Simone Johnson, the daughter of 10-time world champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia, has begun training to become a WWE Superstar at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla.
The 18-year-old is on a path to become the first fourth-generation Superstar in WWE history, coming from a line of legends that includes her great-grandfather and grandfather, WWE Hall of Famers “High Chief” Peter Maivia and Rocky Johnson, and her father. “It means the world to me,” Johnson said. “To know that my family has such a personal connection to wrestling is really special to me and I feel grateful to have the opportunity, not only to wrestle but to carry on that legacy.”
“Simone Johnson’s unbridled passion and incredible drive has earned her a coveted spot training with the elite athletes from around the world at the WWE Performance Center,” said Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative. “Not only does Simone now have an opportunity to cultivate and display her passion for WWE within the Performance Center, but she’ll carry on the tradition of her incredible family lineage while creating her own impact as WWE’s first fourth-generation Superstar.”
Johnson will join the diverse group of Superstars in training at the Performance Center, learning from a coaching staff that includes legends of the squared circle, led by Head Coach Matt Bloom and Assistant Head Coach Sara Amato. “Simone knows she has a lot to learn,” said Bloom. “She’s hungry to learn and picks the coaches’ minds, and the veteran Superstars’, as well. She’s not going to rest on her laurels. It’s been a short time, but she’s been crushing it.” “Simone is a wonderful girl,” Amato added. “She’s like a sponge, it’s pretty amazing. She knows what it takes to succeed and all the hard work and sacrifice that goes into it. I wouldn’t have expected anything less.”
Simone Johnson has never hidden her desire to become a wrestler, supported by her famous Dad and her Mum, Dany Garcia. The eldest of The Rock’s 3 daughters was born in 2001 when her father was at the top of his game, breaking records, winning Championships, and becoming the “People’s Champ.” So Simone will have to walk in the gigantic footsteps of her Dad.
Simone will be the first fourth-generation wrestler Superstar in WWE. Being a part of “wrestling royalty” can be a golden ticket to the top, but sometimes not. As the first-ever third-generation Superstar, Natalya often stated how difficult the road has been for her and how many times WWE told her no. Curtis Axel, despite being known as Mr Perfect’s son, has never really been able to get out of the mid-card of WWE.
Wrestlers like The Rock, Bret Hart, Cody Rhodes, Tessa Blanchard, Charlotte Flair proved the world the name is not making the Superstar, but the passion and dedication of the wrestler for the sport were making a huge difference. Simone Johnson is decided to make a name for herself, not to be “The Rock’s daughter”. She will be referred to as very often in her career, but if her determination is as strong as she describes it, one day her name could shadow the famous legacy of her father. That’s all we could hope for her.
For the little girl who fell in love with wrestling & was determined to make this dream a reality – this is for you. I’m beyond thankful for this opportunity & ready to get after it.
Let’s do this. @WWE @WWENXT pic.twitter.com/5lSKbWnHf7
— ?????? (@SimoneGJohnson) February 10, 2020
All pics and videos courtesy of WWE