is pretty beat up, as you can imagine. She has head trauma, a cervical sprain/strain and also multiple contusions all over her body.”
— Former WWE talent Maryse is scheduled to appear at WrestleReunion in Miami, Florida during WrestleMania weekend, Legends of the Ring (June 2, 2012 at Crown Plaza Monroe, 390 Forsgate Drive, Monroe, New Jersey) and Wizard World’s Chicago Comic Con (August 10-12, 2012).
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson completed filming of Snitch last week. The movie is scheduled to be released in 2013.
— SmackDown Superstar Ted DiBiase appears at Outlaw Burger Company in Evansville, Indiana on January 28, 2012 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
– Jim Ross was asked on Twitter this week whether The Rock will be done as an in-ring performer after WrestleMania 28. JR said it’s “absolutely” realistic that The Rock will be done after his match with John Cena.
– Matches booked but not yet announced for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view include: John Cena vs. Kane and a triple threat match between Daniel Bryan, Big Show and Mark Henry for the World Heavyweight title.
Cody Rhodes vs. Goldust was also discussed for the Rumble, but it’s still up in the air as to whether WWE will go through with this one.
– A new video on Scott Hall’s YouTube channel features a message about Hall’s status in rehab:
“Quick update on Scott Hall, he’s doing very well in rehab and will be evaluated for his release soon. WWE has been monitoring his stay so you may see him on another channel soon.”
— Mike Tyson has been announced as a vendor guest for WrestleReunion, which takes place January 27-29 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California. The WrestleMania XIV celebrity will be doing photo-ops for $99. Autograph prices have yet to be announced.
— The Yakima Herald-Republic has published an article promoting this Friday’s Raw live event at the Yakima Valley SunDome in Yakima, Washington. It is titled “It’s not fake, it’s scripted.”
T.J. Tranchell writes, “This is a good time to have the “wrestling’s fake” conversation. I don’t disagree with the idea; I disagree with the semantics. People get seriously injured. Owen Hart died. Let’s change the wording. Wrestling isn’t fake, it’s scripted. In general, the outcomes are predetermined. You don’t bet on professional wrestling the way you’d bet on a boxing match.”
— Randy Orton is featured on the cover of the February 2012 issue of WWE Magazine. The headline reads “THE VIPER TARGETS WRESTLEMANIA.” Also featured is Triple H’s guide to the Elimination Chamber and a poster featuring The Rock.