‘The Rock’ to star in new wrestling comedy based on his life

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. AP/INVISION FILE PHOTO

After a successful professional wrestling career with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has become one of the biggest and most sought-after stars in Hollywood.

For his next project, the wrestler-turned-actor will tap into his WWE roots for a comedy project based on his early days as a performer, alongside  former WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz.

The comedy series for Fox network, which will reportedly also feature veteran comedian Will Ferrell, will chronicle the bond between a young charismatic wrestler and an awkward comedy writer who’s new to the scene, according to a Variety report.

In a statement, Johnson confirmed his involvement in the project.

“This November will mark the 20th anniversary of my professional wrestling debut,” he said.

“I was 24 years old, putting in the hard work, making $40 bucks per match and had no clue of the long journey that lay ahead of me with characters and backstage stories so colorful you’d think there’s no way that can be true. The entertaining show that goes on in front of the crowd pales in comparison to the insanely entertaining show that goes on backstage. Brian and myself can’t wait to tell our stories.”

The projected show remains without an official title as of this writing, but Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions and Ferrell’s Gary Sanchez Productions will reportedly co-produce the project.  Khristian Ibarrola