Dwayne Johnson and Arnold Schwarzenegger have plenty in common; both are film industry titans, to begin with. Not to mention, the latter played a massive role in The Rock’s rise to fame when he passed the symbolic action-hero torch to him. And let’s not forget that one is a former professional wrestler and the other a retired professional bodybuilder.

Dwayne Johnson and Arnold Schwarzenegger

However, while the two have known each other for years and are good friends at present, they hadn’t been more than formal acquaintances before. Sure, Johnson looked up to the former Governor of California, but that wasn’t tantamount to Schwarzenegger being his “real friend” at that time.

Dwayne Johnson’s Take on His Friendship With Arnold Schwarzenegger

Before The Rock stepped into the competitive waters of Hollywood with his debut film titled The Scorpion King (2002), he’d been renowned for his prolific contribution to WWE as a professional wrestler. And a wrestling match is also how he came to become acquainted with the award-winning actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Long back when The Rock had appeared on The Howard Stern Show to promote the Chuck Russell-helmed action/adventure film, he addressed his friendship with The Terminator star and how it all started when Schwarzenegger had appeared at one of Johnson’s wrestling shows years ago. “Since then,” Dwayne Johnson remarked, “We’ve become friends, we’ve gone out to dinner a couple of times.” However, when asked if he thought of the Predator actor as his “mentor,” The Rock disagreed with Stern.

See also: ‘Is that why they kicked out Henry Cavill?’: Black Adam Producers Pushed DC to Make Dwayne Johnson DCU’s Central Character

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

“No, he’s not my mentor, but I respect what he’s done because he’s done a lot of good films and, you know…so yeah, he’s been real cool, supportive.” 

Surprisingly enough, the Black Adam star didn’t even consider Schwarzenegger as a “real friend” at that point, claiming that he didn’t have “too many of those.” But as time surged forward and things changed, so did Johnson’s equation with Schwarzenegger, and their friendship bloomed into a real one.

See also: Dwayne Johnson Allegedly Demanded Teremana Tequila Bar in Black Adam’s New York Premiere Despite Movie Being PG-13

The Rock And Arnold Schwarzenegger – An Iconic Duo

When the Total Recall star was gearing up for his break from acting to enter the arena of politics back in 2003, Johnson was busy climbing the ladder of fame at the same time, and both of them were of immense support to the other’s goals.

See also: “I would steal Arnold’s chest”: Mr. Olympia and Bodybuilding Sensation Chris Bumstead is Obsessed With Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Chest

The Rock supported Arnold Schwarzenegger when he was running for Governor

While Schwarzenegger had an epic cameo in Peter Berg’s action flick titled The Rundown wherein he passed the allusive action torch to Johnson, the latter helped the True Lies star during his campaign as California’s Governor. Schwarzenegger even credited The Rock for his genuine encouragement and efforts for the same, expressing his gratitude towards the 50-year-old muscular legend. “You’re a champion, I’m grateful for your friendship and I’m so proud of your success,” he stated.

In one of his interviews with Muscle and Fitness, Johnson also pointed out how Schwarzenegger had been an inspiration to him during a rather rough patch in his life to carry on and never give up. And after all these years, both of them are two of the most renowned film icons of Hollywood.

Source: YouTube