World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Famer, Rocky Johnson, has died at 75 years old.
Rocky is the father of former professional wrestler and Hollywood star, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
He is known as a part of the first ever African-American tag team alongside Tony Atlas to win a championship at the World Wrestling Federation.
The Cauliflower Alley Club, a wrestling organization, first revealed the news on Twitter as they mourned the passing of a legend of the sport.
“Horrible news to pass along. We just learned that Rocky Johnson passed away today at the age of 75,” the club wrote in a Tweet.
“His accolades in this business, all the people he influenced, all his accomplishments, and we are so deeply sorry and wish his family nothing but the most love at this time.”
Influential Performer
Johnson joined WWE in 1983 and made a name for himself after establishing iconic rivalries with the likes of Adrian Adonis, Greg Valentine, and Don Muraco.
He decided to retire from the sport in 1991 and became a huge influence to Dwayne’s wrestling career, who went on to become the biggest stars in wrestling.
In 2008, the wrestling promotion inducted ‘Soul Man’ in the Hall Of Fame.
“WWE is saddened to learn that Rocky “Soul Man” Johnson (born Wayde Douglas Bowles), a WWE Hall of Famer, former World Tag Team Champion, and father of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, has passed away at age 75.”
“He will be forever enshrined as one of sports-entertainment’s most influential performers.”
“WWE extends its condolences to Johnson’s family, friends and fans,” the organization said.
The National Wrestling Alliance has also issued a statement on Johnson’s passing.
“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.”
Meanwhile, ‘The Rock’ has yet to make a statement about his father’s death.
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Dwayne Johnson and YouTube/ The Hannibal TV)