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.
Rest in peace, Rocky Johnson. #RIPRocky https://t.co/WJhFBU0xtn— WWE (@WWE) 1579136551
I’m really sorry to hear of the passing of Rocky Johnson. We always had lovely chats and he always referred to me a… https://t.co/nN52YKEDCp— William Regal (@William Regal) 1579160025
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of the great Rocky Johnson. Always a gentleman, I always enjoyed talking with… https://t.co/qNhlhbjnwe— Mick Foley (@Mick Foley) 1579129443
Prayers and Condolences to @TheRock and His entire family and Friends inside and outside of the @WWE as we all mour… https://t.co/puDG0vI1nS— Titus O'Neil (@Titus O'Neil) 1579150078
Rest In Peace Rocky Johnson.— Christopher Daniels (@Christopher Daniels) 1579152124
A loss for every fan of @WWE, Rocky Johnson was a barrier-breaking performer. Our thoughts are with his family at t… https://t.co/XsGzQqmoun— Triple H (@Triple H) 1579139075
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.
fuck, rip Rocky Johnson. and shout out to that time the rock played as his own dad in the 70s show. https://t.co/NwBDMouJ6X— jugas in my mind 🇿🇦 (@jugas in my mind 🇿🇦) 1579127493
In an episode of That 70s Show, The Rock portrayed his dad, and Rocky Johnson played his manager. Notice who’s bigg… https://t.co/n7E5B6SrE0— Andy McNulty (@Andy McNulty) 1579133734
The Rock once played Rocky Johnson on an episode of That 70s Show. Such a lovely little way to pay tribute to his f… https://t.co/IIiJk1PGnV— Andy (@Andy) 1579130008
So weird. The episode where Rock Played his dad on that 70s show aired on Monday. RIP Rocky Johnson https://t.co/f7a5DSkROA— SpeakingWrestling (@SpeakingWrestling) 1579130880