While Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is considered a household name both in the sports and entertainment arenas, it's still a mystery whether he used steroids to reach this level of fitness.
Because despite the many hats he wears, what remains the most remarkable thing about him is his incredible physique.
As a health and fitness coach, I looked deeper into Johnson's life to uncover the truth behind the speculations.
So, are the allegations valid, or is his remarkable physique the result of nothing but discipline, dedication, and excellent genes?
Does Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Use Steroids?
While we can't definitively assert that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has used steroids, there have been indications that suggest the possibility of their usage. It's crucial to emphasize that these signs do not constitute conclusive proof of steroid use.
Johnson's WWE arch-nemesis, John Cena, has also shown several signs of steroid use, as the other wrestlers like Eddie Guerrero, Randy Orton, and Rey Mysterio did.
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In an interview with Fortune, the wrestler turned actor admitted that he had taken steroids once with some friends when he was 18 or 19 years old.
He said they didn't know what they were doing back then and claims he has never used the drugs since.
Johnson even emphasized that anabolic steroids negatively affect performance and don't make you stronger.
However, many people raise their eyebrows at these claims, believing that Johnson has roids to thank for his chiseled physique.
On the other hand, some say that Johnson's genes played a huge factor in how he evolved into this massive, jaw-dropping figure.
Let's see if there's any truth to that.
Related: What Supplements Does The Rock Take
It Runs In The Family
When examining his lineage, it becomes evident that Dwayne Johnson was genetically inclined toward developing a formidable physique. His family's history is indicative of a hereditary disposition toward robust muscularity.
His father, Alan "Rocky" Johnson, was an absolute beast during his pro-wrestling days.
His mother's dad, Peter Maivia, was a Samoan wrestler inducted into the "WWE Hall of Fame."
Knowing that Johnson comes from a long line of huge, powerful people, it's probably safe to credit his fantastic genetics—apart from other factors—for the way he is built.
You should also know that The Rock is Polynesian, a culture that produces the world's mightiest athletes.
While steroids undoubtedly offer enhanced muscle growth and performance, one cannot overlook the power of genetics.
Some individuals are naturally predisposed to build muscle and achieve a chiseled physique without any external aids.
This genetic advantage can sometimes rival the results seen from steroid use. Distinguishing between what's achievable through genetics and what's the result of external substances is vital.
It's a reminder that while substances can offer a boost, nature's blueprint – our DNA – plays a foundational role in determining our physical potential.
Dwayne Johnson’s Body Transformation
Since his heyday in the WWE, Johnson has gained some quality mass without the added body fat. His transformation is a testament to his dedication to fitness and healthy living.
This is quite remarkable, considering that he looks more ripped now than he did 20 years ago when he was slamming opponents on TV.
Putting on a significant amount of mass while decreasing body fat is a challenging feat, even for a professional weight trainer.
His muscles also sport a more synthetic and juicy look now than when he was a newcomer in the WWE. This "artificial" look can often be an indicator of someone on the roids.
An intriguing facet of his transformation lies not just in muscular development but also in cranial changes.
His head now appears significantly larger and features a more square-shaped structure, a unique aspect of his physical evolution.
Make sure to check out our article on Dwayne's workout routine and diet plan.
Here are other telltale signs of steroid use, as seen on The Rock.
Is He Showing Any Signs?
The Rock is showing some of the possible signs of steroid use like flushed skin and massive traps.
Related article: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Leg Workout
Flushed Skin
Johnson's skin tone has notably darkened over the years, a transformation not solely attributable to sun exposure. Various factors, including his rigorous workout regimen, might contribute to this change, making it a unique aspect of his physical evolution.
This change in skin tone is possibly a sign of elevated body temperature.
In Caucasian men, a higher body temperature can make their skin look pink or red.
With black/Samoan individuals, it can make their skin look a few shades darker.
“There are two drawbacks to steroids: one is the potential problems with your health and the second one is that it’s very easy for people to dismiss everything you have put into it by saying, ‘yeah but he takes steroids’.”
- Dorian Yates, Retired Professional Bodybuilder
Steroids increase testosterone levels which, in turn, cause blood pressure spikes and increased LDL levels (the bad kind of cholesterol) [1]. This blood pressure spike then leads to a higher body temperature, which is the reason it is often linked to the use of steroids.
This is also why men have higher rates of heart attacks compared to women. Their cholesterol levels are less ideal because of their superior testosterone levels.
Read More: How to Tell if Someone Takes Steroids
Massive Traps
Johnson's traps have always been one of his most prominent muscle groups.
However, it's quite unusual for a natty to have such overdeveloped traps. But for juicers, it's a whole different story.
Typically, people who use roids experience massive growth in their trapezius region due to a high number of androgen receptors.
Therefore, when you hop on a steroid cycle, your traps will be the first muscle group to expand, especially if you're taking hormone replacement with a high androgen rating.
Is He Still Using Steroids?
We see WWE alumni like Brock Lesnar, Batista, and Bobby Lashley who have possibly juiced, but is The Rock one of them?
Based on the physical evidence, it seems like The Rock is still on steroids, even though he claims to have led a steroid-free life since his brief experimentation on juicing.
If it's true that Johnson is still using steroids, here's what he's probably taking.
Related Articles:
Diving into The Rock's Supplement Stack
Testosterone: A Detailed Look
Johnson may have had testosterone during his entire wrestling career, helping him pack on muscle and become an absolute beast.
Steroids are prevalent in the wrestling industry, and there is a good chance that he took them to look like the most intimidating alpha male in the ring.
This would also explain how he got his huge traps, which he's had since his WWE days.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH): An In-Depth Analysis
HGH is probably what allowed Johnson to gain muscle and burn fat simultaneously. His skull increasing is another giveaway sign of HGH use.
Some may point out that he doesn't have the famous "HGH gut," which refers to a protruding belly [2].
However, many guys who take HGH don't get this "pregnant" look because they don't take it with insulin, which causes the bloated belly effect seen in many Mr. Olympia musclemen like Ronnie Coleman and Kai Greene.
A user and well-known bodybuilder, Chul Soon, managed to escape this side effect while using HGH.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15248788/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/palumboism
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The Rock’s human growth hormone therapy has indeed made the difference.
The Rock has always been issued that he is on drugs. I think he was born and worked hard for that kind of physique.
I’m not sure what to think. His physique does look too good to be true, but his family history and insane work ethic could definitely explain it