One On One with The Great One

by Jordan Mamorsky

Dwayne Johnson, alias, "The Rock," dazzles audiences every week with an array of "people's elbows" and "layin' the smack downs." The mere sight of The Rock at House shows and televised matches results in thunderous audience applause that is typically reserved for only the best in the business. "All it takes is all you've got," The Rock told this TEENSPEAK reporter. "It may seem simple, but hard work results in success all the time," he added.

Certainly your best effort and utmost con-centration is needed in the unforgiving world of wrestling where blood and injury can be real. Passion for this sport-entertainment is so great, that wrestlers perform under the strain of injury. I spoke with The Rock regarding a wide range of topics including the newly established XFL football league and wrestling in general.

Johnson's road to WWF stardom did not begin in a ring, but rather on the Miami Hurricane football field. There, he competed with the best college football players in the country, while achieving one of his primary goals, receiving a college diploma. The Rock had a passion for the pigskin, and continued his football career by signing a three year contract with Calgary of the CFL (Canadian Football League). How did the "People's Champion" evolve from the player on the Calgary Stampeders? At Calgary, The Rock believed that he was at a "fork in the road." He could continue playing football in the lesser known CFL, or follow in his grandfather's footsteps. His grandfather was a wrestler for the WWF in the 70's. It seemed only natural for The Rock to "throw his hat in the (WWF) ring." In fact, he had already mastered his chief move in High School, "the People's Eyebrow!"