Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has found himself at the center of intense online speculation after appearing noticeably leaner at recent public events, prompting discussions about his physique and st**oid use.
The drama began when fitness content creator Derek from More Plates More Dates released a video analyzing The Rock’s dramatic physical transformation. In the video, Derek claimed that Johnson had “officially come off st**oids” and alleged the actor had “plaque buildup in his circumflex artery from his decades of gear use.” The fitness influencer suggested this supposed heart condition forced Johnson to discontinue steroid use for health reasons.
The Rock, who rarely addresses such allegations directly, broke his usual silence by commenting on the video with a simple but definitive response: “This is 100% not true.”
The transformation that sparked the controversy shows Johnson appearing significantly leaner than his recent role as MMA legend Mark Kerr in an upcoming film. Photos from promotional events reveal a gaunt, water-depleted appearance that contrasts sharply with his typically muscular physique. Many fans expressed concern, with some social media users joking that “The Rock” had become “The Pebble.”
Johnson’s latest role required him to portray one of MMA’s most physically imposing figures during his prime years. Filming wrapped over a year ago, between May and August 2024, meaning Johnson has had ample time to return to a more sustainable physique. Even natural bodybuilders don’t maintain their peak competition condition year-round.
Adding to the speculation was Johnson’s choice of baggy Hawaiian shirts at recent events, which further emphasized his leaner appearance. Fitness experts note that even well-built individuals can appear significantly smaller when wearing loose-fitting clothing, especially when at lower body fat percentages.
The controversy was further fueled by clips from a recent podcast where Johnson discussed a cardiovascular health scare. He revealed that initial medical imaging suggested plaque buildup in his arteries, leading doctors to recommend immediate medication. However, after seeking a second opinion and more advanced AI-assisted imaging, specialists determined it was merely an anatomical abnormality, not actual plaque accumulation.
This health revelation, combined with his physical transformation, led many to speculate that Johnson had abandoned PED for health reasons. The fitness community particularly seized on these details, with some suggesting it proved their long-held suspicions about his enhanced physique.
Throughout his career, Johnson has maintained a relatively neutral stance on st**oid allegations, neither confirming nor explicitly denying their use beyond acknowledging experimentation with supplements in his teens.
