Dwayne Johnson’s Post-Rumble Raw Appearance Kicks Off Global Partnership With Under Armor Apparel

If you were one of the millions (and this writer means MILLIONS!) that tuned in to the post-Royal Rumble episode of Monday Night Raw you got to see twenty minutes of Dwayne Johnson in the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Fla., just oozing his effervescent charisma. Not only did he try to make The Miz park his truck, he made the Big Show cry about his could-have-been movie career.

During this segment, he made his way into the ring where he was greeted with a warm reception by his hometown before cracking wise with some of the audience at ringside. The New Day, in their matching red-and-white jumpsuits and unicorn horn headbands, tried to out talk The Great One, which we all know is impossible, before being ceremoniously whipped by the Usos and getting a Rock Bottom and People’s Elbow for their troubles.

The biggest development is something that got little attention in the moment but was observed in what The Rock wore for his homecoming. He was sporting a black shirt with an Under Armor logo just above a white Brama Bull. This was a calculated move and something that has been in development ever since Johnson made a deal with Under Armor in the fall 2015.

Johnson’s long-term relationship with Under Armor was made official on his Instagram account as well as by a formal press release by the UA team.

IT'S OFFICIAL: Proud to announce our global partnership with @underarmour. A landmark deal where we'll create the "DJ INSPIRED SERIES" of footwear, apparel & lifestyle wear for men, women and kids to chase your greatness daily. As well as support UA's Connected Fitness initiatives. Another cool component to this deal is we'll create product capsules in footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the films I'm working on and the characters I'll play. FOR EX: We're creating innovative swimwear and cool INSPIRED SERIES rash guards I'll be saving lives in, while trying not to trip when running in slo-motion down the beach in our big action comedy of BAYWATCH to the technologically advanced INSPIRED SERIES HOBBS gear, that he'll kick that ass in, when we film FAST & FURIOUS 8. And here's the best part of it all.. yes, we'll create cool and innovative apparel, footwear and accessories for you guys to rock and hopefully be inspired by – but we'll also help continue to build UA's philanthropic initiative: UA FREEDOM, created to inspire, honor and support members of the US Military, First Responders and Public Safety Officials. This deal's been years in the making and as you can now see it's a game changer and never been done in Hollywood. And to me, the most motivating factor of this whole thing is it will always come down to me and all of you 'round the world, waking up every morning, punching that clock and putting in the hard work with our own two hands. Let's roll and have some fun along the way.. #UA #DJ #IWill #BloodSweatAndRespect ??? * Link is in my bio.

A photo posted by therock (@therock) on Jan 25, 2016 at 9:30am PST

From the press release:

This multi-faceted partnership will include the collaborative development of original content, inspired by the actor’s lifestyle, fitness regimen, and philanthropic initiatives. Johnson will play an integral role in the promotion of Under Armour’s Connected Fitness platforms including the recently debuted Under Armour HealthBox™ and Record™ application. Additionally, the brand will develop product capsules including footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the films Johnson is currently working on. The first product capsule will feature a Rock-inspired backpack and duffle bag that will launch on UA.com and be available in select Brand Houses in the next few weeks.

Regarding the partnership, Johnson remarked, “We wanted to empower as many people as possible to attack their goals, so we partnered with the best innovators in the health and fitness business. Together with Under Armour, we will deliver game changing products to help people get after it and chase greatness.”