WWE

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson says he's in pieces over his dad's death ... writing in an emotional goodbye letter to his father, "I wish I had one more shot to tell you, I love you."

Rocky "Soulman" Johnson died suddenly at 75 years old on Wednesday ... and in Dwayne's first public words since the tragic news, The Rock said he's broken up over it all.

"You were ripped away from me so fast without warning," he said. "Gone in an instant and no coming back. I'm in pain."

But, Dwayne said he's taking steps to try to move on ... and praised his dad for being a pioneer and trailblazer in the wrestling world.

"You lived a very full, very hard, barrier breaking life and left it all in the ring," Dwayne said. "I love you dad and I’ll always be your proud and grateful son."

Rocky started out in the National Wrestling Alliance in the 1960s but gained fame after he joined the WWE in the 80s. He and Tony Atlas became the org's first African-American tag team champions as The Soul Patrol.

Rocky retired from wrestling in 1991 ... and, afterward, had a huge hand in helping mold Dwayne into one of the most popular wrestlers EVER.

"I'll carry your mana and work ethic with me as it’s time to move on because I have my family to feed and work to accomplish," Dwayne said. "Finally, I want you to rest your trailblazing soul, Soulman."

Rocky Johnson, a WWE pioneer and father of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, has died according to the WWE.

Johnson, who was living in the Tampa Bay area, passed away Wednesday. Rocky "Soulman" Johnson -- started out in the National Wrestling Alliance in the 1960s, but got widespread notoriety when he joined the WWE in the 80s. He and Tony Atlas became the league's first African-American tag team champions as The Soul Patrol.

Some of his biggest rivals were Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Don Muraco and Adrian Adonis. Rocky retired back in 1991 and he was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.

Obviously, his son followed in his footsteps. It is widely known that Dwayne adopted his dad's name for his own wrestling moniker ... and certainly carried on the torch lit by his pop.

They remained close -- The Rock even gifted his father a brand new car and a house for Christmas. Last year he published his autobiography -- "Soulman: The Rocky Johnson Story" -- and his son wrote the foreword.

Rocky was 75. RIP

The Chiefs beat the Houston Texans in spectacular fashion this weekend -- but nothing was more spectacular than one of their offensive tackles busting two beers together.

As Patrick Mahomes made a touchdown pass to Blake Bell at the top of the fourth quarter in Sunday's playoff game ... the guy's teammate Eric Fisher ran over to celebrate with him and showered in the glory with brew and an homage to Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Fisher ran over to the stands and grabbed what appeared to be two waiting beer cans that were conveniently placed, and then smashed them over his head like SCSA used to.

Looks the apparent owner of the beers -- the guy with the glasses -- wasn't too upset with the move either -- if anything, Fisher was getting cheered on by all the Chiefs fans.

WWE security DOESN'T PLAY AROUND -- they sprung into action to take down a ring invader they believed was a crazed fan ... only to learn he was SUPPOSED to be there!

Here's the deal ... as WWE superstar A.J. Styles was leaving the ring before a commercial break, a man dressed as a pastor ran inside the ring to get ready for an upcoming segment.

Security raced after the dude and took him down FAST -- confusing viewers at home who had no idea what was going on.

Here's the real story ... the man had appeared on 'Raw' last week and was back on the show to make a marriage announcement for Lana and Bobby Lashley.

Clearly, security didn't get the message ... but don't worry, it's all good now!

Eventually, WWE officials sorted out the issue and when the show returned from break, the pastor got his mic and performed the next segment.

WWE announcer Vic Joseph even made a comment acknowledging the mishap -- but joked that it was all good ... and even compared the pastor to Bill Belichick. Funny stuff.

Hey, live TV ... it's unpredictable -- even when it's scripted!

Nikki Bella has found her forever dance partner ... 'cause the ex-WWE superstar and Artem Chigvintsev are getting HITCHED!!!

The couple broke the news on Friday, saying they got engaged a few months ago after a romantic trip to France ... but just now decided to take it public.

"I said yes in France in November!" Bella said on social media. "We have been trying to keep it a secret but really wanted to share our excitement for the New Year!"

Of course, Bella was famously engaged to John Cena ... and they were together for 6 years before a very public breakup in 2018.

Cena tried like hell to win Nikki back shortly after the fallout ... but she slammed the door on that relationship and began dating Chigvintsev in 2019.

Bella and the "Dancing with the Stars" pro were paired up on the show back in 2017 ... before they were eventually eliminated in the 7th show of the season.

Artem also posted about the engagement ... saying, "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me . So excited for what’s to come I love you more then anything and thank you for saying Yes."

As for Cena, don't feel too bad -- he's moved on too with Shay Shariatzadeh ... and they've been spotted making out with each other all over the place, including airports!

Woooooooo!!!!!

WWE superstar Charlotte Flair is ringing in 2020 ... with a ring!!!

The 10-time WWE women's champ is officially engaged after her WWE superstar boyfriend, Andrade, popped the question on New Year's Eve!

"She said siiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!" 30-year-old Andrade announced late Tuesday night.

"Si," Flair posted herself a few minutes later.

Charlotte -- one of the biggest stars in pro wrestling and daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair -- went public with her relationship with Andrade back in April, when the two walked the red carpet at a Wrestlemania 35 event.

Andrade -- real name Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza -- is having a pretty good week ... he won the WWE's U.S. title on Dec. 26 after defeating Rey Mysterio.

The Mexican-born wrestler turned pro back in 2003 and worked the lucha libre circuit for years before eventually signing with WWE back in 2015.

When Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino was about to join the reality TV world on "Jersey Shore," he prepared in a very interesting way ... by smelling what The Rock was cooking.

Mike and his wife, Lauren, were guests on the Hollywood Pipeline Podcast with Dax Holt & Adam Glyn ... and he made a huge reveal. He tells them "The Situation" isn't his normal personality -- it's an amped-up version inspired by his love for wrestling ... specifically, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

The Sitch says he wanted to bring something new to the hit MTV series, and while he's obviously a character on his own ... he wanted to make himself "larger than life." Hence -- the nickname, the catchphrases, the abs ... and talking about himself in the third person.

Gotta say, it worked pretty well, and Mike sold it as the genuine article ... though ya gotta think he really had some GTL experience.

WWE star Jimmy Uso was just found NOT GUILTY in his DUI case ... this despite police footage showing the wrestler clearly speeding, swerving and stumbling during the arrest.

A jury deliberated for about an hour in a Pensacola, Florida courtroom Wednesday ... and came back with a very favorable verdict for Uso (real name Jonathan Fatu).

No reason has been given for the verdict, according to the state attorney's office ... but it's great news for the 34-year-old -- 'cause dashcam video from his July 25 arrest seemed pretty damning.

The 6'3", 251-pound wrestler appeared to be speeding and was clearly swerving in his Cadillac Escalade ... and when an officer got him out of his car, he stumbled and spoke in circles.

In fact, in the police report, the arresting officer claimed Uso reeked so much of alcohol, he had to roll down his window on the ride to county jail.

According to WEAR-TV, the cop took the stand during Uso's court appearance Wednesday, and said, "Once he eventually started to get out of the vehicle, he appeared to have a hard time with the door handle and opening up the door."

The officer added, "He was unable to get out of the vehicle and took a step or two and appeared to stumble, almost into the travel lane."

But, the jury clearly didn't feel that was enough to convict the guy.

Sad news for Diamond Dallas Page ... the wrestling legend is tapping out of his marriage -- but insists there was NO CHEATING!!!

"After considerable thought, much reflection and mixed emotions, I am sorry to announce that several months ago, Brenda and I decided to separate," DDP announced ... "and after a three month separation we have filed for divorce."

Dallas and Brenda have been together for years -- and tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Cancun, Mexico in 2015.

Page famously proposed to Brenda at her 50th birthday party -- the video was awesome.

As for why they split, DDP explains ... "While we both love each other, we recognize that we are two strong-willed people who will be happier if we part."

"As painful as divorce is, we are thankful that no infidelity or other love interests were involved in our decision and we are parting as friends."

"I want to thank all of you in advance for your support as we move into the next phase of our lives and I ask that you respect our privacy and keep us in your thoughts and prayers."

Story developing ...

Enes Kanter already has a sick retirement plan in place when his NBA career comes to an end ... telling TMZ Sports he's already in talks to join WWE full time!!!

Of course, the Boston Celtics star is no stranger to the squared circle -- he VERY briefly held the 24/7 Championship at Monday Night Raw back in September, but then lost it moments later to R-Truth.

We spoke with the 27-year-old about his future plans with Vince McMahon's company ... and he says the wheels are already moving for a career in wrasslin'!!!

"I'm ready, I'm actually already talking to some people," Kanter tells us.

Oh, and by "some people," he doesn't mean *just* "some people" ... Kanter says he's met with Triple H and Paul Heyman ... and it's just a matter of WHEN not IF.

Kanter -- who is in his 9th season in the Association -- says he's still hoping to play at least 5-6 more years of hoops before he considers throwing on the spandex for the wrestling gig, so he's in no rush.

He's won the WWE Heavyweight belt, the Intercontinental title, the tag-team belt and he's a REAL-LIFE mayor -- but there's one more title Kane wants, WWE Hall of Famer!

Here's the deal ... since Kane, real name Glenn Jacobs has been wrestling in the WWE for 24 YEARS (since 1995) we asked him who should get the next nod for the WWE HOF.

"Maybe me, I don't know," Jacobs told us with a smile in NYC ... "Yeah, we'll see!"

Maybe me? ABSOLUTELY YOU!

Kane is a legend -- he's battled everyone from The Undertaker to Shawn Michaels ... screamed at The Rock and Hulk Hogan ... hugged it out with Daniel Bryan and even chokeslammed Pete Rose!

Of course, he deserves to be enshrined with the greatest WWE superstars of all time ... joining legends like Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and more.

The issue ... Kane is still an active wrestler and even held (briefly) the 24/7 title back in September.

"It's a starvation joke, not a race joke."

That's wrestling announcer Jim Cornette trying to justify the "fried chicken" comment he made during an episode of "NWA Power" earlier this week ... and yeah, yikes.

If you missed it, Cornette tried to describe a wrestler's toughness by saying, "He’s the only man I’ve ever known that can strap a bucket of fried chicken on his back and ride a motor scooter across Ethiopia."

The comment was immediately hit with outrage, with people calling the remark racist ... and even wrestling legend Mark Henry told us he found the statement to be completely out of line.

But, Cornette went on his podcast, "Jim Cornette Experience," on Friday to try to explain himself ... and said he was surprised people thought he was being racist.

"It's a starvation joke, not a race joke," Cornette said. "Whether it's a good joke or a bad joke, it was a joke that has been told on TBS, USA Network, broadcast television stations across America over a variety of locations for the past 30 years."

Cornette added, "I’m not that sorry, 'cause it was a joke. And, if you don’t like the joke, that’s fine and I’d even apologize for a bad joke. But, this goddamn feedback was above and beyond the offense. And, I didn’t mean it in any racist way, for f**k's sake."

Cornette also addressed the "fried chicken" aspect of the comments ... saying he only used that for the food item in the joke because "A bucket of chicken sounds funnier. It's a funnier visual than a f**king plate of sushi."

Doesn't seem the NWA was laughing either way ... they said Cornette's comments were "both offensive and do not meet the high standards of decency and good faith of the National Wrestling Alliance."

In that same statement, the wrestling league announced Cornette had resigned from the company.

WWE legend Mark Henry says he was CRUSHED by Jim Cornette's racist comments -- and he wants the announcer to either apologize ... or just fess up to hating black people.

"It just hurts, man," Henry tells TMZ Sports ... "As much as I can say, I’m disappointed and I hope that he can try to fix this. But, some people just don’t like people of color."

Of course, Cornette pissed off a LOT of people Tuesday during an episode of "NWA Power" -- he used offensive language to describe a wrestler's toughness.

"He’s the only man I’ve ever known that can strap a bucket of fried chicken on his back and ride a motor scooter across Ethiopia," Cornette said. Yeesh.

Enter Mark Henry ... who's known Cornette for decades and tells TMZ Sports he really hopes Jim will step up and do the right thing.

"I would say, 'Jim ... please apologize, and mean it. And if you don’t mean it, then go all the way Darth Vader and tell I just don’t like black people.'"

"At least I know who you are. And, then I can get rid of this feeling that I have in my heart. It’s like having your mother or father disown you. I feel like a sense of mourning."

The hardest part for Henry ... he claims Cornette played an integral role in his wrestling carer and he REALLY hopes Jim isn't a racist.

"Prior to all of this, the relationship that I had with Jim Cornette has been really, really good. He taught me a lot about pro wrestling. He allowed me into his home to look at his archive. He helped me to be the wrestler that I became. And, I probably wouldn’t have been the guy without him."

WWE legend Kurt Angle has added an 8th member to his family -- adopting a 15-year-old boy from Bulgaria ... and the story behind it is AMAZING!!!

The kid's name is Joseph -- and Kurt says his wife was adamant about bringing an older child into the family after learning a pretty heartbreaking fact about adoption.

"My wife decided she wanted to adopt a child, but she did some research and found out that kids over 10 don't get adopted, period. So, she decided not to get a young one, but an older one to try to give him a chance."

Angle said the adoption process took about 18 months -- and they JUST brought Joseph home to the U.S. a few days ago.

One of the issues, Angle says Joseph didn't speak ANY English ... so they enrolled him in a class in Bulgaria to get him trained up for life in America.

"We had him take 6 months of English classes. It worked a little bit, but he still needs a bit more work," Angle said.

The good news ... Angle says his wife speaks some Bulgarian, which helps -- but Kurt doesn't speak a LICK of Joseph's native tongue, so they're both figuring it out together.

So far, Kurt says Joseph is loving America -- but he realizes the move is a huge adjustment for the kid.

"We're taking our time with him and making sure we cross our T's and dot our I's. He's a special kid."

Historic moment at the "Crown Jewel" in Saudi Arabia ... where WWE's very FIRST women's match just went down -- and the ladies got a HUGE ovation from the massive crowd.

Lacey Evans and Natalya were electric as they walked to the ring -- men, women and children were standing and applauding, taking pics and going crazy the whole time.

After she got in the ring, Natalya was choking back tears -- clearly emotional about the moment.

During the match, the crowd even busted out a "This Is Awesome" chant -- pretty cool, right???

As far as the match went, Natalya emerged victorious ... but afterward, both were treated like heroes by the fans, who couldn't wait to take selfies and high-five the wrestlers.

As we previously reported, both women wrestled in special outfits that covered up most of their bodies out of respect for the Saudi Arabian culture.

Stephanie McMahon told us they took extra precautions to make sure to show respect to the Saudi people.

Huge news from Saudi Arabia ... where WWE just announced its very first WOMEN'S wrestling match in the country -- and it will all go down THIS WEEK!!!

Saudi officials had previously blocked WWE from holding a women's match -- but Triple H had noted the country was going through a "significant cultural shift" and was hopeful things would change.

Now, Triple H has gotten his wish ... with WWE commentator Michael Cole making the announcement from Riyadh on Wednesday morning.

"I am so proud to announce that tomorrow at WWE Crown Jewel we host the first ever WWE women's match in Saudi Arabia."

So, who's getting the ring? Lacey Evans vs. Natalya ... two superstars with a storied history.

And, get this, Evans is a real-life veteran of the U.S. Marines who served for 5 years -- and her WWE finishing move is called, "The Women's Right."

Evans spoke out about the match saying, "When I signed up for WWE my goal was to really impact the world and the people that I can, and we're doing it one day at a time."

One thing the world will definitely be watching when "Crown Jewel" goes down on Thursday -- the ring attire.

During a women's match in Abu Dhabi back in 2017, the women wore outfits that covered most of their bodies. Guessing they will go with a similar look this time around.