Cannonball with Wesley Morris Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson Is Finally Going There
Oct 30, 2025
In this engaging discussion, writer Sam Anderson shares his unique experience of profiling Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson for The New York Times Magazine. They explore the intersection of artifice and reality in Johnson’s performances, especially his role in The Smashing Machine. Anderson touches on Johnson's mix of shyness and charisma, his family's emotional impact on him, and the vulnerability showcased in wrestling. The duo delves into the authenticity of Johnson’s candidness and how his diverse roles reflect his multifaceted persona.
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Unexpected Ranch Visit
- Sam Anderson describes arriving at Dwayne Johnson's ranch and being met only by Johnson, who opened the gate on a four-wheeler.
- They spent an unscheduled, deep day together feeding Johnson's Brahma bull and talking for hours.
Living Wrestling Demonstration
- Johnson gave Sam an impromptu wrestling lesson, demonstrating the difference between fake and authentic punches.
- He recreated ten kinds of wrestling punches and explained Razor Ramon's frame-by-frame technique from VHS study.
Pain As Johnson's Core Medium
- Sam Anderson realized that "pain" is central to Johnson's career as both medium and subject.
- Johnson performs and endures pain across wrestling, injuries, and roles, shaping his public identity.