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Is The Rock Natural? Joe Rogan Doesn’t Think So

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Fahad Hamid | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 9:06 AM ET

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been a Hollywood titan for years, known for his larger-than-life personality and an even larger physique. But his latest role as MMA legend Mark Kerr in A24’s The Smashing Machine has everyone talking, and not just about his acting chops.

The drastic body transformation Johnson underwent for the film has reignited a long-simmering debate, with UFC commentator Joe Rogan once again fanning the flames. And honestly, it’s the kind of drama we live for.

Rogan Weighs In on The Rock’s Physique

On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the conversation naturally drifted to the wild world of MMA and Hollywood crossovers. Joined by former heavyweight Brendan Schaub, the topic of Mark Kerr came up.

Kerr was an absolute beast in the early days of MMA, a two-time UFC tournament winner whose sheer size was as intimidating as his fighting skills. To play a guy like that, you’d need to be massive. And that’s where things get interesting.

Schaub, with his signature bluntness, threw out a statement that made everyone lean in: to accurately portray Kerr, The Rock probably had to up his steroid intake. “How about The Rock had to get on more steroids to play him in a biopic? That’s how big Mark Kerr was,” Schaub quipped. “Like, ‘Hey Rock, we need you to play Mark Kerr. We need you to get on more steroids.’”

It’s a bold claim, but it highlights just how monumental Kerr was in his prime. But Rogan, ever the analyst, took the conversation a step further. He pointed out Johnson’s recent, noticeably slimmer appearance, suggesting that the bulking-up phase might have taken a serious toll. “Rock lost a lot of weight. He lost a lot of weight. Have you seen him now? He slimmed down,” Rogan observed. “I bet getting that big probably felt like sh*t. He is like 53.”

Rogan’s comment isn’t just a casual observation; it’s a jab wrapped in concern. For years, Rogan has been openly skeptical about Johnson’s claims of being “natural.” He’s practically begged The Rock to “come clean” about his suspected steroid use, arguing that it sets an unrealistic standard for millions of fans who look up to him.

Seeing Johnson’s dramatic weight loss after the film, Rogan seems to see it as proof that maintaining such a massive frame, especially in your 50s, is unsustainable and potentially dangerous without a little… help.

The Unspoken Truth of Hollywood Transformations

Let’s be real: actors transforming their bodies for roles is nothing new. Christian Bale becomes a walking skeleton for The Machinist and then bulks up to play Batman. It’s part of the craft. But when you’re talking about achieving the physique of a prime-era heavyweight MMA fighter, the conversation shifts. The level of muscle mass and low body fat required is something that even professional bodybuilders struggle to maintain year-round.

For his part, The Rock has always credited his physique to relentless hard work and a borderline-insane diet. He’s built an entire brand around discipline, grit, and “clangin’ and bangin'” in the Iron Paradise. And who are we to doubt the man’s work ethic? It’s legendary. Yet, the skepticism persists, and for good reason. The human body has its limits, and Johnson has consistently pushed them for decades.

This latest transformation for The Smashing Machine and the subsequent slim-down has only added fuel to the fire. Fans on social media are having a field day, with many echoing Rogan’s sentiments. Comments like “It’s called being off the juice” and “He was forced to make a decision… He’s cut years off of his life” are all over clips from the podcast. It seems the court of public opinion has already reached a verdict, whether it’s fair or not.

In the end, this whole saga is about more than just one actor’s physique. It pulls back the curtain on the intense pressures of Hollywood and the lengths performers will go to embody a character. Johnson’s portrayal of Mark Kerr isn’t just about looking the part; it’s about capturing the tumultuous life of a fighter who battled demons both inside and outside the cage.

If the physical transformation helps tell that story more authentically, then from a cinematic perspective, maybe the ends justify the means. But for Joe Rogan and a legion of fans, the question will always linger: at what cost?

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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