Rocky Johnson, the father of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has passed away at the age of 75.

Much like his son, Johnson was a professional wrestler who rose to fame in North America in the 1970s and 80s.

'Soul Man' was a pioneer of the sport becoming one-half of the WWE's first-ever black tag team champions alongside Tony Atlas in December 1983 and was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.

Although details of Johnson's death have been revealed by WWE, an outpouring of tributes have been paid to the star from the wrestling world.

The Rock is yet to make a statement or pay tribute to his father, but he arguably already paid tribute to his dad 20 years ago.

During a cameo appearance on the cult sitcom That '70s Show The Rock actually played his father, while Rocky Johnson played his own manager.

In the episode first broadcast on 7 February, 1999, two of the show's main characters go to a wrestling event and go backstage to meet Johnson where he made a meta-reference to himself.

It's really nice, bringing your kid to a wrestling match. You know, I've got a son and one day he's going to become the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.

Footage of the moment has begun to spring up in the wake of Johnson's death, serving as a unique example of The Rock's love for his father.

Keep reading...Show less
Please log in or register to upvote this article
The Conversation (0)