On Monday (Aug. 7), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson posted this Instagram, explaining he’d be adding onto the tattoo on his right bicep.
Everything Rocky does is going to get coverage somewhere, but this update was of particular interest to the pro wrestling community. Most sites, including WWE.com, have covered it, because the design he’s working with artist Nikko Hurtado to build off of is his iconic Brahma Bull.
The Bull is central to Johnson’s brand, so it’s not going away - this isn’t a cover-up. But as he explains, the new sleeve will be a symbol of his evolution:
That Rocky is done as a pro wrestler, probably even as a part-time, special attraction guy, is not news. But he’s such a valuable commodity to so many people now, you wonder if the Rock Bottom we saw at WrestleMania 32 might be one of the last we get in a ring, even in comedy segments like with The Wyatts.
So maybe it’s because I’m such a big fan of The Great One, or maybe it’s because as a fairly inked up guy who meditates before getting new work done and then has friends design pieces - so I know what Johnson means when he talks about the “spiritual” element of tattooing, or maybe just because I’m middle-aged and things which mark endings, beginnings and transitions make me emotional these days... but this “evolution” has me feeling things.
Ah well. The wheel of life keeps turning, if you smell what I’m cooking.
Can’t wait to see the finished product.