‘Young Rock’: Was Andre The Giant Related To ‘The Rock’?

Young Rock/YouTube

You don’t have to be a wrestling fan to know who “The Rock” is. In recent years, he’s transitioned to using his given name – Dwayne Johnson – as he etches out a movie career. However, he’s not hiding his past as an extremely famous wrestler. During his time in the WWF/WWE, The Rock spawned popular slang phrases such as candya** and “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?!”

The new NBC sitcom based on his life has a new take on the “Can you smell…” phrase that we won’t spoil. Being a wrestling fan will certainly help when it comes to understanding the inside jokes on Young Rock. 

Premiering to monster ratings, the show left some viewers with questions. Namely – Is The Rock related to Andre the Giant? 

The Rock’s Connection to Andre the Giant

The premiere of Young Rock shows a close relationship between The Rock’s family and wrestler Andre the Giant (played by Matthew Willig.) While they may have considered themselves family, they weren’t biologically related. 

In fact, Andre the Giant was very close friends with The Rock’s maternal grandfather, Peter Maivia. Maivia was also a wrestler, nicknamed the Flying Hawaiian. 

Viewers got a glimpse at Andre the Giant’s towering frame in the first episode of Young Rock. ‘Lil Dewey’ (Dwayne Johnson’s childhood nickname) offhandedly said that wrestling was fake… in a room full of wrestlers. 

In perhaps one of the most hilarious and heartfelt moments, Andre the Giant picks mini The Rock up and asks, “Does this feel fake?” After The Rock says no, Andre the Giant suggests they hug, thus ending the scolding. 

Sadly, the very real Andre the Giant passed away in 1993. Distractify reports that the legendary wrestler suffered heart failure. 

More Big Names From The Rock’s Early Years Still to Come 

Andre the Giant isn’t the only wrestler from the golden ‘80’s era to show up on Young Rock. The Wild Samoans (John Tui as Afa and Fasitua Amosa as Sika) and the Junkyard Dog (Nate Jackson) also pal around with Rocky Johnson (Joseph Lee Anderson.)

The Iron Sheik (played by Brett Azar) was considered an uncle behind closed doors, but an enemy of the USA everywhere else. 

Viewers will meet more of the biggest names in wrestling in future episodes of Young Rock. Kevin Makely was chosen for the coveted role of Macho Man Randy Savage. He recently shared a photo of him sporting Macho Man’s iconic orange trunks. 

Credit: Kevin Makely/Instagram
Credit: Kevin Makely/Instagram

Which wrestler are you excited to see portrayed on Young Rock? New episodes air Tuesdays on NBC. 

Jennifer Havener
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