Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently experienced a mid-air emergency that forced his private plane to return to Hawaii just minutes after takeoff. The Hollywood star and former pro wrestler was en route to Houston for the United Football League (UFL) season opener when the pilot informed him of a critical hydraulics issue.
Johnson recounted the tense moment in a video, explaining that the pilot personally approached him and delivered the alarming news: “Mr. Johnson, I’m sorry to inform you, but we cannot continue to fly over the ocean. We have a problem.”
With only Johnson and his crew onboard, the pilot assured him they would land safely back on the island. As the plane made its emergency return, Johnson admitted that he had a moment of deep reflection, questioning whether this could be the end.
“You start to realize really quickly what truly matters in life and what doesn’t,” he shared.
Despite missing the UFL season opener, where the St. Louis Battlehawks defeated the Houston Roughnecks, Johnson remains grateful for his safety. The incident underscored his appreciation for life’s priorities, a lesson that came mid-air with a drink in hand.
In 2023, Johnson spearheaded the merger of XFL and USFL, forming the UFL, a move aimed at revitalizing minor league football.
