The Rock identifies as both 'black and Samoan'

Actor Dwayne Johnson. Photo / Getty

The Hollywood star and former WWE champion responded to a social media debate between wrestling fans regarding his ethnicity and how he was portrayed on screen, with one arguing that Johnson - whose father Rocky was Black Canadian and whose mother Ata came from a Samoan family - identified with the latter professionally.

Taking to Twitter to weight into the conversation, the actor said: "Glad I came across this and I'll give you guys some context & truth. I identify as exactly what I am - both. Equally proud. Black/Samoan. And my friend, let me expand your thoughts a bit here - I transcended race in wrestling so there was no 'booked that way'. Thx guys (sic)"

Glad I came across this and I’ll give you guys some context & truth.
I identify as exactly what I am - both. Equally proud. Black/Samoan.
And my friend, let me expand your thoughts a bit here - I transcended race in wrestling so there was no “booked that way”. Thx guys

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 20, 2019

While the 'Hobbs & Shaw' actor has gone onto become one of Hollywood's most recognisable stars, he remains proud of his WWE career and recently opened up the 17th anniversary of his 'WrestleMania X8' match with Hulk Hogan, and counted the Hall of Famer amongst his top three wrestlers of all time.

He wrote on Instagram: "My friend and childhood hero, Hulk Hogan passed the torch to me on this historic night which decreed me becoming 'THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME', but the truth is - to me - the GOAT are the three men below who paved the way for me and so many others in pro wrestling...

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Daddy’s arms. I ain’t gonna be able to hold ‘em like this forever, so you better believe I snatch these cookies and love ‘em up every moment I can. Plus, I know there’s gonna come a day where in daddy’s arms is the last place they want to be. Baby Tiana Gia is already there with the “help me” look on her face 😂🤦🏽‍♂️ Can’t guarantee I’ll love and protect all my daughters for the rest of their lives, but I can guarantee I will for the rest of mine. #xmas #daddysarms #helpme

A post shared by therock (@therock) on Dec 27, 2018 at 4:22pm PST

"@hulkhogan @ricflairnatureboy @steveaustinbsr... I just worked very hard, connected with the audience and caught a break.

"These GOATS were good enough to recognize I had something to offer and graciously passed the torch. (sic)"