Latest news with #DwayneJohnson
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dwayne ‘The Rock' Johnson Helps Induct Mark Kerr Into UFC Hall of Fame Ahead of ‘The Smashing Machine'
Dwayne Johnson may be playing Mark Kerr in A24's upcoming biopic 'The Smashing Machine,' but now the actor is even taking an active part in the MMA legend's legacy. That's because The Rock was on hand to help induct Kerr into the UFC Hall of Fame on Thursday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas alongside co-star Emily Blunt. Kerr is now the 21st member of the sport's Pioneer Era Wing. Johnson stars as the two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament champion in Benny Safdie's sports drama, which is set to premiere this October. Meanwhile, Blunt portrays Kerr's then-girlfriend Dawn Staples, with a cast that also includes Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten and Oleksandr Usyk. Director Safdie also wrote, produced and edited the film. Additional producers include Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Eli Bush and David Koplan. A24 has described the film as 'a drama based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.' Other athletes and industry icons in the 2025 UFC HoF class include two-division champ Amanda Nunes, former Middleweight champions Israel Adesanya and Robbie Lawler, former interim title challenger Kelvin Gastelum, former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort and Emmy Award-winning producer Craig Piligian. 'The Smashing Machine' hits theaters on Oct. 3. The post Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Helps Induct Mark Kerr Into UFC Hall of Fame Ahead of 'The Smashing Machine' appeared first on TheWrap.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Tom Aspinall knocks out The Rock in 8 seconds' — Dwayne Johnson admits he would not stand a chance against the new UFC Heavyweight Champion at Hall of Fame ceremony
Dwayne Johnson. Image via: Josh Hedges/Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson would not dare to go one-on-one with English UFC star and current Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall. The wrestler-turned-actor has recently appeared at the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony and declared that he does not stand a chance against Aspinall. However, he admitted that it would be cool for him to come out for the octagon with his theme music played. The WWE legend has been on a promotional tour of his highly anticipated The Smashing Machine, based on MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Dwayne Johnson says Tom Aspinall would knock him out in 8 seconds Dwayne Johnson, who is 6 ft 5 with a billed weight of 260 lb, candidly admitted that Tom Aspinall would have the upper hand if given the spot in a hypothetical UFC fight. At the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame, Johnson entered with his iconic theme song and delivered an interesting speech. 'Love the sport of MMA, you guys know,' Johnson started. 'And the respect I have, coming out here with my theme song, like sh*t!' he continued with excitement. The WWE legend then narrated a hypothetical MMA scenario with him being involved in the scene. 'What if… Imagine if I was an MMA fighter like UFC heavyweight coming out to my music, theme song, right? That's cool, man!' 'Well, I don't know about that,' he added after someone from the audience seemingly urged him to try his stint in the UFC. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sharp Design, Smoother Drives. Toyota Glanza Learn More Undo 'Give it a shot, headline will read, Tom Aspinall knocks out The Rock in 8 seconds!" he added, hailing the newly minted UFC Heavyweight Champion. Dwayne Johnson reflects on his upcoming movie The Smashing Machine at UFC Hall of Fame red carpet During the UFC Hall of Fame red carpet, Dwayne Johnson spoke openly about what makes Mark Kerr's story so powerful. 'It was important to me and to Emily [Blunt], to pay tribute to Mark because of the life he lived,' Johnson, who played Kerr in A24's Benny Safdie-directed biopic, shared. The Rock, Mark Kerr, & Emily Blunt Preview 'The Smashing Machine' At UFC Hall of Fame | MMA Fighting 'MMA moves fast and it's an accelerated sport and everyone is getting better and better and better every day. You know this, we have found this out as we made this movie,' he continued. Detailing further on Kerr, WWE's Final Boss said, 'He was the animal back then but also you think of this long incredible road and journey for Mark like all these fighters all of them men, women and I think to come here at the Hall of Fame to be acknowledged is beautiful.' Also Read: UFC Hall of Fame 2025: List of all legends who have been inducted and more The Smashing Machine is set for an October 3, 2025, release. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside the dark side of female bodybuilding as the industry booms – from dehydration to drug scandals & shock deaths
BEYOND the chiselled physiques and unwavering dedication to fitness, there lies a deeper, darker side to female bodybuilding communities - with some willing to risk their lives to rule supreme over their beefy competitors. For many women, this high-stakes environment often extends far beyond the competitive stage, exposing them to threats from other rival contestants and serious health risks from extreme dehydration and deadly steroid abuse. 14 14 14 14 Surprisingly, not all female bodybuilders are chasing trophies or glory. For some, bodybuilding is a lifestyle, a statement, or even a livelihood. Since its first boom in the 1980s, female bodybuilding is seeing a second wave of popularity sparked by the rise of fitness influencers. Celebrities including former Page three girl Jodie Marsh, Dwayne Johnson, Teresa Giudice and Hugh Jackman have all admitted to either doing it, or giving it a go. Speaking previously to The Sun Newspaper of her buffed up look, Jodie Marsh said: "I don't give a s*** what they say. I feel sexier than I have for ten years. "I used to loathe my body but now I absolutely adore it.' However, more recently after ditching the lifestyle she gave a health up date claiming she's "fat but happier than ever." Back in 2018, American reality star Teresa explained that it was "the best" she had ever felt, while Dwayne Johnson and regularly spoken about the mental effort that is required. He often uses the phrase "blood, sweat, and respect". For amateur bodybuilder Mia Collins, bodybuilding has been a journey of self-discovery and discipline. She told the BBC: "You get out what you put in, everyday is an uphill battle with it. Bodybuilder dies aged 30 after collapsing during competition as horrified spectators look on "But the output at the end - you have so much pride in what you've achieved. So few people do it because it is so challenging." She continued: "So for me to focus on my health, my wellbeing and my muscular strength, it just means I'm hopefully going to be healthier down the line." However, the industry has seen its fair share of controversies and scandals, with extreme practices leading to heartbreaking consequences. In 2020, tragedy struck when young bodybuilder Jodi Vance, aged 20, died from extreme dehydration after using harmful supplements. Dehydration is widely used in bodybuilding in the final stages of competition prep. Contestants will manipulate water levels so that they can achieve a "dry" look that reveals every muscle and vein. During the final 12-24 hours before competitors step on stage, athletes dramatically cut water in-take in order to dehydrate the body. Bodybuilders will also do Cutting - which is a phase focused on reducing body fat to reveal muscle definition. 14 Athletes do this by eating at a calorie deficit while maintaining or even increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass. Jodi had attended Arnold Schwarzenegger 's sports festival in Columbus, not as a competitor but to support her coaching students. Her coach, fitness influencer Justin Mihaly, revealed in an Instagram video that Jodi had made a fatal mistake by consuming two hazardous substances without his or her family's knowledge. A fat-burning drug which acts as a stimulant and a diuretic drug which causes increased passing of urine. The two counteracting drugs ultimately led to her fatal dehydration. Justin explained that Jodi, who had been experiencing health issues at the time, had shown interest in the fat-burning drug despite having no competitive reason to use it. In May, a study by Dr Marco Vecchiato, an expert in sports medicine from the University of Padova, found that pumping iron could leave you at greater risk of suddenly falling to your death, a major study of 20,000 bodybuilders has revealed. Researchers found those who had built extreme levels of muscle over their lifetime were twice as likely to die from sudden cardiac death, compared to the general population. On the other hand, professional bodybuilders who competed in events like 'Mr Olympia,' including figures such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, faced a fivefold increase in the risk of sudden death compared to those at an amateur level. Worryingly, nearly 40 per cent of all deaths among the bodybuilders examined were unexpected and linked to heart issues. The authors also suggested their figures could be an underestimation, as many deaths were listed as ' unknown'. Although many deaths are listed as 'unknown', the British Heart Foundation have warned that taking anabolic steroids is associated with high blood pressure and an increased risk of developing heart conditions such as left ventricular hypertrophy. According to a study led by Tim Piatkowski from Griffith University, women bodybuilders are 12 times more likely to use anabolic steroid - which is traditionally used by young male bodybuilders to build and repair muscle quickly - than the general female population, including recreational gym users. Despite it being illegal to possess anabolic steroids without a prescription, the study showed a four per cent rate of steroid consumption among women globally, higher than the 1.4 per cent last reported in 2014. But it comes with permanent side effects for women including loss of breasts, deepened voice, problems with periods, hair loss, swelling of the clitoris, paranoia, blood clots, liver failure, and heart attacks. In England, it's illegal to possess, import or export anabolic steroids if it's believed you're supplying or selling them. This includes giving them to friends. The penalty is an unlimited fine, or even a prison sentence of up to 14 years. Anabolic steroids, often associated with young male bodybuilders for their muscle-building and recovery benefits, are becoming increasingly popular among women in the bodybuilding community. Recent research highlights a global steroid use rate of 4% among women, a noticeable rise from the 1.4% reported in 2014. 14 14 14 14 Dark community emerges But it's not only troubling training methods that leave these female Adonis' at risk, a dark community where women are willing to do anything to get a competitive edge over their rivals has emerged. Earlier this month, the bodybuilding world was rocked by the death of a beauty queen, Luz María Barrera Agatón, aged 36, who was found lifeless in a hotel swimming pool while holidaying with her family. Luz, who had been staying at the Coco Resort & Villas in Motul, in Cancun, when she died, was crowned Fitness Champion at the 2017 Mister Mexico bodybuilding contest, won the bikini category at the Mr Olympia Amateur competition held in Spain and was crowned queen of the Motul Carnival in 2024. Police have not ruled out foul play, and local reports revealed she had received sinister threats just two weeks prior, when a menacing banner was hung outside her gym in Merida, Yucatán. Luz reportedly removed the sign herself without informing authorities, but cops are investigating these incidents and whether they could be connected to her death. This was not the first time she had faced such threats; back in 2017, she and her former partner, Chiri Roberto, a state prosecutor, were seemingly targeted by two thugs and threatened. Yo-yo dieting, often seen in bulking and cutting phases, can negatively impact general wellbeing and, for many women, their menstrual cycles Daniel Herman, a NASM nutritionist and founder of Bio-Synergy Last year, Johanna Pérez, who ran the Johafit nutrition and trainer health pages on Facebook and Instagram and racked up tens of thousands of followers in the process, passed away just a few days after her 35th birthday. She broke new ground as one of the first women to compete in bodybuilding tournaments in her native Panama. During her career, she had scooped up several awards, before moving into the world of content creation. Back in 2022, a Washington Post investigation found that officials - , including J.M. Manion, whose father, Jim - founder and president of International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation [IFBB] Pro League and the National Physique Committee [NPC] - of bodybuilding's two premier federations have been sexually exploiting female athletes for decades. Their report found that the females were being pressured for them to pose for nude photographs, posting those photos to soft-core pornography sites. It also found that at times, the officials manipulated contest results in favour of cooperative competitors. According to The Washington Post, for more than 15 years, J.M. Manion had been running amateur and professional bodybuilding contests for decades. One of J.M.'s sites, Fitness Divas, bluntly stated: 'Your Favorite Fitness Athletes …Naked!' Jenn Gates, who won the figure category at the prestigious Olympia contest in 2007, was managed by J.M, and earned enough sponsorship money to quit her nursing job. She graced the covers of fitness magazines, and claims that J.M asked her to take off her bikini top and bottom for photos. However, Jenn refused but later learned from Post reporters that her swimsuit photos had been featured alongside nude female competitors on one of his pornography sites. She explained that she "never consented to having" her pictures on a soft-porn site. Aly Garcia, a bikini competitor who abandoned the spot in 2017 after realising that she would "never get a top win" if she didn't have sex with the judges or promoters, also claimed to have refused to do nude photos. Lawyers for Manion and others said they emphatically denied "any and all wrongdoing." 'Toxic, unhealthy and unrealistic' Daniel Herman, a NASM nutritionist and founder of Bio-Synergy, has spent 28 years in the industry and previously worked with organisations like Pure Elite and the NPA (Natural for Life Bodybuilding). He explains that the number of women competing, particularly in fitness and bikini categories, has risen dramatically. While he supports anything that encourages consistent exercise, he warns of the potential health risks associated with bodybuilding competitions. He explains: 'Yo-yo dieting, often seen in bulking and cutting phases, can negatively impact general wellbeing and, for many women, their menstrual cycles. 'If someone participates in multiple competitions over several years, these effects can be compounded.' He continues: 'For some there is also the additional pressure of using steroids which can lead to further issues. 'The WADA, World Anti-Doping Association says 'steroids may enhance performance in the short term, but they come at a great cost: organ damage, reproductive disorders, and psychological effects like aggression and addiction.' 'It is imperative as with any competitive sport to get support from experts in nutrition and training to mitigate these potential risks, and choose supplements that are science backed, safe and efficacious to support.' Dr Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher in physiotherapy at King's College London, also confirmed an increase in uptake of the sport among women in the last 10 years. He said: "I think we've had a massive issue with gendered expectations or roles placed upon women particularly.' Ultimately, while female bodybuilding can be a source of empowerment and achievement, it is crucial for participants to have expert guidance in nutrition and training, as well as access to safe, science-backed supplements. 14 Without these measures, the risks can outweigh the rewards, leaving many women vulnerable to physical, emotional, and even life-threatening consequences. Taking to Reddit, one person remained anonymous while sharing their experience within the industry. They explained how they think the body building culture is 'toxic, unhealthy and unrealistic' and noted how social media and online communities have only made it worse. The social media user also explained that most of the people they've met or spoken to 'aren't even competing, nor serious enough about their hobby to warrant copious amounts of money they spend on protein supplements or food.' The post ended with: 'Body building culture has become toxic, obsessive and saturated with people with unrealistic expectations and uneducated uninformed opinions. 'I genuinely believe body dysmorphia disorder is at an all time high.' Daniel adds: 'Another issue is that there is some politics, placings are subjective, and judging criteria can vary depending on federation, category, and even region. 'Some competitors report that success often hinges on more than just physical condition - including coach affiliations, politics, and how well a competitor 'fits the mould' of the current trend in body types.' Participants are assessed on factors such as muscle development, balance, overall conditioning, and stage presence. Judges rank competitors by comparing them to one another, with the winner being the athlete who achieves the lowest combined score. Various divisions, such as bodybuilding, physique, or bikini, focus on highlighting different aspects of an ideal physique. But despite this, the bodybuilding industry is on the rise - especially for women. It's been reported that this year, female bodybuilding is undergoing a significant transformation. This includes a rise in participation, new competition categories, and a wider cultural acceptance of strength and empowerment. With more women embracing strength training and bodybuilding, the sport continues to evolve, presenting diverse opportunities for athletes across the globe. Rimini Miloro, 26, from Burton on Trent believes that the industry is competitive but is a sport where everyone 'understands each other.' 'Very competitive sport' She says: 'Bodybuilding is a very competitive sport. 'It's not just about stepping up on stage but it's all about your daily actions away from the stage also. 'It's also a very individual sport meaning everything you do is on you and will also determine the look you bring to the stage. I wouldn't say bodybuilding is bitchy at all. 'From my experience it's a community where everyone understands each other. 'We have all worked so hard to be able to develop the physiques we bring to the stage and it's just so nice to share that with people who understand every step you've taken because they've done the same. 'We are doing the work daily. Not just when it's time to prep and get on stage. None of us look stage lean all the time either. 'In order to grow a decent amount of bodyfat has to be put on. 'We need to get strong in order to perform better in the gym, we need to fuel our body with good quality foods and we can't do that trying to hold onto our abs all the time. 'Bodybuilding is all about what you do in the background before getting the tan and showcasing your physique to the judges.' The introduction of the Fit Model category by the NPC and IFBB is indeed an exciting step forward for female bodybuilding, offering a more accessible and inclusive platform for women. This new category prioritises a natural and athletic aesthetic, focusing on balance, stage presence, and overall beauty, rather than extreme muscularity. It bridges the gap between fitness modelling and traditional bodybuilding, providing women with an alternative way to showcase their dedication to fitness and well-being. The upcoming 2025 IFBB World Bodybuilding Championships and Annual Congress in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, promises to be a pivotal moment for the sport. With athletes from around the world coming together, this event promises to showcase the growing diversity and innovation in female bodybuilding. As the sport embraces inclusivity and holistic health, 2025 is set to be a landmark year, redefining its future. Female bodybuilding is not just evolving in competition - it's breaking barriers, inspiring empowerment, and uniting a global community. And although their is scandal with drug taking in the industry, Rimini believes it's changing for the better. She says: "I've seen people unfortunately pass away due to diuretic use which is actually now not a popular protocol to do due to the risks of that enhancement. "Both the natural and assisted bodybuilding world for females is at an all-time high - it's a challenge many want to succeed in. "I feel the glitz and glam is definitely the main attraction for some girls and that's great. "However, it's super important for girls to understand what comes with that look on the stage for them to see if prepping for 20-30 weeks is worth potentially what is around 5-10 minutes on stage. "Social media has had such a positive impact on the bodybuilding scene - especially the natural side. "But it's an industry which teaches you mental resilience from pushing yourself on a daily basis." 14
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Kids' Choice Awards 2025: Jack Black and Wicked win big
Jack Black, Sabrina Carpenter and the film Wicked were among the big winners at the 2025 Kids' Choice Awards. The awards are handed out to the best performers across kids' TV, films, music and more. 5,000 gallons of the award's iconic green goo were blasted at the winners - that's nearly 19,000 litres of reading to find out who else won at the slimiest awards around. Jack Black said it "might be the best day of my life" as he was crowned the King of Comedy. He also won Favourite Movie Actor for his role in A Minecraft 2 also scooped up two awards, with both Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson winning for their voice acting. Favourite Movie Actress went to Wicked's Ariana Grande, while the song Defying Gravity won Favourite Song from a Movie. Staying in the music category, it was a great night for Sabrina Carpenter as she won her first ever Kids' Choice wasn't just one win though. She also got Favourite Album, Favourite Song and Favourite Female Breakout Artist.
See - Sada Elbalad
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
"Smashing Machine", "After the Hunt", "Bugonia" Eyed for Venice 2025 Lineup
Yara Sameh Dwayne Johnson, Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Emma Stone, and Emily Blunt are among the stars featured in hotly anticipated new movies expected to launch from the 2025 Venice Film Festival. With one month to go until the Lido lineup is unveiled, Venice's artistic director, Alberto Barbera, is racing against the clock to assemble the festival's 82nd edition, slots for which are still in flux, what's clear, however, is that there will be no shortage of the type of buzzy titles that make Venice a prime awards season driver. Benny Safdie's 'The Smashing Machine,' featuring Dwayne Johnson as two-time UFC heavyweight champ Mark Kerr and Emily Blunt as his wife Dawn; Luca Guadagnino's #MeToo-themed thriller 'After the Hunt' starring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield; and 'Bugonia,' the latest collaboration between Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone — who were last at the fest in 2023 with the Oscar-winning 'Poor Things' — are all likely to be set for a Venice sendoff. Angelina Jolie, after being on the Lido last year with Pablo Larraín's 'Maria,' should also be back in Venice with Alice Winocour's drama 'Couture,' set in the Paris fashion world. Netflix looks likely to be on the Lido with Noah Baumbach's comedy-drama 'Jay Kelly,' starring George Clooney as its enigmatic titular character, and also with Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein,' a new take on the classic monster movie with Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, and Mia Goth. Another Netflix film that could surface at Venice is 'A House of Dynamite,' the next feature by Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow ('The Hurt Locker,' 'Zero Dark Thirty') with a cast comprising Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Greta Lee, Gabriel Basso, and Jared Harris. The official logline reads: 'When a single, unattributed missile is launched at the United States, a race begins to determine who is responsible and how to respond.' As Mubi boss Efe Cakarel revealed, Jim Jarmusch's triptych picture 'Father Mother Sister Brother,' starring Cate Blanchett and Adam Driver, is also believed to be up for a Lido competition slot. Mubi may also be launching Paolo Sorrentino's new movie 'La Grazia,' led by 'The Great Beauty' star Toni Servillo, from Venice if it's ready in time. Italian titles considered shoo-ins for Lido competition debuts include 'Duse,' Pietro Marcello's biopic about legendary Italian stage diva Eleonora Duse, played by Valeria Bruni Tedeschi; and 'Below the Clouds,' the new high-profile doc by Gianfranco Rosi, whose 'Sacro GRA' scooped the 2013 Venice Golden Lion. 'A Year of School' by rising auteur Laura Samani, who made a splash with 'Small Body' in 2021, is expected to surface somewhere in the official selection. Titles in the mix from Asia include Fan Bingbing-starrer 'Mother Bhumi' from Malaysian filmmaker Chong Keat Aun and Park Chan-wook's new film 'No Other Choice.' As previously announced, two-time Oscar winner Alexander Payne will preside over the main jury. The 82nd edition of Venice will run August 27-September 6. The lineup will be announced on July 22. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
