American film and wrestling star The Rock reveals plans to make “gritty” film about Norwich wrestling family
Actor Dwayne Johnson. Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP - Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
American wrestling and movie star The Rock has announced his production company is to feature a Norwich wrestler's 'unlikely journey into the global spotlight' in a new film.
Saraya-Jade Bevis, aka WWE's Paige. - Credit: Archant
The Rock, whose real name is Dwayne Johnson, gained world-wide fame in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) which became the WWE before launching a movie career which has included hits like The Scorpion King, Hercules, San Andreas and appearances in the Fast & Furious franchise.
But he is now hoping to shine a spotlight on Norwich wrestler Paige, real name Saraya-Jade Bevis, and her wrestling family. Paige, who started wrestling at 13, was named the NXT Women's Champion and WWE Divas Champion in 2014, becoming the only person to hold the titles concurrently.
The Rock has announced plans for Fighting With My Family to his 76.6m Instagram followers.
He posted: 'Our @sevenbucksprod is excited to announce production on a cool project we've been working on for years based on a very unique and gritty professional wrestling family and a their daughter's journey into the spotlight of the WWE. 'Fighting With My Family'.'
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The Rock said he had first become aware of Paige, whose father Ricky Knight owns World Association of Wrestling in the city, while shooting one of the Fast and Furious films in London in 2012 when he 'stumbled' upon a documentary about her family, which also includes her wrestler brothers.
He said: 'The family strong element I saw in the documentary, is what grabbed my attention. That no matter how crazy life gets, no matter how dysfunctional our families can sometimes be and especially regardless of how much we fight - we're always there for each other when it counts. That's what families do.'
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The Rock, who revealed WWE Studios and Film 4 will help bring this 'cool story to life, added: 'Paige and I both know what it's like to come from a wrestling family who's had it's good and hard times. Her and I have talked about this project for years now and we're all excited to bring her and her family's story to life. Cool casting announcements coming this week!'
