In a plot twist no one saw coming, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has found himself in a smackdown with an opponent he can’t body slam: a pesky right elbow injury. This isn’t his first rodeo with injuries—let’s not forget his memorable tango with John Cena back in 2012 and 2013—but this time, it’s Hollywood’s call that has left him in the lurch.
Fresh off a victory lap at WrestleMania 40 with Roman Reigns, defeating Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, The Rock seemed like he was cruising without a hitch. But alas, the star of the upcoming UFC biopic “The Smashing Machine” found himself grappling with a swollen elbow that could rival a cantaloupe in a size contest. Yes, you read that right. He’s now nursing an injury that’s less “People’s Elbow” and more “Produce Section’s Delight.”
Taking to Instagram on a fine Tuesday afternoon, our favorite wrestler-turned-actor shared a visual spectacle of his new accessory: a bulbous right elbow. According to The Rock, this beauty was courtesy of an intense day of filming, where he is set to portray former MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Despite the injury, Rock’s spirits seemed uncrushed, even as he pondered whether the damage was mere soft tissue trauma or something requiring a higher tier of medical attention.
Ever the optimist, Rock reminisced about his father, Rocky Johnson, while cataloging his impressive list of battle scars from both the ring and the silver screen. This nostalgia trip was punctuated with a request for anti-inflammatory advice from his fans, followed by a few hearty swigs of his own Teremana tequila—because if life gives you lemons, you make a strong margarita, right?
The big question remains: will this juicy elbow cause a production delay for “The Smashing Machine”? Rock played coy on this one, leaving fans and producers alike in suspense. Directed by the talented Benny Safdie and backed by A24 and Rock’s Seven Bucks Studios, the film was scheduled to wrap up by August with a December release. Only time—and maybe a drained elbow—will tell if The Rock’s latest injury will throw a wrench into these plans.
Stay tuned for more updates, because when The Rock’s involved, even a minor injury can turn into a blockbuster event!