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The Rock Pays Tribute To His Father To Mark Black History Month

By TJR Staff • Published 12th February 2022
The Rock and Rocky Johnson

WWE legend The Rock has given a touching tribute to his father, ‘Soulman’ Rocky Johnson, to mark WWE’s Black History Month celebrations.

Rocky Johnson had a successful wrestling career that began in the 60s and saw him competing for various territories that were part of the NWA. In 1982, Johnson joined the WWF and entered rivalries with the likes of Don Muraco and Greg Valentine before teaming up with Tony Atlas as ‘The Soul Patrol’.

The duo went on to become the first African American team to capture the WWF Tag Team Championship when they defeated The Wild Samoans in 1983 for the gold.

The Rock shared the video tribute he made with WWE on Twitter and gave an emotional personal tribute to his father as WWE celebrates Black History Month by celebrating the successes of African American wrestlers in the company.

“This one makes me emotional, but man I’m smiling with goosebumps of gratitude, mana and pride.
My dad, Rocky “Soulman” Johnson was a trailblazer and became the first black @wwe tag team champions w/Tony Atlas. Thank you dad. I will forever be proud of who and what I am. I love u.”

Rocky Johnson appeared in the ring with his son, then known as Rocky Maivia, at WrestleMania 13. Johnson helped chase off The Sultan and The Iron Sheik after they attacked Maivia at the show.

Johnson was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame by his son as part of the Class of 2008. This was the same year that Rocky Johnson’s father-in-law The Rock’s grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, was also inducted into the Hall Of Fame.

Rocky Johnson passed away in January 2020 at the age of 75 after suffering a pulmonary embolism.