The Rock joins the board of directors at TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company in todays Wrestling news
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also owns the name “The Rock”.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has a new role in WWE.
On Tuesday morning, it was announced that Johnson had been appointed to the TKO Group Holdings board of directors, the parent company for WWE. TKO Group Holdings was formed in September last year when Endeavor acquired WWE. TKO is a merged company that includes both WWE and UFC. However, the two promotions still operate independently.
A press release stated Johnson “has extensive experience identifying and nurturing revenue-generating media rights, sponsorship, licensing and social media opportunities” and his appointment to TKO’s board of directors “reflects TKO’s commitment to deliver long-term value to shareholders through strategic growth initiative across both UFC & WWE.”
Johnson has also been appointed to the WWE board. The two parties have also entered into an agreement whereby Johnson will own “The Rock” as well as his appointment.
WWE also entered into an agreement with Johnson for services and merchandise that covers his promotional, licensing and other services. It also signed an agreement to assign intellectual property, which ensured Johnson’s ownership of the trademarked ‘The Rock’. The name is derived by his father, WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson who was the first Black Champion in WWE history along with partner Tony Atlas. Johnson’s grandfather Peter Maivia was a Samoan American professional wrestler who was inducted posthumously into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Johnson returned to WWE programming earlier this month with a surprise guest appearance on Day 1 of Raw. During his appearance, Johnson teased a match against Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns. WWE has not confirmed when or if this match will take place.
Johnson posted on social media after his appearance that he would make history, raise standards, and do things never done before in WWE.
The press release from Tuesday morning included quotes by Johnson, Vince McMahon and Endeavor/TKO Chief Executive Ari Emanuel.
Johnson said:
My grandfather, High chief Peter Maivia, as well as my father, Rocky “Soulman” Johnson, never imagined this day. It’s because of this that I am very humbled to be seated at a table with decades of family history. My family helped build the table. It is a great honor to be on the TKO Board of Directors and to take full ownership of ‘The Rock’. My crazy life has come full circle. Ari is creating something truly game-changing. I’m at my core a builder, who builds for the people and serves them. I’m motivated to continue to expand our TKO business, WWE business, and UFC business as the leaders in sports and entertainment around the world. I am also proud to represent so many incredible athletes and performers that show up every single day to work hard to make their dreams a reality and deliver for our audience. I’ve been there, and I’m still here. This is for them.
McMahon said
Rock is one of the few people who understands the convergence of sport, entertainment, media and business. We are proud that he has joined the TKO board and will help us take our company to a new level.
Emanuel said
I am delighted to partner with Dwayne, and to welcome his incredible talent to TKO’s Board. Dwayne has a proven track record in creating content and building global consumer brands. He will play a crucial role in realizing TKO’s ambitions.
Brad Keywell, founder of Uptake Technologies has also joined the board of directors of TKO. The board now has 13 members: McMahon Emanuel Mark Shapiro Nick Khan Peter Bynoe Egon Durban Steven Koonin Jonathan Kraft Sonya Medina Nancy Tellem Carrie Wheeler Johnson and Keywell.
The Rock joins the board of directors at TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company in todays Wrestling news, Chatalong Chatbox, Results will be Hidden inside a spoiler Button so you will not bet spoiled about direct results.
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