Did you know Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson called Nashville home?

The actor and WWE Superstar is back in the ring this weekend for WrestleMania 40. We’re looking back on his time in Music City.

Dwayne The Rock Johnson posed in fron of Tootsies in Nashville.

Johnson briefly considered a career in country music, inspired by his time living in Nashville. | Photo via Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson via Facebook

This weekend is WrestleMania 40 — aka the Super Bowl of professional wrestling. The two-night WWE event will be held 800 miles away in Philadelphia, but Saturday’s main event features a familiar face with ties to Nashville: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Did you know? Before Johnson rose to fame in the ring and on the big screen, his father’s wrestling career brought him to Music City, where he attended McGavock and Glencliff high schools. Although the celeb graduated in Pennsylvania, he returned to Nashville to start his own pro wrestling career. (In fact, the industry has a deep history here.)

As it turns out, Johnson loves to reminisce on his time hanging out in honky tonks on Lower Broadway. In recent years, he has shared his stories about Nashville on social media (including this yearbook photo), on late night shows, and even “Young Rock,” the NBC sitcom loosely based on his life.

More from NASHtoday
Here’s what to know about match days at GEODIS Park as the Boys in Gold prepare for the 2026 season opener against the New England Revolution.
Both spots are open daily, whether you’re stopping by for breakfast or lunch.
Whether they love the outdoors, hands-on learning, or creative outlets, there’s something on this list for every kind of kid.
The free event returns to Nashville with a focus on weather safety and forecasting ahead of peak severe weather season.
The annual Great Backyard Bird Count attracts over one million bird lovers nationwide to help record the bird population — here’s how you can get involved in Nashville.
Some are brand new, others have been around for years — but all of these Nashville-area festivals are on the calendar for 2026.
Billy Strings? Check. Rascal Flatts? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
Volunteer opportunities are still available across Nashville, with options ranging from outreach efforts to in-person cleanups.
The Jefferson Street Sound Museum and the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music were officially designated this week.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.