You know Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson for his very masculine and adrenaline pumping roles as well as his comedic prowess. No one would have known with one look that the buff wrestling superstar, who has experienced success after success since his time as "The Rock" in WWE, was also a victim of his own depression when he was younger. After an outpouring of support from fans, Johnson tweeted his thanks for the support.
Johnson's bout with depression was revealed in "Oprah's Master Class" series where Oprah asked him to explain his wrestler persona. Throughout the episode, Johnson shared his experiences and the lessons he learned in life, most of which were learned the hard way.
.@Oprah asked me "Explain The Rock persona". For the first time ever... #TheRockArrives #MasterClass #SUN #8pm https://t.co/J7gGEjTMCQ
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) November 12, 2015
It may seem like nothing could bring down the professional wrestler we all know as "The Rock," but before becoming a pro wrestler, his main goal was to become a professional football player. As with anyone who ever dreamed to go pro in their beloved sport, Johnson learned just how competitive the professional sport is because, no matter how good you are, there's always someone better. Johnson learned this the hard way when he was passed up by the National Football League after graduating from the University of Miami. The professional wrestler thought he had a second chance when he made it in the practice roster of the Calgary Stampeders, a Canadian Football League team, but the rug was pulled from under his feet when he was cut from the roster after two months. His football dreams were shattered and he had to move back in with his parents afterwards and that is when the depression hit him hard.
.@TheRock moving back in with your parents so humbling. " on the other side of your pain is something good if you can hold on" #masterclass — Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) November 16, 2015
"I wish I had someone at that time who could just pull me aside and [say], 'Hey, it's gonna be OK. It'll be OK" he said. After deciding to give up on his football dreams, he changed his course for professional wrestling with the help of his father, Rocky Johnson, who is also a professional wrestler. Things became better afterwards that Johnson considers it to be one of the greatest chapters of his life.
Thx fam. Hardest thing sometimes (especially men) is asking for help. I wish I did. You're never alone. Speak up. https://t.co/rLC9ELgMpJ
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) November 19, 2015
The rest, as they say, is history.
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