Rocky Johnson, the father of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, has passed away today at the age of 75.
The news, first announced by the Cauliflower Alley Club, is still developing. No cause of death has been announced.
Johnson’s career began in 1964. In the 1970s, Johnson was considered a top contender for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, receiving opportunities against champions Harley Race and Terry Funk. He would go on to wrestle in Memphis, often feuding against Jerry “The King” Lawler.
Johnson is best known for his time in WWE where he and tag team partner Tony Atlas, known as The Soul Patrol, were the first African American WWF Tag Team Champions.
After retiring in 1991, he would go on to train his son, Dwayne Johnson, along with Pat Patterson. Johnson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame: Class of 2008 by his son.
On behalf of the staff of Wrestleview, we would like to send our sincerest condolences to the family of Rocky Johnson during this difficult time.
Horrible news to pass along. We just learned that Rocky Johnson passed away today at the age of 75. 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 pic.twitter.com/3AvzVwylPH
— CauliflowerAlleyClub (@CACReunion) January 15, 2020