The Rock’s Dad, WWE Hall of Famer Rocky “Soul Man” Johnson, Dead at 75

Longtime WWE superstar Rocky “Soul Man” Johnson, the father of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, has died.

The WWE announced the sad news of Johnson’s passing Wednesday evening (Jan. 15). He was 75 years old.

WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson has passed away. https://t.co/9uxrICJKxb

— WWE (@WWE) January 15, 2020

Rocky Johnson, born Wayde Douglas Bowles, made his fighting debut in 1966. He competed in the National Wrestling Alliance throughout the 1970s, and also earned several regional singles and tag team titles in those years.

In 1983, he joined the WWE and won the World Tag Team Championship alongside Tony Atlas after beating The Wild Samoans that same year, a feat that made them the first African-Americans to win the wrestling title.

Johnson was also known for having several notable rivalries with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Don Muraco and Adrian Adonis.

Johnson officially retired from wrestling in 1991, but remained in the game by helping train severable notable fighters in the years since, including his own son Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—who competed in the WWE before his acting career took off.

In 2008, Johnson’s illustrious career was capped off by his induction into the the WWE Hall of Fame by his son.

The NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) released the following statement regarding Johnson’s passing today:

“The National Wrestling Alliance is saddened to hear of the passing of Rocky Johnson. His legacy stretches across every promotion. He was a champion everywhere he went including holding the NWA Georgia Championship. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.”

The National Wrestling Alliance is saddened to hear of the passing of Rocky Johnson.

His legacy stretches across every promotion. He was a champion everywhere he went including holding the NWA Georgia Championship.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. pic.twitter.com/KTqHZns6Hb

— NWA (@nwa) January 15, 2020