“The Final Boss” learned who the boss really is as Taylor Swift handed Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson the worst thumping of his career — film, wrestling or otherwise.
The Smashing Machine, a biopic starring Johnson as MMA legend Mark Kerr, opened to just $6 million, according to Variety — a dismal showing for a $50 million film. It’s the lowest opening of Johnson’s Hollywood run, despite early Oscar buzz.
Swift’s The Official Release Party of a Showgirl topped the box office with a $33 million debut, while Leonardo DiCaprio’s One Battle After Another landed in second place.
“That place — I have chills — erupted for 15-and-a-half minutes. Before the credits roll and the lights come on, I’m crying. I’m trying to clear my tears away,” said Johnson while on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
In wrestling, fans felt burned when Johnson teased a WrestleMania 41 appearance but then failed to show up. After building a surreal storyline with Cody Rhodes — where Johnson demanded Rhodes’ soul — it was John Cena who turned heel instead. Johnson then disappeared entirely from WWE ahead of its biggest event.
We just pulled off the greatest angle in the history of professional wrestling, other than Hulk Hogan turning heel. We have six weeks, now let’s build. You guys go and crush it. I’ll be right there with you and I’m always here if you need me, but I think it’s best for The Final Boss not to be involved in that finish.”
Perhaps wrestling fans took a similar approach with The Smashing Machine, as their absence would seem to say, “Go crush it, Rock. But we think it’s best if we stay at home, too.”
Despite this box office bomb, Johnson isn’t hurting financially. In fact, he could score the biggest payday of his wrestling career as the Saudis look for him to appear at WrestleMania 43 when it comes to Saudi Arabia in 2027.
But regarding his Hollywood slump, expect Johnson to shake it off as only someone of his stature can.
Source link
