The Rock’s ‘Smashing Machine’ Wraps Filming

The Rock, who made a significant impact during WrestleMania 40, has been absent from WWE television for several months while working on the film The Smashing Machine. It has now been confirmed that the filming for the movie has been completed.

The Smashing Machine explores the life of Mark Kerr, a prominent figure in mixed martial arts known for his intense fighting style. The Rock will portray Kerr, focusing on both his MMA career and his personal challenges. Kerr, who gained fame as “The Smashing Machine,” was the subject of a 2002 HBO documentary that pointed out his career and his battle with painkiller addiction, which eventually led to an overdose.

The Rock, who announced his role as Mark Kerr in November 2019, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His production company, Seven Bucks, is behind the project.

According to PWInsider, The Smashing Machine wrapped filming earlier this week in Japan. Emily Blunt, who previously collaborated with Johnson on Disney’s Jungle Cruise, will play Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples. The film’s screenplay is written by Benny Safdie, who is also directing. Safdie co-directed and co-wrote the acclaimed film Uncut Gems.

In the meantime, The Rock is expected to wrestle another match in 2024 before WrestleMania 41 as well, so we’ll have to see how the film will turn out once it drops next year.

Are you looking forward to The Smashing Machine? Who do you think The Rock should face next after he returns to WWE? Sound off in the comments section below!