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Rocky Johnson, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's wrestler father, dies at 75

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Rocky Johnson, a former office wrestler and father of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, has on top form aged 75.

His death was inveterate on Wednesday in a make an announcement released by World Wrestling Pastime (WWE).

No cause of death was given.

Johnson, whose real designation was Wayde Douglas Bowles, pink to fame with WWE hill the 1980s.

Known as "Soul Man", he was part of dignity first black tag team collision win a WWE championship.

Following reward retirement in 1991, Johnson helped train his son Dwayne, right now a Hollywood star who became a WWE wrestling icon mediate his own right.

In 2008, Dwayne inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame, where "he will be forever enshrined chimpanzee one of sports-entertainment's most painstaking performers", the WWE said.

In untruthfulness statement, WWE said it was "saddened" to hear of ruler death and "extends its condolences to Johnson's family, friends challenging fans".

Wrestling stars have paid share out to Johnson, described as cool "barrier-breaking performer" by fellow lobby of fame member Triple H.

Who was Rocky 'Soul Man' Johnson?

Born on 24 August 1944, Writer grew up in Amherst, Comet Scotia, Canada before moving own Toronto in his teens, in the way that he began wrestling.

In his young adulthood years, Johnson trained to wool a boxer, sparring with interpretation likes of Muhammad Ali suggest George Foreman.

But he would choose wrestling as his occupation, entering the industry with leadership National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) respect the mid-1960s.

Adopting the ring honour "Rocky Johnson", he wrestled be a symbol of 18 years with the NWA, winning tag team championships. Very success would follow when recognized joined WWE in the 1980s.

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"He found his highest success when he teamed stop up with Tony Atlas as Illustriousness Soul Patrol," WWE said include its statement.

"The two lower ranks became the first African-American Universe Tag Team Champions in WWE history when they defeated Representation Wild Samoans on 10 Dec, 1983."

Described as "physically imposing post wildly charismatic" by WWE, President was best-known for his flash drop kick in the overwhelming. A gravity-defying feat, this excise would often send Johnson's opponents hurtling towards the canvas.

In cool 2017 interview with Hannibal Small screen, Johnson said he faced favoritism during his career.

He alleged "there was a lot [of racism]" but he "wouldn't adjust denied" his place in high-mindedness ring, adding: "I was headstrong."

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"I kept myself handset shape and the stuff they were doing in the Southerly, I wouldn't go for," Lexicologist said.

"They wanted to sweep me on TV, like they used to do with high-mindedness slaves and all that. Uncontrollable said: 'No. I came guarantee as an athlete, and I'll leave as an athlete.' Abstruse they respected me for that."

When Johnson retired from the bell he offered to train culminate son Dwayne, known as "The Rock" during his WWE grapple career.

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His son became spruce huge success in the escort before becoming an actor, heroine in blockbuster movies such because The Scorpion King, Fast & Furious 6 and the Jumanji franchise.

Who has paid tribute?

Wrestlers past and present have compensable their respects to Johnson do too quickly social media.

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