Dwayne Johnson Playfully Roasts Baywatch Movie in WWE Raw Appearance

Dwayne Johnson, known for his charisma both in and out of the ring, made an unexpected appearance on WWE Raw Monday night. Amidst the wrestling action, he seized the opportunity to humorously jab at his 2017 action comedy, Baywatch, which served as a revival of the iconic television series.

 

During a spirited exchange with fellow wrestler Jinder Mahal, Johnson quipped, “If The Rock had to guess why you’re so angry, it’s probably because nobody likes you and you’re not funny. In fact, if you were one of The Rock’s movies, you would probably be Baywatch.” The banter continued when Mahal claimed he hadn't seen the Baywatch movie, to which Johnson deadpanned, “Well, nobody else did either. Shut your mouth when The Rock is talking to you.”

 

In 2017, Johnson shared the screen with Zac Efron, Priyanka Chopra, Alexandria Daddario, and Yaya Abdul-Mateen II in Baywatch, portraying Mitch Buchannon—a role originally played by David Hasselhoff in the TV series. Despite the television show's 11-season success, the movie struggled to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

 

The film garnered a mere 17% approval rating from 245 Rotten Tomatoes critics, and only 58% of audience members expressed enjoyment. Despite its lukewarm reception, Baywatch did manage to earn $177.8 million globally, surpassing its $69 million budget, as reported by Box Office Mojo.

 

Defending the movie, Johnson took to social media, asserting that fans loved it despite critics being less enthusiastic. He acknowledged the divide, stating, “Critics had their venom & knives ready. Fans LOVE the movie. Huge positive scores. Big disconnect w/ critics & people.”

 

Beyond his Hollywood endeavors, Dwayne Johnson boasts an illustrious WWE career, winning 17 championships since joining in 1996. After a hiatus from active competition in 2004 to pursue acting, he returned as a part-time performer in 2011. Although officially retiring from wrestling in 2019, Johnson made a memorable appearance at WWE Smackdown in September, showcasing his enduring connection with the wrestling world.