The Rock Gets Vintage Magazines of His Grandfather
A superfan surprised Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson with two rare wrestling magazines featuring his late grandfather, the inspiration behind his Moana character. The emotional gift was actually meant for Johnson's mother, who the fan had met months earlier at WrestleMania.
When Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson met fans during his London press tour for Disney's live-action Moana, he didn't expect to receive a gift that would bring him to a standstill.
Steven, a dedicated fan, brought two vintage wrestling magazines featuring Johnson's grandfather, Peter Maivia. The magazines came from New Zealand and Britain, countries where Maivia wrestled decades ago.
Johnson immediately recognized the significance. "Wow, look at that, man!" he said, stopping mid-exit to examine the rare finds. He explained to nearby fans that his grandfather was the direct inspiration for Maui, his beloved character from Moana.
The story gets even better. Steven had met Johnson's mother at WrestleMania in Dallas and chatted with her about the magazines. She told Steven she'd love to see them someday, never expecting he'd track them down.
"I'm gonna make it very ceremonial," Johnson told Steven in the Instagram video. "This is gonna mean so much to her. It means so much to me."
Peter Maivia was born in Samoa in the 1930s and became a wrestling legend across the South Pacific, Hawaii, and eventually California. He joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation in the late 1970s, captivating audiences with his persona as a Samoan High Chief.
Maivia even appeared in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice. His wrestling career was cut short when he died from cancer in 1982 at just 45 years old.
Why This Inspires
This moment shows how fans can create meaningful connections that go beyond autographs and selfies. Steven didn't just bring memorabilia. He brought a piece of family history that honored Johnson's heritage and the Polynesian culture represented in Moana.
The gift also bridges generations. Johnson has spoken openly about how his grandfather's strength, presence, and Polynesian pride shaped both his career and his portrayal of Maui. Now those vintage magazines will be treasured by Johnson's mother, completing a circle of love and remembrance.
Moments like these remind us that thoughtfulness and genuine care create magic that no amount of money can buy.
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Based on reporting by Upworthy
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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