Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's Eldest Daughter Goes Instagram Official with Her Girlfriend

A new post from the rising wrestling star's podcast account had fans stopping mid-scroll, expecting a travel reel but getting something far more intimate.

On December 7, 2025, Simone Johnson, the eldest daughter of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, officially revealed her relationship with fellow WWE wrestler Tatyanna Dumas through a heartfelt post on Instagram. The announcement quickly gained traction online, with some rather interesting comments.

The Moment It Became Official

The video showed Simone and Tatyanna sharing laughs, horseback rides, poolside kisses, and quiet strolls through airports and beaches, all wrapped in a romantic glow from the very first frame.

Set to Charli XCX's dreamy track "Everything Is Romantic," the reel had the words "Fall in love, again and again" set across the screen, making the message unmistakably clear.

Posted on Big Ups Official, their joint podcast page, the account had already teased glimpses of their travels and adventures from its first clips, which they began posting in early November.

Its bio reads, "Two souls. One story. Exploring life like it's a main event." But this was the first time the couple confirmed what many had only suspected: they were in love.

The video's caption made it clear, "From day one.. to everything time can't erase.✨ #fallinlove #bigups #travelgram [sic]."

Netizens React to Their Surprise Reveal

Followers are quick to reply in various ways when a celebrity makes such an important announcement. Normally, the reactions are divided and some can be hateful. This time, there was a consensus.

"They look so happy 🥰 enjoy Young love ❣️," one netizen wrote. Another shared, "Love is Love and they look cute together Let them be happy [sic]."

"They look so cute together," someone added. One gushed, "I was asleep when you put this up but you two are the most adorable couple ever. Can you stop being so cute?😍 I'm joking. Never do."

"Yall are so cute together 💕," a commenter said, while another echoed, "My babes! 😍😍😍😍 y'all so beautiful."

The Weight of Wrestling Royalty

Many had seen the pair together before, including at the premiere of "The Smashing Machine," which they attended with Simone's father a few months ago. Perhaps that should've been a clue about their romance, but both women are part of the WWE world, so it wasn't a strange appearance.

In 2020, it was announced that Simone had started training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. She was only 18 at the time, but expectations were already sky-high.

That's because her lineage is unmatched. Not only is she The Rock's daughter, but her grandfather, Rocky Johnson, and great-grandfather, Peter "High Chief" Maivia, are both WWE Hall of Famers.

"It means the world to me," The Rock said about her daughter's plans at the time. "To know that my family has such a personal connection to wrestling is really special to me and I feel grateful to have the opportunity, not only to wrestle, but to carry on that legacy."

Training, Dedication, and an NXT Role

Simone began training under Head Coach Matt Bloom and Assistant Head Coach Sara Amato, both of whom spoke highly of her drive. Matt said she was eager to absorb knowledge from veterans and teachers at the center.

Sara emphasized that the young woman knew the name alone wasn't enough. She would have to earn every step. And she did.

By 2022, she had officially signed with WWE under the name Ava, making her debut and later stepping into the role of on-screen general manager for the NXT brand, which develops future wrestling talent.

With a legacy to uphold and a love story unfolding in the public eye, Simone Johnson is stepping into the spotlight on her own terms. But she isn't the only one who caught attention this year.

The Rock stunned the world at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, not with a blockbuster punch or an eyebrow raise, but with a dramatically lean new look that left fans gasping and gossiping across the globe.

Appearing on the red carpet, the legendary wrestler stepped out beside co-star Emily Blunt to unveil their emotional biopic, "The Smashing Machine." But it was his drastically slimmed-down frame that instantly hijacked the spotlight and ignited a firestorm online.

Gone was the hulking action-hero bulk that made him a household name. In its place stood a noticeably slender figure dressed in a light gray double-breasted suit, worn over an open white shirt that exposed a glinting gold chain.

The former WWE icon turned Hollywood heavyweight completed the look with sleek black leather shoes, a light blue pocket square, and a designer watch that sparkled under the Italian sun. He may have been dressed like a star, but his frame was almost unrecognizable.

Red Carpet Appearance Sparks Online Firestorm

While The Rock oozed old-Hollywood charm, fans couldn't stop staring. Next to him was Emily, who dazzled in a strapless, shimmering gown with a sculpted bodice and flowing draped detail.

Her silver platform heels and bold statement earrings gave her a goddess-like presence. However, most of the focus went to The Rock's transformation. Within minutes of the photos surfacing, social media lit up with concerned, confused, and stunned reactions.

On Instagram, one person commented, "They both look unrecognizable." Another wrote, "He looks sick and kinda frail," while a third said, "He looks so skinny."

Fans Flood Social Media With Speculation

Then came the post that truly set the internet on fire: a viral upload featuring side-by-side images of The Rock, then and now, which visually emphasized just how different the actor now looks compared to his former self.

The post didn't just show the contrast; it invited commentary. And fans did not hold back. Comments included, "His eyes… something is not right if the picture is true. 😢," Hopefully he is ok," "Doesnt [sic] look like him 😳," "Too skinny," and "His eyes don't look as bright."

On Facebook, the reactions were just as direct. One fan remarked, "Wow he looks so different 👀." Another added, "Man he's gotten skinny." A third wrote, "What happend [sic]to the rock? He's Dave Bautista all of a sudden."

The tone was clear: this wasn't just a new look. It was a shock to the system for fans who have long known The Rock for his larger-than-life presence and towering titan physique.

The Truth Behind the Transformation: A Brutal Role

This new look is no accident. It's the result of a physically and emotionally demanding transformation for his role as Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion and legendary figure in the early days of MMA.

Directed by Bennie Safdie, "The Smashing Machine" tells the harrowing true story of Matt's meteoric rise and tragic battle with painkiller addiction, mental health struggles, and the brutal realities of no-holds-barred fighting in the 1990s.

Emily stars alongside The Rock as Dawn Staples, Matt's devoted but heartbroken wife. The film explores not just the violence in the cage, but the silent torment outside it. For the actor, the role demanded a major shift in appearance and approach.

"This transformation was something I was really hungry to do," he explained. "I had been very fortunate to have the career that I've had over the years and to make the films that I've made, but there was just a voice inside of me, a little voice that said, 'Well, what if I could do more — I want to do more, and what does that look like?'"