The Rock Reveals Private Plane Had Mechanical Issue, 'Grateful' Pilot Landed Safely

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson revealed that his private plane, which was traveling from Hawaii to Houston for the United Football League's 2025 season opener, had a mechanical issue that forced the pilot to return.

The UFL's second season began Friday with the Houston Roughnecks hosting the St. Louis Battlehawks at TDECU Stadium. The Rock, who is a UFL co-owner, said he was supposed to be in attendance and hype up the crowd as the league got the 2025 campaign going.

Unfortunately, The Rock was unable to attend, but thankfully, he returned safely after the issue was discovered.

The Rock profusely apologized to UFL fans, players and coaches before briefly explaining the situation.

On Thursday evening, The Rock's flight took off from Hawaii to Houston. About 35-40 minutes in the flight, The Rock said one of the pilots spoke with him and said it was unsafe for them to continue flying over the ocean due to issues with the plane. Essentially, the plane was dealing with "an hydraulics issue with overheating."

The Rock then said the pilot explained that there are some issues that can be worked out in the air and some issues where it's unsafe to take a chance, especially over the ocean.

The Rock also said he dealt with severe turbulence during the flight but was calmed down by the crew. The plane eventually landed, and The Rock noted how grateful he was for everyone involved in getting the plane back home.

He closed by speaking to UFL players, telling them to "grab the opportunity by the throat" in hopes that they make the NFL someday.