WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash has publicly expressed his worry about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s significant weight loss, sparking conversations among wrestling fans and insiders about the possible reasons behind the transformation. Nash’s concern is particularly notable given his long-standing respect for The Rock and an understanding of the physical demands placed on performers in and outside the wrestling ring.
The Rock’s New Physique: A Drastic Change
In 2025, The Rock unveiled a noticeably leaner physique, which immediately caught the attention of his fanbase and fellow wrestlers alike. His transformation was highlighted during appearances at major events such as the Toronto Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival, where The Rock promoted his latest projects. This change was not an incidental loss but rather a deliberate shift tied to his ongoing Hollywood career.
According to Variety.com, The Rock revealed during the Toronto Film Festival that his weight drop was purposeful for a film role where he plays a “whimsical, eccentric 70-something year-old” character called Chicken Man in the movie Lizard Music. The actor described his transformation process, including cutting back on his typically protein-heavy diet, to get into this role’s unique physicality. He said:
“Benny pitched me this after, and after about 45 minutes, this pitch ended and I said, ‘I am your Chicken Man.’ I still have a long ways to go. I’m so excited to get a chance to hopefully transform again like I was able to do in ‘Smashing Machine.’ [It means] eating less chicken.”[3]
Kevin Nash’s Concern: Health vs. Career Choice
While The Rock has framed his weight loss as a professional choice for his movie career, Kevin Nash raised some cautious observations considering The Rock’s famed fitness enthusiasm. On a recent appearance, Nash pointed out that The Rock’s usual intense gym routines and dedication to health make such rapid and significant physical changes unusual, prompting Nash to wonder if health factors might also be at play.
Nash stated that the change in physique could potentially signal something deeper than just role preparation:
“Knowing how much The Rock loves hitting the gym and maintaining his muscle mass, losing that much weight that quickly isn’t common for him. It does make me a little worried that there might be some health-related issues behind the scenes.” [4]
Industry Insight: Balancing Physical Roles and Health
Sources close to WWE have suggested that The Rock’s weight loss aligns with Hollywood’s demanding expectations and his ambition to diversify beyond wrestling. One insider noted, “Dwayne has always been a professional who pushes himself both physically and mentally. His weight loss is part of a calculated career pivot, but such a massive change always comes with risks.” This balance between health and career demands is something Nash, with his extensive wrestling experience, understands well.
The Rock’s recent leaner look was also compared by some fans and analysts to previous times he transformed his body for roles, such as for Smashing Machine where he portrayed a UFC fighter. This historical context supports the idea that his physical changes are driven primarily by role preparation rather than an underlying ailment[3].
Kevin Nash’s Own Experience With Weight and Health
Kevin Nash’s comment about The Rock’s weight loss carries additional weight considering Nash’s own recent journey with health and fitness. Nash has been public about his own dietary choices and physical challenges, revealing on his podcast that he adopted a carnivore diet which intentionally removed carbohydrates to manage his health as he ages[1]. His insights stem from firsthand knowledge of the impact such changes can have.
Nash mentioned the potential muscle loss and challenges of maintaining physique later in life without certain training methods, underscoring why he might be more sensitive to The Rock’s transformation:
“At 65, losing muscle is a huge concern, especially without progressive resistance training. If The Rock’s weight loss isn’t carefully managed, it could affect more than just his look – it could impact his overall health.” [1]
The Rock’s Fans and WWE Community React
The Rock’s fans have shown mixed reactions—while many admire his commitment to his craft and willingness to transform his body for different roles, others share Nash’s concern for his well-being. Social media conversations range from praise for his dedication to worries fueled by speculation about potential health issues, with some even referencing conspiracy theories about steroid use and abrupt lifestyle changes[2]. However, industry sources emphasize that The Rock’s decision is business-minded, consistent with his history of discipline and hard work.
Backstage Perspectives: Wrestling Community Weighs In
A WWE insider told Wrestling Inc., “Kevin’s concern comes from a place of respect. Everyone knows The Rock’s work ethic and how much he values his health, so when a change this big happens, it naturally raises questions. But The Rock’s focus on his career goals is laser sharp, and he’s surrounded by professionals guiding these transitions.” This perspective highlights the wrestling community’s admiration for The Rock while acknowledging the natural worries among peers[4].
Conclusion: Monitoring The Rock’s Transformation
Kevin Nash’s comments reflect a thoughtful concern for a peer who has long been a pillar of the wrestling and entertainment industries. While The Rock’s weight loss is primarily a professional transformation for upcoming film roles, Nash’s warnings remind us of the delicate balance between ambition and health. As The Rock continues to evolve his career, fans and colleagues alike will be watching closely, hoping to see him maintain both his remarkable talent and his well-being.