Rocky's uncle returns to the ring

By DAVID GRANT -- For SLAM! Wrestling

WWF Superstar The Rock was taught the craft of professional wrestling by three men his grandfather High Chief Peter Maivia his father Rocky Johnson and his uncle Ricky Johnson "The People's Choice". Ricky Johnson is the brother of Rocky Johnson and they toured as one of the top tag teams in the business "The Soul Patrol" winning the esteemed Polynesian Tag Team Championship on two occasions.

The young Dwayne Johnson used to tour with them getting to meet his biggest heroes like Nature Boy Ric Flair and Andre the Giant. Today, Ricky Johnson remains very close with his brother and famous nephew. At 47 years of age he currently lives in Toronto, Ontario, and is involved in professional wrestling as the president of the Canadian Wrestling Alliance. Although he hasn't wrestled in over 5 years he has yet to officially retire.

On Sunday March the 10th, 2002, all of that will change as The Rock's uncle Ricky "Soulman" Johnson will step back into the ring one final time. Frequently overlooked by the wrestling media, Ricky was 50 per cent of the inspiration for The Rock's charismatic persona. In viewing tapes of Ricky Johnson in action, the unmistakable traits and style that is also characteristic today in The Rock is so clearly visible in Ricky Johnson. Very few people know that The Rock's moniker "The People's Champ" was inspired by his uncle's moniker of "The People's Choice".

Famous nephew's aside, on March 10, 2002, the sport of professional wrestling will say goodbye to one of the true pioneers of "Sports Entertainment". Ricky has always believed that the entertainment aspect was just as important to the business as wrestling itself. If there has been anything that has defined the success of the famous Johnson family in the wrestling business it has been the blending of pure charisma with great athleticism. These traits are very strong in Ricky Johnson, Rocky Johnson and of course The Rock.

To attend this special event on March 10th 2002, 4:00 p.m. visit http://cwaextreme.com/ for ticket information. Or call Club OV's in Toronto at 416-533-9588 for advanced ticket sales.