Summary of An exclusive interview with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson | Will Cain Show

00:00:00 - 00:50:00

In an exclusive interview on the Will Cain Show, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson discussed his various ventures, including his tequila brand and professional football league, while reflecting on the importance of ambition, legacy, and serving others. Johnson shared his experiences of not making it to the NFL and the importance of authenticity, even in the face of criticism. He also touched on his unexpected return to professional wrestling and the importance of balancing fan feedback with his gut instinct. The conversation also covered Johnson's potential run for presidency, his deep connection to Hawaii and Samoa, and his most meaningful experience of giving back to his community in Maui. Throughout the interview, Johnson emphasized the importance of legacy, unity, and making a positive impact on people's lives.

• 00:00:00 In this section of the interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson on the Will Cain Show, they discuss Johnson's various ventures, including his tequila brand, Tequila Teremana, and his professional football league, UFL. Johnson expresses his desire to break records and create opportunities for others, drawing from his own experiences of not making it to the NFL. They also touch on the importance of legacy and making a positive impact on people's lives. Johnson shares a quote about being remembered for how one makes people feel, and they discuss the challenges of creation and leaving a lasting legacy.
• 00:05:00 In this section of the interview, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson reflects on the pursuit of ambition and the importance of serving others. He acknowledges that even after reaching significant accomplishments, one must ask oneself what they can do for others and consider their position to best serve them. Johnson expresses his belief in bringing others with him and building something together, rather than riding off into the sunset alone. He also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and being true to oneself, even in the face of potential backlash or criticism.
• 00:10:00 In this section of the interview, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson discusses the pressure and authenticity that comes with fame, and how he has used it to influence people in the past. He reflects on his endorsement of Joe Biden in the 2020 election and the division it caused, leading him to keep his politics private and focus on unity. Johnson states that he trusts the American people to make their own decisions and supports whoever they vote for. He has never formally endorsed a political candidate but shares his personal voting preferences.
• 00:15:00 In this section of the interview, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson discusses his potential run for presidency. Johnson stated that while he is influential and has been considered for the position, he currently has no intention of running. He explained that his focus is on his family and their needs, as he doesn't want to miss out on important moments like school drop-offs and pickups. Johnson also mentioned that he feels he could do a decent job as president but is unsure if it's the right move at this point. The conversation then shifted to Johnson's family ties to professional wrestling, with his grandmother being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and his daughter entering the business. Johnson expressed his love for the wrestling industry and his pride in being a third-generation wrestler.
• 00:20:00 In this section of the interview, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson discusses his unexpected return to professional wrestling and his decision to take on the role of the bad guy, or heel, instead of the planned baby face comeback against Roman Reigns. The Rock explains that while fans were excited about the potential match-up between him and Reigns, there was also a growing storyline with Cody Rhodes, whose father and brother are wrestling legends. The Rock, who is a member of the WWE board, realized that some fans were disappointed and decided to give them the story of Cody Rhodes instead. He called WWE executive Nick Khan with the idea, and they agreed to make Rhodes the focus instead. The Rock reflects on the authenticity of being a villain and how it allows him to be more visceral and open in his performances. He compares the appeal of villains to the appeal of characters like Darth Vader and Draymond Green, and notes that fans often find them more interesting.
• 00:25:00 In this section of the interview, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson discusses the importance of balancing fan feedback with his gut instinct in decision-making, using the example of a situation in pro wrestling where he chose to listen to fans and make a change. Johnson also talks about the grueling training required for his movie roles, emphasizing the need to prepare while also being careful not to overdo it before performances.
• 00:30:00 In this section of the interview, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson discusses his rigorous workout routine, which includes cardio, weight training, and in-ring work for WrestleMania. He emphasizes the importance of training in professional wrestling and the unique challenges it presents. Johnson also reflects on the importance of charisma and the mic skills of wrestlers from the 70s and 80s, noting how their performances were essential for their success due to the financial stakes. He admires current wrestlers like CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and Seth Rollins for their mic skills and authenticity.
• 00:35:00 In this section of the interview, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson discusses the current developments in the world of professional wrestling, specifically the potential storylines involving him, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns. He emphasizes the importance of quality leadership and flexibility in the industry. Nick Khan, the president of WWE, joins the conversation and credits the recent success of WWE to the hard work of everyone involved, including Johnson. They reflect on wrestling as a form of entertainment that captivates audiences, drawing parallels to politics, movies, and theater. Johnson also shares his personal connection to wrestling as a child and looks forward to attending WrestleMania 40 in person. The interview concludes with a discussion on the unique appeal of wrestling as a representation of good versus evil and a settling of conflicts.
• 00:40:00 In this section of the interview, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson discusses the appeal of anti-hero characters in scripted television and politics, using examples like Tony Soprano and Vic Mackey. He believes that these characters resonate with audiences because they make difficult decisions, even if they are not the best or most thoughtful ones. Johnson relates this concept to his own career, noting that he has struggled financially and faced obstacles in getting to the "inside" of the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the audience and understanding their perspective, even as success brings new challenges. Additionally, Johnson discusses his charitable work through the People's Fund, which has delivered over $60 million to over 8,000 survivors in Hawaii.
• 00:45:00 In this section of the interview, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson discusses the most meaningful experience of his career, which involves giving back to his community in Maui, Hawaii. When Will Cain informed him about a burned-down boxing gym in Lahina, Johnson quickly rallied support from his network, including Dana White and the UFC, to help replace the lost equipment. Johnson expressed gratitude for being in a position to make a difference and help the local kids, who often use boxing gyms to keep them out of trouble. This experience, which Johnson calls "Contending for the Kingdom," is about caring for people beyond oneself and rebuilding the community.
• 00:50:00 In this section of the interview, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson expresses his deep connection to Hawaii and Samoa, where his ancestors are buried. He shares that his family wants to be buried there as well, and it breaks his heart that recent events have affected the area. Despite this, Johnson and his team are contributing $60 million to help the 8,000 survivors get back on their feet. Johnson identifies himself as a son of Hawaii, Samoa, and Polynesian Islands, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to speak on the show and for the work being done to help those in need. He concludes by thanking his interviewers and expressing his appreciation for their efforts.