WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson, father of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, dies aged 75

The Rock (left) alongside his dad Rocky Johnson in 2014
The Rock (left) alongside his dad Rocky Johnson in 2014 Photo credit: Getty

Rocky Johnson, father of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, has died aged 75.

The former pro wrestler was a tag team champion, wrestling for the then-World Wrestling Federation from 1982-1985.

WWE released a statement about the news, saying the company is "saddened" by Rocky's passing and offering condolences to his family. 

Rocky, also known as The Soul Man, made his last in-ring television appearance was in 1997, when he aided his son during a match at WrestleMania 13. 

In 2008, Rocky was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside his father 'The High Chief' Peter Maivia. Both inducted by Dwayne.

Upon Rocky's retirement from full-time wrestling in 1997, he worked within WWE as a trainer, including for his son, who as The Rock went on to become one of the greatest superstars of all time, alongside the likes of Hulk Hogan and 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin.