'Fast 8'actor Dwayne Johnson and his co-actor and producer Vin Diesel are reportedly not on friendly terms off lately. (Photo : Getty Images/Jason Kempin)
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has established himself as a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star and an icon in Hollywood though it wasn't always smooth sailing. Johnson had his share of uncertainties, pondering on what he could potentially do next.
The Rock shares that point in his life, revealing how he came close to joining the UFC. Johnson opened up on the topic according to the UFC Unfiltered podcast.
The Rock recalled how he was at the peak of his WWE career and trying out Hollywood. Like most new faces in the film industry, Johnson was unsure of his future which triggered thoughts of competing in the UFC. Had The Rock done so, he would have joined the likes of Brock Lesnar to make a rare jump from the WWE to the UFC and compete with heavyweight fighters like Randy Couture, Frank Mir or Tim Sylvia.
As everyone knows, The Rock came nowhere close to joining the UFC and it is unlikely that he will do so now. He continues to be a big draw in the WWE even if his appearance is occasional and has done the same in the film-making industry.
In short, The Rock has weathered that dark moment of his life which could have been another highlight on his colorful resume. The whole UFC idea just fizzled out though some continue to wonder how far Johnson could have gotten had he pursued a mixed martial arts career.
The Rock could have been a good name to add to the list of WWE stars who tried their hand in the UFC. To date, the list includes Brock Lesnar, Dave Batista, Alberto Del Rio and Bobby Lashley. Already establishing himself as a WWE heavyweight champion, Lesnar was the most successful of the mix.
He holds the distinction of being the only fighter to have won the WWE champion and the UFC heavyweight title thus far. Lesnar achieved this back in Nov. 15, 2008 when he won via TKO over Couture at UFC 191.
CM Punk is the latest former WWE star in the UFC mix though he has yet to officially compete. Injuries have kept him from doing so, Yahoo Sports reported. Punk will make his UFC debut at UFC 203 on Sept. 10 in Cleveland against Mickey Gall.
Check out the video below showing Brock Lesnar and The Rock when the former became the UFC heavyweight champion in 2008.
