Dwayne Johnson is known as the charismatic action hero that can do it all, but there's more to him than just being an actor. Johnson has found a great deal of success in everything he's tried. He's currently one of the top action heroes in Hollywood and well known for his comedic timing & incredible physique.

Related: Here’s What Dwayne Johnson Spends His $280 Million Net Worth On

However, Johnson's rise to fame wasn't overnight. He even had dreams that fizzled. Later, he found a new path in life and became one of professional wrestling's biggest stars. Johnson's fame reached heights he never thought were possible. It's time to take a closer look at Johnson's career.

10 Dreaming Of The NFL And CIA

Dwayne Johnson University Of Miami Hurricanes

Dwayne Johnson's childhood dream was to play in the NFL. He also considered a career in the CIA, but a professor told him he didn't have the grades for it. In the early 90s, Johnson was a standout player at the University of Miami. However, an injury sidelined him, and future NFL Hall of Famer Warren Sapp took his place on the team.

Johnson's NFL dreams ended when no team signed him in the NFL draft. Johnson didn't completely give up on the CIA as he graduated with a degree in criminology. Later, he signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL, but the team cut him and his football career was over.

9 Wrestling Runs In The Family

Dwayne Johnson As Rocky Maivia In WWE

In 1996, Dwayne Johnson decided to embark on a career as a professional wrestler. Of course, wrestling is in his blood. Johnson's father was the legendary Rocky Johnson who was one half of the first African-American team to win the WWF Tag Team Championship.

Related: Here's What Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Keeps On The DL About His Personal Life

Johnson's mother, Ata, is the daughter of the iconic "High Chief" Peter Maivia. His grandmother, Lia Maivia, took over the territory following his grandfather's passing, making her one of the first female wrestling promoters. Johnson debuted in the WWE at the Survivor Series 1996. At the time, he went under the name Rocky Maivia as a tribute to his father and grandfather. In 2008, Johnson inducted both into the WWE Hall of Fame.

8 The People's Champion

Dwayne Johnson As WWE Champion The Rock

Dwayne Johnson's career as the ultimate good guy Rocky Maivia was underwhelming and saw audiences turn on him. Fans booed him with a passion despite Johnson trying to win them over. Johnson helped revolutionize the business when he changed his persona to become the arrogant and egotistical "People's Champion," The Rock.

As The Rock, Johnson became one of wrestling's biggest stars of all time. Johnson eventually left wrestling to pursue a career in Hollywood but returned from time to time. In 2019, Johnson decided it was time to retire from wrestling for good.

7 Two Guinness World Records

Dwayne Johnson In The Scorpion King

Dwayne Johnson became a massive crossover star and parlayed his fame into a successful movie career. Johnson's first acting role was in That 70's Show portraying his father, Rocky Johnson. In 2002, Johnson earned $5.5 million for his debut as a leading man in The Scorpion King. 

Related: Highlighting Dwayne Johnson's Movie Career, From The 00s To Now

He set a Guinness World Record for the biggest paycheck for a first-time actor for his role in The Scorpion King. He then became the selfie king. In 2015, Johnson set a second Guinness World Record when he took 105 selfies in three minutes while walking the red carpet at the San Andreas premiere.

6 Slimming Down And Staying Away From Wrestling

Dwayne Johnson In The Tooth Fairy

Dwayne Johnson was on the rise in Hollywood, but his management team advised him to slim down and distance himself from wrestling. He cut down on the gym time and looked noticeably smaller during this period. At this time, he had no association at all with the WWE and didn't even acknowledge his wrestling career. Johnson starred in several films such as The Game Plan, Race To Witch Mountain, and The Tooth Fairy. He continued to further his career but realized this lifestyle wasn't working for him. Johnson was about to take his career to a whole new level.

5 The Highest Paid Actor In Hollywood

Dwayne Johnson And Kevin Hart In Central Intelligence

Dwayne Johnson felt that he wasn't being true to himself and refocused his career. He hit the gym again, and his giant muscles returned. He soon became one of the highest-paid actors of all time.

Related: Dwayne Johnson’s 5 Closest Friends (& 5 Celebs He Avoids)

Of course, he also impressed audiences when he guest-hosted the iconic sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live several times. Johnson then teamed up with comedian Kevin Hart in the film Central Intelligence. He also stars in the HBO series Ballers and voices Maui in the Disney animated film Moana. Johnson modeled the character of Maui after his later grandfather Peter Maivia.

4 Revitalizing The Fast Saga And Feuding With Co-Stars

Dwayne Johnson And Jason Statham In Hobbs & Shaw

Fast & Furious is one of the highest-grossing franchises in the world. Dwayne Johnson joined the cast in Fast Five, portraying Luke Hobbs. He went on to star in several more films in the series. Johnson gets credit for helping revitalize the franchise. Later, Johnson and Jason Statham teamed up to star in a spin-off Fast & Furious Presents Hobbs & Shaw. Of course, Johnson starring in the spin-off caused some tension among his cast members Tyrese Gibson and Vin Diesel. Regardless, Johnson is a crucial element of the franchise and its continued success.

3 The First Fourth Generation Wrestler And Washing Hands

Dwayne Johnson And Simone Johnson At The Golden Globe Awards

Dwayne Johnson might have moved on from the WWE, but wrestling still runs in the family. Johnson and his first wife, Dany Garcia, had an amicable divorce and remain good friends and business partners. They have one daughter together, Simone, who is training to start her WWE career. Also, Johnson's cousin, Nia Jax, is a current WWE superstar.

In 2019, Johnson married Lauren Hashian, and they have two daughters Jasmine and Tiana. He's the king of social media as he often posts videos of his daughters. Recently, Johnson and his youngest daughter posted several videos explaining the importance of washing hands during the pandemic.

2 Seven Bucks

Dwayne Johnson Hosting Titan Games

After being let go by the CFL, Dwayne Johnson opened up his wallet and realized all he had was $7. He never forgot that feeling and used it as inspiration. Johnson owns the production company, Seven Bucks Productions, along with ex-wife Dany Garcia. The name of the company comes from the fact that Johnson had $7 to his name before his fame. He created and hosts the popular series The Titan Games. In 2019, Johnson released his brand of tequila Teremana Tequila. Johnson and Garcia also plan to produce a new competition event featuring bodybuilding called Athleticon.

1 Purchase Of XFL And President Johnson

Dwayne Johnson In Ballers

In 2020, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and a consortium purchased the defunct football league the XFL for $15 million. They also took on the league's massive debt. Of course, the league once belonged to Johnson's former boss and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. McMahon initially launched the XFL in 2001, but the league was a disaster and public embarrassment. McMahon relaunched the XFL in 2020 before declaring bankruptcy due to the pandemic.

There have also been rumblings of Johnson running for President someday, but he's focussed on his career. He stars in several upcoming films, including Red Notice, Jungle Cruise, and Black Adam. He's also working on a TV show about his childhood, Young Rock

Next: Post XFL Purchase: What’s Dwayne Johnson And Vince McMahon’s Relationship Currently Like?