TKO Group Holdings, Inc., the multi-billion-dollar conglomerate formed by Endeavor merging WWE and UFC together, has just announced the addition of Dwayne Johnson, popularly known as The Rock, to its board of directors. This appointment is a significant move for TKO, highlighting its commitment to blending sports, entertainment, media, and business in innovative ways.
Dwayne Johnson’s journey from a superstar wrestler to a global media personality is well-documented. Rising to fame in WWE (formerly WWF) during the 1990s and early 2000s, he captured audiences with his charisma and athleticism, en route to securing multiple world championships. His transition to Hollywood brought him further acclaim, featuring in blockbusters such as the Fast & Furious franchise, San Andreas, and Moana. Beyond acting, Johnson has diversified his portfolio, including ventures like the United Football League, Teremana Tequila, Project Rock, Zoa Energy, and Seven Bucks Productions.
Furthermore, ” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>the announcement of Johnson’s board membership was accompanied by his acquisition of the trademark of his well-known moniker, The Rock, from WWE, alongside a services and merchandising agreement with the company. This agreement will see Johnson continue to receive royalties from WWE and allow him to use the trademarked name for various purposes.
In a statement, Johnson expressed his excitement and humility at joining TKO’s board of directors. He emphasized the significance of this position in his career, considering his family’s history and legacy in wrestling. He also highlighted his intention to contribute towards the global expansion of TKO, WWE, and UFC as industry leaders, paying homage to the athletes and performers who work hard every day to realize their dreams.
Ariel Emanuel, CEO of TKO, praised Johnson’s track record in creating content and building globally recognized brands. Vince McMahon, Executive Chairman of TKO, echoed those sentiments, acknowledging Johnson’s deep understanding of the intersection of sports, entertainment, media, and business.
Johnson’s long-standing ties with important figures in the TKO organization are noteworthy. His relationship with Vince McMahon and WWE spans decades, and he has a personal connection with WWE president Nick Khan. Additionally, he remains a client of WME for 13 years and counting, where Emanuel is a leader.
Alongside The Rock, the TKO board welcomes Brad Keywell, founder and executive chairman of Uptake Technologies, as its 13th member. Keywell, known for co-founding companies like Groupon and Echo Global Logistics, brings a wealth of entrepreneurial and business experience to the board.
Johnson’s appointment comes at a time of significant changes for TKO, following its recent formation and corporate restructuring. With the merger of WWE and UFC into a single publicly-traded entity, TKO has streamlined its operations, leading to widespread corporate layoffs, including at the executive level.
Johnson’s influence and experience are expected to play a crucial role in steering TKO’s future direction. His ability to connect with audiences, combined with his business acumen, make him a valuable asset for the company as it seeks to innovate and grow in the competitive landscape of sports and entertainment. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage his star power and expertise to drive TKO’s growth and enhance its global presence.
Outside of his impending and more involved return to WWE, The Rock is coming back to star in a new Fast and Furious spin-off set to be released before the next mainline Fast and Furious film.
