Has Dwayne Johnson, The Rock, Ever Played a Villain in Movies and Wrestling?

Dwayne Johnson, better known by his stage name The Rock, is primarily known for his impressive physique and heroic roles, but he has indeed portrayed villains in both movies and professional wrestling. This article delves into some examples of his villainous journey in entertainment.

Movies

While many consider The Rock to be a hero in the wrestling ring, his acting career has seen him in more than a few villainous roles. Here are some of the notable examples:

The Mummy Returns (2001)

In The Mummy Returns, The Rock played Tariq, the leader of the Boabendment Dream Castle slaves. Although portrayed as an antagonist, his role was more sidekick to the main villain, Jeckyl-Kane.

Get Smart: Pain Gain (2013)

He starred as Mark Harmon in Pain Gain, a villainous role in a black comedy about real-life con artists. His portrayal here showcases his comedic skills, standing as an ambitious and slightly delusional member of the group with plans to muscle in on their operation.

Doom (2005)

In the video game adaptation Doom, The Rock played Dillon, a demonic entity. This role is an example of his performance in a supernatural and villainous role, perfectly suited to his imposing physical presence.

Get Shorty (1995) and Get Shorty 2 (2017)

Dwayne Johnson appeared in the sequel to Get Shorty, which is a lesser-known fact. In both films, he played henchmanroles for a bad guy. Although not a major villain, his character served to add tension and drama in these crime-related films.

Wrestling

Beyond his acting career, The Rock has also donned the villainous mantle in WWE wrestling. His return to WWE in 2019 as a villain went viral and is noteworthy for its impact on the industry.

WWE Royal Rumble 2019

At the Royal Rumble 2019, The Rock made a shocking appearance as a villain, surprising the WWE Universe. This moment marked a significant shift in his career and set the stage for his ongoing role in entering and exiting the ring as a villain.

Present Day Villainous Lineup in WWE

Towards the end of 2022, The Rock took his villainous activities to a new level. During a press conference for WrestleMania, he famously slapped Cody Rhodes, the younger brother of legendary wrestler Dusty Rhodes, on the face. This act sparked a confrontation and added fuel to his villainous storyline.

SmackDown Alliance Formation (2023)

Following the reveal at WrestleMania, The Rock's storyline took a turn during the latest episode of SmackDown. This respected wrestling show, named after one of his catchphrases, saw The Rock re-enter the ring wearing distinctive black sunglasses, silver chains, and a Versace vest. This attire was a nod to his original villainous persona in the late 1990s.

These distinct looks were a callback to his The Rock gimmick during his initial entry into professional wrestling, where he often wore designer clothing to highlight his theatrical, larger-than-life persona.

While The Rock's physical prowess and immigration story are the main draws, his ability to take on the villainous role and deliver compelling performances make him a versatile and memorable figure in entertainment.