Yahoo News Dwayne Johnson granted rights to 'The Rock' name as he joins board of WWE parent company
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has been appointed to the board of directors of TKO, the group that owns WWE and UFC.
The wrestler and actor's appointment was announced in a press release by TKO on Tuesday (January 23).
Along with his appointment to the TKO board, Johnson has also been granted the rights to 'The Rock' name, which he began using in WWE in 1997.
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Johnson, who was WWE's first third-generation Superstar, said in statement: "My grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, and my dad, Rocky 'Soulman' Johnson, would’ve never thought this day would come.
"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."
Johnson continued: "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."
TKO's CEO Ari Emanuel added: "I am thrilled to partner with Dwayne and welcome his immense talent to TKO’s Board.
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"Dwayne brings an incredible track record of creating content and building globally recognised consumer brands, and he will play a key role in realising our ambitions for TKO."
Johnson made a surprise appearance on the January 1 edition of Monday Night Raw, interrupting Jinder Mahal.
At the end of the segment Johnson appeared to call out Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, prompting speculation that he will be the one to face Reigns at this year's WrestleMania which takes place on April 6 and 7.
Catch up on Raw, Smackdown, NXT and all the big WWE action via the WWE Network or TNT Sports. US viewers can access the WWE Network via Peacock.
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