Dwayne Johnson, also known as "The Rock," has secured the intellectual property rights to numerous nicknames and catchphrases from his WWE days, reported by Variety. This includes iconic phrases like “Candy Ass” and “If you smell what The Rock is cooking.”
The rights acquisition is part of a deal with TKO Group Holdings, emerging from the WWE and UFC merger. Johnson's famous ring name and other terms have been transferred to him, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Variety notes that this list encompasses 26 terms, including “The Rock” and “The People’s Champion.” The deal also covers related logos, service marks, and aspects of his WWE persona, excluding WWE-created content featuring Johnson.
The agreement clarifies that the “Rock IP” does not include any WWE-produced media of Johnson. This delineation ensures the deal focuses solely on the intellectual property aspects.
Johnson joined the board of TKO Group Holdings in February, as revealed in a SEC filing. This move not only grants him control over his wrestling persona's IP but also includes $30 million in TKO stock and royalties from WWE.
In 2023, Johnson received $491,000 in WWE royalties. This financial success underscores the enduring value of his wrestling career's intellectual property.
