Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s grandmother, Lia Maivia, to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is set to honor a wrestling pioneer, none other than his own grandmother, Lia Maivia, by inducting her into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024. In an emotional video shared on social media, Johnson expressed his pride in welcoming Maivia, who played a significant role in shaping the wrestling industry.

Maivia, alongside her late husband, the legendary wrestler Peter “High Chief” Maivia, formed one of wrestling’s most iconic families, deeply rooted in Samoan heritage. After her husband’s passing in 1982, Maivia took the reins of Polynesian Pro Wrestling, the National Wrestling Alliance’s Hawaii territory, fulfilling a promise to her husband on his deathbed to ensure the success of their wrestling company.

Under Maivia’s leadership, Polynesian Pro Wrestling soared to new heights, notably with the promotion of the highly anticipated event “A Hot Summer Night,” featuring wrestling luminaries like Andre the Giant, Ric Flair, and Rocky Johnson, her son-in-law. The event drew a staggering crowd of over 20,000 spectators.

Maivia’s significant contributions to the wrestling world continued to be recognized posthumously as she joins her husband in the esteemed WWE Hall of Fame.

Johnson has previously paid tribute to his grandmother’s legacy through the NBC comedy series “Young Rock,” which loosely chronicles his life story. However, he has also shed light on the complexities of Maivia’s journey, acknowledging her tough business acumen and the challenges she faced.

Despite encountering legal troubles, including FBI indictments on extortion charges and subsequent deportation, Maivia’s resilience and determination endured. Johnson shared how he intervened to legally bring his grandmother back to the United States, providing her with stability and support in her later years.

Through his heartfelt tribute, Johnson not only celebrates Maivia’s indomitable spirit but also underscores the profound impact she had on his life and wrestling history as a whole.