Dwayne Johnson Officially Gains Ownership of "The Rock" Name and Joins Board of WWE and UFC Owner TKO
Dwayne Johnson officially has the full ownership to his nickname "The Rock". Johnson has also been appointed to the board of directors of TKO, which is the public company that owns the WWE and UFC.
Along with the appointment, the company has now granted the actor and entrepreneur full ownership of his trademarked in-ring name. Johnson has also inked a services and merchandising agreement with the company. As per an SEC filing, Johnson receives a stock award of TKO valued at $30 million USD. He will also be given the opportunity to collect royalties in connection with any of the sales for "The Rock" merch.
The Rock is considered to be one of the greatest WWE stars in history. In a statement he said, "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." He added, " At my core, I'm a builder who builds for and serves the people, and [TKO CEO] Ari [Emanuel] is building something truly game changing. I'm ery 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." The Rock can now use the name in any way he sees fit.