Peoplmagmc: Thanks for joining us. We've got lots of questions, Rock. Everybody wants to know if you're ready for your upcoming pay-per-view bout.
The Rock: Yes, absolutely. Chris Benoit is a phenomenal athlete and he is turning into an incredibly entertaining character, and I certainly look forward to this Sunday.
Question: How does it feel to be the most electrifying and famous wrestler, Rock?
The Rock: It feels fantastic. I think it's certainly one of the many fruits of my labor and certainly a testament to the passionate and electrifying Rock fans.
Question: Is it true you had to go to a school to learn how to wrestle?
The Rock: I didn't actually go to school. I was fortunate enough to have my dad, who was also in the industry, to train me for six months before I actually had my first match.
Peoplmagmc: Rock, some kids who aren't old enough to chat sent in some questions for you earlier. Here's one from Dominique: Is wrestling real?
The Rock: Physically it is very real. Unfortunately, the steel chairs we use are very real and the physicality of what we do is very real. However, The Rock never goes out there with actual intentions to hurt his opponent. The Rock's main intent and purpose is to go out and entertain his fans. Dominique, think of it as a physical play, where the ring is our stage.
Question: Hey, Rock, you are my favorite wrestler. I love the song you did with Wyclef. What do you plan on achieving in the future -- not in wrestling, I mean movies, etc.?
The Rock: Number one, thank you so much for your support. As far as movies go and Hollywood... having just finished my first feature film, 'The Mummy 2: The Mummy Returns,' we should be finishing production this year on a sci-fi action movie where The Rock finally meets his match... and his match is The Rock. I'll be playing dual roles, and the sci-fi writers are Morgan and Wong from 'The X-Files' as well as many other movies, and the producer is Joe Ross. He's worked for Disney for several years and has just produced 'The Sixth Sense.' It's untitled at this point. They are very excited and at this point. As you can tell by my answer, I'm very excited as well.
Question: Rock, you're hot and all. Have you ever had any plans to change and come to WCW? I'd like to see you fight Goldberg or Steiner. By the way, what you think about them? Mandy -- New Orleans.
The Rock: Thank you for the compliment. I have no intentions of going to WCW. I certainly plan on taking WWF to places they've never been. As far as Steiner, I've never met him, but I respect his work and his brother's work, for that matter, and as far as Goldberg goes, I've known him for a couple of years now, and a Rock/Goldberg matchup would be electrifying. Although, unfortunately for the fans, I don't see that happening in the near future. But we are both young, and I'm certainly not ruling it out. The vision of Rock-bottoming Goldberg and giving him the People's Elbow is exciting and would be for all Rock fans! And I'm sure the vision of Goldberg jackhammering The Rock is exciting for them as well. I'll probably call him and see if we could arrange something.
Question: Hey, Dwayne, where'd you get "The Rock" from, your Grandpa?
The Rock: The Rock was a name we collectively came up with. The shortened version of Rocky Maivia.
Question: Do you smell what The Rock is cooking?
Peoplmagmc: Rock, we're getting a lot of questions like this one. People are asking a lot about your catchphrases and wondering how you come up with them.
The Rock: As far as The Rock's catchphrases go, as always, my intent is to entertain the fans and be creative, be innovative and have a promo style all of my own. The fans see that every time The Rock talks. I'll always try to raise the bar and be one step ahead of the rest. Not to mention the fact that we have phenomenal writers who help me as well. In particular, Brian, Chris and Jamie.
Question: Rock, do you ever wish you had another job?
The Rock: Yes, and that would be singing with Elvis, but seeing as that's not gonna happen, I absolutely love what I do. I have an uncompromising passion for what I do, and fans see that and appreciate that. I believe wholeheartedly in everything I do.
Question: Hey, Rock, I have read your book. It is well written, but did you write all or a did another professional book writer help you?
The Rock: Good question. I spent countless hours telling my story to a very good writer by the name of Joe Layden. Asking The Rock to actually write his own book is like asking The Rock to perform brain surgery -- not to say that the Rock can't do it... but it would be kind of messy.
Question: What do you like to do when you have some free time?
The Rock: As I'm doing this interview, I'm sitting at my desk and looking at my calendar and realizing I have no free time. Being busy is good. When the rare occasion does happen, I just want to relax, is all.
Question: What was the most painful injury that occurred when you were wrestling?
The Rock: It would have to be tearing a ligament in my knee. It happened when wrestling against Mankind.
Question: Is it hard for a long-distance relationship with your wife, or does she travel with you?
The Rock: It is hard, because she does not travel with me. She is a career woman herself, and I respect that, but in any endeavor there are sacrifices and commitment.
Question: When you were a little kid, did you look up to any celebrities?
The Rock: Not to say that I didn't enjoy celebrities, but there weren't any particular celebrities I looked up to, other than certain wrestling celebrities, since I grew up in the business. From my grandfather and my dad to Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka to Roddy Piper to Ric Flair.
Peoplmagmc: Rock, we know you're very busy and have time for one more question. We have quite a few questions here about your appearance in PEOPLE magazine's Sexiest Man Alive issue. Care to comment on what that was like?
The Rock: It was definitely exciting as well as humbling. I never really consider myself a sex symbol, but to be considered one of the sexiest men on the earth, I think it was great. My only problem is that I wasn't on the cover, and they opted for Richard Gere. Maybe when The Rock is older and more distinguished, they will put him on the cover.
Peoplmagmc: Thanks so much for your time, Rock. Any final thoughts for our audience?
The Rock: Aside from being excited about this Sunday's pay-per-view, I appreciate the support from the millions and millions of fans. Thank you for your passion and, of course, your electricity, and always remember: "JUST BRING IT" if you smell what The Rock is cooking! Good night, everyone.
Peoplmagmc: Thanks again, Rock. And thanks to members of the audience for the questions. Good night!
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