That '70s Show

That ’90s Show Can Make The Rock’s That ’70s Show Cameo Even Better

That ‘70s Show spinoff That '90s Show can do an even better job featuring a cameo from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

That 90s show can make the rock That 70s show cameo better
That ‘90s Show can make The Rock’s original cameo appearance in That ‘70s Show even better. The Netflix spinoff is set in 1995 and follows Leia Forman, daughter of original That ‘70s Show lead characters Eric Forman (Topher Grace) and Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon), as Leia spends summer vacation with Eric’s parents, Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) and Red (Kurtwood Smith). Fans will recall an impressive slew of guest stars in the original series, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Johnson’s appearance during season 1, episode 15 “That Wrestling Show” occurred at the beginning of his acting career. In the episode, Eric (who is the frequent recipient of Red’s “dumbass” insult) is at odds with Red, and Kitty encourages them to attend a wrestling show together in hopes they will spark a friendship. After the event is over, Eric and Red travel to the locker room to score an autograph from 1970s wrestling icon, Rocky Johnson (portrayed by his real-life son, Dwayne). Johnson’s guest spot was a fitting nod to the elder Johnson’s wrestling career and younger Johnson’s future in the industry. During his exchange with the Formans, the younger Johnson remarks, “You know, I got a son, and one day he’s going to become the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.” Eric and Red leave with Rocky Johnson’s autograph, albeit made out to Red.

For many, Johnson is firstly associated with his professional wrestling persona, The Rock. The Rock’s varied box office franchise successes have earned him worldwide acclaim, enhancing the allure of a cameo in That ‘90s Show. The series could make Johnson’s original cameo even better by celebrating The Rock’s popularity in the mid to late 1990s via a guest spot, just as That ‘70s Show had with his father, Rocky Johnson. It is unlikely Johnson would portray himself due to age, but a thoughtful recasting would keep the memorable gag alive through That ‘90s Show.

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Johnson is not opposed to other actors portraying him onscreen (or at separate life stages), as evidenced by NBC’s Young Rock, in which Johnson stars and serves as producer. Young Rock season 2 is expected to explore more of Johnson’s early WWE career from 1996-1999, overlapping with That ‘90s Show. Uli Latukefu plays early adult Johnson in the NBC series. Latukefu is ready to take on Johnson as a young wrestler moving through the ranks, having Johnson’s likeness and physique down pat. Given this, Latukefu would be a natural fit as The Rock in a That ‘90s Show cameo.

When That ‘70s Show chose The Rock to play Rocky Johnson, it was a fortuitous circumstance that the famous 1970s wrestler’s son was also a wrestler and resembled his father to a tee. Fate smiles down on That ‘90s Show in the form of WWE superstar Roman Reigns, the Rock’s cousin and costar in the Fast & Furious spinoff, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. Although unrelated by blood, Johnson and Reigns share physical likeness from their Samoan heritage. Reigns’ acting chops and professional wrestling history make him a worthy contender for casting as 1990s Rock.

Johnson’s original That ‘70s Show cameo was an entirely different trip down memory lane and though his appearance in That ‘90s Show is unlikely, there is always the possibility for producers to tap established talent to enhance the role. Alternatively, Johnson’s own daughter, Simone Johnson, is now contracted with the WWE, realizing a 4th generation wrestling legacy. That ‘90s Show also, therefore, has the chance to formulate a unique spin on Johnson’s original father-son cameo with a father-daughter guest spot. All of these various options would both be exciting for That ’90s Show viewers, while simultaneously enhancing the legacy of The Rock’s original That ’70s Show appearance. Whatever route the show takes, the opportunity seems too good to pass up.

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