Credit: Instagram
Calling out the former boxing legend Muhammad Ali as his hero, the American WWE wrestler and actor Dwayne Johnson aka 'The Rock' reminisced about his speech , which he delivered after receiving the title of “People’s Champion” in the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony last month. The customary tag was presented to him by Lonnie Ali, the widow of the legendary Muhammad Ali, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The 52-year-old took to his Instagram handle to reminisce about the night and wrote about the event in a long and details caption. He termed the night as unforgettable and the craziest dream he ever felt. The Rock, who met Muhammad Ali in 1998 had asked him if he could use the ‘People’s Champ’ term
Sharing a video of the night, he wrote in a caption, “This unforgettable night, felt like the craziest dream. Muhammad Ali, “The People’s Champion”, was one of my heroes. I “sparred” with him when I was 5. In 1998, I asked Muhammad if I could use “The People’s Champ” moniker. He said, “Yes- you’ve earned it and it’s now yours.”
Adding about it, he said, “Since then, I’ve proudly and at times- defiant walked the world as the People’s Champion. Last month, THE greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, by his widow, Lonnie Ali. Lonnie called me to the stage and presented to me, this INCREDIBLE People’s Champ Title.”
"This was the first time I’d ever laid eyes on this title and it all got blurry and seemed like a dream. Whether I’m a heel or a babyface in wrestling or handling business in other industries while trying to look cool in a fanny pack. I’ll always proudly and forever be the People’s Champ and represent and protect the anchoring force behind all people. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Lonnie Ali, to Muhammad Ali’s spirit, and to the people,” The Rock concluded.
