Dwayne Johnson, the former WWE champion turned Hollywood star, is known for blockbuster hits like Furious 7 and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. However, his brief but striking cameo in the 2019 sports drama Fighting with My Family offers a different side of the actor. Though his screen time is limited, Johnson’s role as himself leaves a strong impact in this widely praised yet less mainstream film.
About Fighting with My Family: Story and Production Details
Fighting with My Family, written and directed by Stephen Merchant, draws inspiration from Max Fisher’s 2012 documentary The Wrestlers: Fighting with My Family. The film centers on Ricky, portrayed by Nick Frost, and his wife Julia, played by Lena Headey, who tour small wrestling shows across the UK. Their children, Saraya (Florence Pugh) and Zak (Jack Lowden), seek to follow in their parents’ footsteps by auditioning for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), leading to intense challenges and personal growth.
Supporting Cast and Reception of the Film
While Dwayne Johnson plays himself, The Rock, the movie also features Vince Vaughn as a seasoned WWE trainer. Audiences and critics alike have lauded Fighting with My Family, as reflected in its impressive 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The review aggregator highlights its authentic energy and committed performances, commenting that the film “muscles past clichés” in telling its story.
“Much like the sport it celebrates, Fighting with My Family muscles past clichés with a potent blend of energy and committed acting that should leave audiences cheering.” — Rotten Tomatoes critics’ consensus
On IMDb, the movie enjoys a solid user rating of 7 out of 10, further confirming its positive reception.
Where to Watch and Why This Cameo Matters
Fighting with My Family is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in regions including India and the United States. The film’s runtime is 1 hour and 43 minutes, making it an engaging watch for fans of sports dramas and wrestling. Dwayne Johnson’s cameo adds a layer of authenticity given his WWE background, enriching the film’s connection to real wrestling culture and making it a must-see for wrestling enthusiasts.
