New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

Dwayne The Rock Johnson On Career Changes Jason At Wrestlemania Girl Dads Jabronis Ep 159

October 13, 2025

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson chose to pursue the challenging biopic "The Smashing Machine" to step outside his box office comfort zone and satisfy an internal challenge to grow as an artist. 
  • Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's transition from WWE to Hollywood was a deliberate, scary pivot where he chose to blaze his own path, similar to how his daughter, Ava Raine, is now forging her own path in NXT. 
  • The shared experience of elite competition, whether in the NFL or MMA (as seen in Mark Kerr's story), highlights that facing and reacting to fear is the defining trait of a hero, not the absence of fear. 
  • Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson deeply respects his daughter Ava Rain for choosing to blaze her own path in WWE without asking for his direct influence, which he views as the most beautiful aspect of her career choice. 
  • The term "Jabroni," popularized by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, actually originated with The Iron Sheik, who used it frequently in the locker room. 
  • Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson experienced his definitive "Welcome to Hollywood" moment while filming his first movie, *The Mummy Returns*, in the Sahara Desert, realizing his passion for acting after the first take. 

Segments

DraftKings Sportsbook Promotion
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(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: New DraftKings Sportsbook customers can receive $150 in bonus bets instantly by wagering just $5 using the promo code NewHeights.
  • Summary: The current DraftKings promotion offers new customers $150 in bonus bets instantly after placing a $5 wager. This offer is available using the promo code NewHeights. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance, and users can combine bets using same-game parlays.
Mathis Home Spring Style Event
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(00:01:58)
  • Key Takeaway: Mathis Home is hosting a Spring Style Event featuring savings across all departments with fast and free delivery on furniture.
  • Summary: Mathis Home is promoting its Spring Style Event, offering new looks for the home at the lowest prices. Savings are available on various styles, from modern sectionals to rustic dining tables. The store emphasizes in-stock availability and fast, free delivery.
Mark Kerr Biopic Motivation
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(00:02:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was drawn to playing Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine” to challenge himself creatively and portray a story of redemption from addiction.
  • Summary: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson sought to move beyond chasing box office success and challenge himself by taking on the intimate, moving story of Mark Kerr. Kerr was a dominant early MMA pioneer who battled severe addiction after a career-defining loss. The film highlights Kerr’s journey from being the greatest to becoming a beacon of hope after achieving sobriety.
Facing Fear and Taking Risks
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(00:11:17)
  • Key Takeaway: True heroes and cowards experience the same fear; the difference lies solely in their reaction to that emotion.
  • Summary: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson believes it is beneficial to feel scared, as facing that fear is what defines a hero. He referenced a quote attributed to Mike Tyson’s former trainer, Cus D’Amato, stating that both heroes and cowards feel fear, but the reaction to it separates them. This mentality encouraged him to take the risk of making “The Smashing Machine.”
U of Miami Football Glory Days
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(00:18:40)
  • Key Takeaway: The early 1990s University of Miami Hurricanes football team, featuring players like Warren Sapp and Ray Lewis, redefined the game with a mentality centered on speed.
  • Summary: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recalled his time at the University of Miami, noting he was a top defensive tackle as a freshman before a severe shoulder injury derailed his year. He described the team’s philosophy as ‘speed kills,’ which was exemplified when Warren Sapp, initially a tight end, declared he was coming to take Johnson’s defensive line job.
CFL Experience and Career Pivot
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(00:26:45)
  • Key Takeaway: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson chose to abandon his professional football aspirations after being cut from the CFL, deciding instantly to pursue professional wrestling instead.
  • Summary: After rupturing two discs in his back during his senior year at Miami, Johnson played briefly for the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL, making minimal money. When CFL coach Wally Buono offered him a spot back for the next season, Johnson immediately declined, telling his father he was closing that chapter to become a wrestler, a decision his father hated.
UFL Ownership and Creating Opportunities
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(00:31:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson finds the greatest fulfillment in co-owning the UFL because it allows him to create opportunities for players to achieve their NFL dreams.
  • Summary: Despite never achieving his NFL dream, Johnson now owns a UFL team, viewing this full-circle moment as the greatest feeling in the world. He noted that 46 UFL players were on NFL rosters at the start of the season, demonstrating the league’s success in developing talent. This ownership allows him to provide opportunities for players to secure their futures.
WWE Life vs. NFL Life
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(00:36:03)
  • Key Takeaway: WWE life involves a grueling, 365-day schedule of constant travel and working through injuries, contrasting with the NFL’s defined season structure.
  • Summary: Unlike the NFL’s seasonal commitment, WWE superstars are on the road every night, aiming to put on a good show without getting hurt. This constant grind takes a significant toll on the body and relationships due to the lack of an off-season. NFL players, while intensely busy during their season, benefit from an extended off-season to reaffirm relationships.
Jason Kelsey’s Post-Retirement Void
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(00:40:09)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason Kelsey experienced a significant void and difficulty adjusting after retiring because his identity was tied to the 365-day regimented grind of being an elite athlete.
  • Summary: Jason Kelsey admitted that retiring was hard, leading to a void because he had been regimented for 13 years, working 365 days a year to maintain peak performance. He misses the daily grind, the camaraderie of complaining about practice injuries with teammates, and the visceral connection felt when the national anthem plays before a game. He noted that with each passing year, he misses the game less.
Dwayne Johnson’s Fulfillment Post-WWE
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(00:50:26)
  • Key Takeaway: Transitioning from WWE to acting was scary because nothing replaces the unique fulfillment of connecting with a live wrestling audience, but Johnson sought growth outside his comfort zone.
  • Summary: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stated that nothing replaces the fulfillment of telling a physical story in the ring to a massive live crowd. He chose to transition quietly in 2004 to challenge himself and grow in Hollywood, starting with the large-scale ‘Scorpion King’ franchise. He was fortunate that his financial stability allowed him to focus purely on acting development rather than chasing immediate income.
Daughter Ava Raine’s Path
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(00:53:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was proud that his daughter, Ava Raine, chose to blaze her own path in WWE NXT without asking him to use his influence to secure her position.
  • Summary: Unlike his own complicated relationship with his father regarding his career choice, Johnson was proud that his daughter Simone (Ava Raine) approached him at 16 wanting to follow his path. She became the youngest WWE signee but never asked him to make calls to Vince McMahon or Nick Khan. She insisted on calling herself Ava Raine, demonstrating a desire to forge her own identity.
Daughter’s WWE Career Path
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(00:54:06)
  • Key Takeaway: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s daughter, Ava Rain, became the youngest WWE signee at 16, choosing to pursue wrestling independently.
  • Summary: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has three daughters, and his oldest, Simone (Ava Rain), chose to pivot from NYU to train directly in WWE NXT at age 16. She specifically avoided asking her father to use his influence with WWE executives like Vince McMahon or Nick Khan. She chose the name Ava Rain to blaze her own path, which Dwayne deeply respected, noting that this shared connection to wrestling has brought them closer.
The Shift to Fatherhood Priorities
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(00:56:34)
  • Key Takeaway: The birth of a child immediately and completely shifts an individual’s hierarchy of priorities.
  • Summary: The experience of having children fundamentally alters one’s priorities, a realization Jason and Dwayne both affirm. Jason notes that the moment the first child is born, the entire hierarchy of priorities shifts completely. Dwayne emphasizes that babies are everything to fathers, a sentiment Jason strongly agrees with.
Peloton Tread+ Features
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(00:57:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The Peloton Cross Training Tread+ features a swiveling screen and Peloton IQ for intelligent strength coaching.
  • Summary: The Peloton Cross Training Tread+ is highlighted as an elevated piece of equipment offering personalized guidance via Peloton IQ. Its screen swivels, allowing users to transition easily between running, strength training, or stretching without moving the machine. Peloton IQ tracks reps, corrects form, and suggests weights to help users level up their strength game.
Ownership of the Word Jabroni
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(00:58:52)
  • Key Takeaway: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson does not own the word “Jabroni,” crediting The Iron Sheik for popularizing it.
  • Summary: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson clarified that he does not own the word “Jabroni,” though he owns everything associated with his persona, The Rock. He gives credit to The Iron Sheik for making the word famous by using it frequently in the locker room. Johnson noted that he used the term when calling out the Cincinnati team after an AFC Championship win.
Greatest Rock Insult Revealed
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(01:00:16)
  • Key Takeaway: The greatest Rock insult involves telling someone to roll up their opinion and stick it sideways up their candy ass.
  • Summary: The ultimate Rock insult involves taking someone’s opinion, rolling it up, turning it sideways, and sticking it straight up their candy ass. Dwayne explained that while telling someone to stick something up their rear end is a standard insult, turning the opinion sideways adds a unique layer of dismissal. This insult was reportedly confusing to many people when he first used it in WWE.
Impact of Kids Quoting Catchphrases
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(01:01:14)
  • Key Takeaway: Seeing children quote his catchphrases on the playground was the most fulfilling aspect of his wrestling success.
  • Summary: The feeling of seeing children quote his wrestling lines was unparalleled because it meant they were saying it on the playground. If kids were quoting him, they were likely getting into trouble or being called ‘Jabronis’ by their peers. This realization confirmed the widespread impact of his words beyond the arena.
NFL Player Cheat Meal Rituals
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(01:02:01)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason Kelce adheres to a ‘Fat Guy Friday’ ritual involving wings, pizza, and ice cream before Sunday games.
  • Summary: Dwayne Johnson confirmed he tries to eat everything he posts during his cheat meals. Jason Kelce described his ‘Fat Guy Friday’ ritual, which occurs before Sunday games, involving wings with every flavor of blue cheese, pizza, and ice cream afterward. Travis Kelce’s cheat day starts Friday morning with two fluffy glazed donuts from Lamar’s Donuts before practice, followed by barbecue after practice.
Post-Game Reflection and Film Study
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(01:05:29)
  • Key Takeaway: In losses, Travis Kelce requires quiet time late at night to re-watch silent game film, unlike in victories.
  • Summary: In losses, Travis Kelce finds quiet moments by re-watching the game film alone on his iPad, often at 2 or 3 AM, analyzing plays that went wrong. This reflection is necessary before the next workday, contrasting with victories when he is usually partying and enjoying the win. Both players confirm they watch the silent game film, or ‘all-22,’ rather than broadcast footage for review.
John Cena’s Retirement Match
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(01:08:03)
  • Key Takeaway: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson believes John Cena’s final WWE match opponent should be whomever Cena personally chooses.
  • Summary: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stated that he has minimal influence on John Cena’s final match booking, emphasizing it should be John’s decision. He praised Cena as a good, kind, and authentic person who always delivers exactly as advertised. Johnson noted that kindness and authenticity matter significantly to him these days.
Moana’s Cultural Impact and Sequel
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(01:09:08)
  • Key Takeaway: The most gratifying aspect of Moana is the global embrace of Polynesian culture, with a live-action version coming next summer.
  • Summary: Dwayne Johnson highlighted that Moana is gratifying because it showcases Polynesian culture globally, similar to how Coco highlights Mexican culture. He confirmed that a live-action Moana is being filmed, with him reprising his role as Maui, and it is scheduled for release next summer. The director for the live-action film is Thomas Kail, known for directing Hamilton.
Best Acting Tag Team Partner
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(01:11:06)
  • Key Takeaway: Kevin Hart would be Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s best WWE tag team partner, with his wrestling nickname being ‘Honky Pete.’
  • Summary: Kevin Hart is named as the ideal WWE tag team partner due to the electric dynamic they create, especially in promos. Johnson joked that Kevin Hart’s wrestling nickname would be ‘Honky Pete.’ They are set to film Jumanji 3 in about a month.
Upcoming Scorsese/DiCaprio Film
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(01:11:51)
  • Key Takeaway: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is starring in a Martin Scorsese/Leonardo DiCaprio film based on the life of Hawaiian ‘godfather’ Nappy Pulava.
  • Summary: Johnson confirmed he is working on a film with Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, which Emily Blunt is also producing. He will play Nappy Pulava, the man who was the godfather of all the Hawaiian islands and ruled them like a figure from Casino or Goodfellas. Nick Bilton is writing the script, and Scorsese already has a draft.
Rating Jason’s WrestleMania Appearance
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(01:13:36)
  • Key Takeaway: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson rated Jason Kelce’s WrestleMania appearance a 9.9 out of 10, emphasizing the importance of outside celebrities in wrestling.
  • Summary: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gave Jason Kelce’s WrestleMania appearance a 9.9 rating, noting that any celebrity or champion entering the world of pro wrestling is a special event. He mentioned that Jason and Lane went to the Monster Factory in South Jersey to get pointers before their segment. Jason confirmed he had a blast and that the WWE team made the appearance easy by keeping the action simple.
Travis Kelce’s Potential Wrestling Debut
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(01:15:28)
  • Key Takeaway: Travis Kelce dreams of performing aerial wrestling moves off the top rope, despite the danger.
  • Summary: Travis expressed interest in wrestling when the opportunity arises, stating he practices moves in the living room. He identifies himself as an aerial act, wanting to jump off the top rope. Dwayne warned him that the ring mat is not as soft as it looks and that he could break his neck.
First Acting Career Moment
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(01:16:13)
  • Key Takeaway: Brendan Fraser’s welcoming attitude on the set of The Mummy Returns helped launch Dwayne Johnson’s acting career.
  • Summary: Johnson’s first film role was a small part as The Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns, opposite Brendan Fraser in the Sahara Desert. Despite having a 100-degree fever and feeling sick, the first take was an action sequence where stuntmen took care of him. When the director yelled ‘cut,’ Johnson caught the ‘acting bug,’ realizing that was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.