In a significant move that further solidifies his ties with the sports entertainment industry, former professional wrestler turned Hollywood superstar Dwayne Johnson has joined the board of directors at TKO Group Holdings. Known for his tremendous success in both the WWE and UFC, Johnson's appointment is expected to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the company.

Johnson, who has had a longstanding relationship with both WWE and UFC, has also been a client represented by the talent agency at Endeavor, the parent company of TKO Group Holdings. As part of his agreement to join the board, Johnson has also gained full ownership of his iconic moniker, "The Rock," which earned him widespread fame during his time as one of the top superstars on the WWE roster.

Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Johnson said, "My grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, and my dad, Rocky 'Soulman' Johnson, would've never thought this day would come. which is why I'm very humbled to have a seat at the table that has decades of history and family legacy for me."

With his deep roots in the wrestling world, Johnson's presence on the board is expected to be a valuable asset in the company's future endeavors. "At my core, I'm a builder who builds for and serves the people," Johnson stated. He also expressed his motivation to contribute to the global expansion of TKO, WWE, and UFC businesses, while proudly representing the athletes and performers who work tirelessly to make their dreams come true and entertain audiences worldwide.

Joining Johnson on the TKO board of directors is Brad Kaywell, a co-founder at Groupon and Uptake Technologies. Their appointments increase the board's strength from 11 to 13 members, showcasing the company's commitment to diversifying its expertise and knowledge base.

Despite his full-time role in the acting world, Johnson has also ventured into entrepreneurship in recent years. Building his studio, Seven Bucks Productions, which he co-founded with his ex-wife Dani Garcia, and becoming an owner in the United Football League, Johnson has displayed his drive to excel in various arenas.

However, the most significant aspect of Johnson's involvement with TKO is undoubtedly gaining ownership of his renowned stage name, "The Rock." Previously held by WWE, the moniker was inspired by his father, Rocky Johnson, who was WWE's first Black champion alongside his tag-team partner, Tony Atlas. With ownership of the name, Johnson has also entered into a service and merchandizing agreement with WWE for "promotional, licensing, and other services."

Rumors are swirling that Johnson's recent appearance on WWE programming could potentially lead to his participation in the much-anticipated event, WrestleMania. As the company's flagship event, WrestleMania often features special performances and appearances by renowned wrestlers, adding to the excitement surrounding Johnson's return to the ring.

Overall, Dwayne Johnson's inclusion on TKO Group Holdings' board of directors and ownership of his iconic stage name symbolize a major milestone in his career. With his unmatched charisma and experience in the world of sports entertainment, Johnson's contributions are expected to further elevate TKO's position as a global leader in the industry.