The Rock Delivers a Verbal Smackdown to Donkey Kong Fans

Even though Dwayne The Rock Johnson is no longer a full-time wrestler, he certainly remains a master at generating a reaction. During a very short interview, the Hollywood superstar shared his two all-time favorite video games. His first choice may seem entirely predictable, but the other is perfectly designed to irritate dedicated fans of the Donkey Kong franchise. How could anyone possibly ignore the entire legacy of such a beloved series?

The Rock’s Gaming Confessions Ignite Fans

Johnson named his favorite games during a press tour for his new film, The Smashing Machine, following a question from IGN. His first favorite game is Madden for home console play, which is a perfectly reasonable answer for someone who isn’t a hardcore gamer. As for his second choice, the original 1981 Donkey Kong cabinet, which reminds him of his youth in arcades.

This classic title helped build Nintendo’s reputation and represents another solid, if unsurprising, selection. Afterward, Johnson chose to turn up the heat on Nintendo enthusiasts. He boldly stated that not only has he never played any other Donkey Kong games, but that, in his view, none of them matter. That said, does The Rock truly believe that celebrated titles like Donkey Kong Country or DK64 hold no significance?

The Rock Still the King of Cheap Heat

Given his knowing smile while delivering this line, Johnson may not have been completely serious with his take. Yet, the underlying truth is that he likely has no genuine interest in the later games that fans adore. Despite leaving the wrestling business, his playful dismissal is a classic move from his The Rock persona, a deliberate provocation meant to get a rise out of people.

This playful take was all in good fun, a way to stay connected with his persona as The Rock even while promoting a major motion picture. After all, Johnson became a household name worldwide, as his character always thrived on charismatic bravado and a strong connection with his audience, whether they were cheering or booing. Could this entire exchange be a simple, calculated performance for his public image?

Ultimately, Johnson’s comments serve as a reminder of his entertainment roots from his days as The Rock. He knows how to command attention and create a memorable moment, even from a simple question about video games. The specific games are almost irrelevant compared to the reaction his statements generate. The core part of his enduring appeal is attributed to his ability to engage people, either through agreement or friendly disagreement. While he successfully turned a routine interview into a trending topic, he also proved his promotional instincts are as sharp as ever. In the end, everyone is still playing his game.