Wrestlers Pay Tribute To Rocky Johnson, WWE Suing AEW

Rocky Johnson, WWE Hall Of Famer And The Rock’s Father, Passes Away

The pro wrestling world mourned the loss of Rocky Johnson Wednesday night, with several paying respect to the WWE Hall of Famer.

Johnson, 75 years old, was inducted into the hall in 2008.

Along with Tony Atlas, the pair became the first-ever black tag team champions in the then-WWF. He also won the NWA Georgia championship and NWA Southern Heavyweight Memphis title during his career.

Johnson made his debut in 1964 and retired in 1991. His son, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson carried on the family name by becoming a superstar in the WWE before transitioning to a career in Hollywood.

Vince McMahon, Mick Foley, Ric Flair and countless others paid respect to Johnson via social media.

Reactions From The Pro Wrestling World

I’m deeply saddened by the loss of WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson, an incredible talent who forged an indelible legacy. My thoughts are with @TheRock and his family. pic.twitter.com/Y2gIgL9J2f

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) January 16, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of the great Rocky Johnson. Always a gentleman, I always enjoyed talking with him. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the fans who loved him. A very sad day for wrestling.#RIPRockyJohnson pic.twitter.com/4agKbOzAry

— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) January 15, 2020

I’m Saddened To Hear About The Passing Of The GREAT ROCKY JOHNSON! I Wrestled Him Many Times Throughout His Illustrious Career. His Physique And Conditioning Were Unparalleled! He Was So Proud Of His Son Dwayne! He Raised Him To Be The Rock!! RIP Rocky Johnson! pic.twitter.com/GiXXFQhGlE

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) January 16, 2020

NXT pays tribute to WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson before the Jan. 15 edition of #WWENXT at @FullSail. pic.twitter.com/eerzae6uWe

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 16, 2020

We at @OfficialPWI offer our sincere condolences to @TheRock and his mother, Ata Johnson, on the passing of the great Rocky Johnson. (Photo: 1973) pic.twitter.com/TK4hd8MPhM

— PWI (@OfficialPWI) January 16, 2020

Report: WWE Suing AEW Over Bash At The Beach Trademark

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, it is believed that there is a lawsuit ongoing by the WWE towards All Elite Wrestling for the use of Bash At The Beach.

The Elite made comments about being sued during AEW Dynamite.

“By the way at the end of the show, long after everything’s over they came out and they talked about Bash At The Beach and basically said — so I don’t know what’s happened — but they basically said I think we’re getting sued for calling the show Bash At The Beach,” Meltzer said. “So I’m sure there’s a reason they said that. I don’t know if there were some threats or what, but they still called the show Bash At The Beach and next week is going to be Bash On The Beach, but they’re still gonna call it Bash At The Beach Week II.”

#BashAtTheBeach #Miami ???@AEWonTNT ?? @AEWrestling pic.twitter.com/oPfdzdbmoR

— Sadie Gibbs (@TheSadiegibbs) January 16, 2020

AEW’s Bash At The Beach is a current ongoing two-part, 10-day event in Coral Gables, Florida from the Watsco Center. It is set to conclude January 24. From 1994-2000, WCW held events called Bash At The Beach.

The WWE acquired the name during the purchase of WCW in 2001, but the trademark expired a few years later.