You're inclusive of people, all people, all colors, it doesn't matter. You treat people good, you treat people kind. "Years later to be standing here with you guys, you voted me the People's Champion, the irony is not lost on me because I realize that what it means to be the People's Champion is so much bigger than me. "She said, 'He told me to tell you you are the people's champion, you have earned it, you take that title,'" Johnson reflected. Johnson dubbed himself the "people's champion" for his a "bad guy" persona in the WWE, but later asked Ali's wife for permission to use the title. "I first met Muhammad when I was a little boy and he was so cool to me. "For those who may know or for those who may not know, the original people's champion was the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali," the former WWE star explained.
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Johnson first accepted the award, presented by his "drinking buddy" Jeff Bezos, but informed audiences that he does not consider himself the O.G. 7, opted instead to credit two of his own heroes with the title: Muhammad Ali and Make-a-Wish recipient Shushan Lazaryev. The Jungle Cruise star, who was honored with the tribute at the 2021 People's Choice Awards on Tuesday, Dec.
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The 2021 People's Choice Awards - hosted by Kenan Thompson - aired simultaneously on NBC and E!.Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson just proved that he truly is the People's Champion. "Very, very cool and I would like to follow in his next footsteps and be the next Bond. "Yes, my grandfather was a Bond villain … with Sean Connery," Johnson said in the interview.
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Never miss a story - sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Johnson's grandfather, Peter Maivia, played a villain in the 1967 Bond film You Only Live Twice. In a November interview with Esquire, Johnson revealed he would love to take over the role of James Bond from Daniel Craig. RELATED VIDEO: 'Eye of the Beholder': Dwyane Johnson & Ryan Reynolds Joke on Who Is Sexier Sexiest Man Alive "His philanthropic efforts and international social media presence has made him a cultural leader and inspiration to many, making him the perfect recipient for 'The People's Champion' award this year."
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"During a period where there has been a lot of uncertainty, Johnson has displayed an uncanny ability to raise spirits and make people smile despite circumstances," the statement continued. "Dwayne is one of the most beloved actors of our time who has achieved unprecedented success throughout his career," said Jen Neal, EVP, Entertainment Live Events, Specials & E! News, NBCUniversal Entertainment Television and Streaming, told Deadline in a statement announcing this year's honorees. RELATED: Dwayne Johnson Reveals the Sweet Way His Daughter Jasmine, 5, Reacts When Fans Recognize Her Dad
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He had a busy night in Santa Monica, too, picking up three other nominations for the People's Choice Awards, including for Male Movie Star of 2021, Male TV Star of 2021 and Social Star of 2021. PEOPLE'S CHAMP The Rock Story (Full Career Documentary)There are a lot of wrestlers who have become big stars within the industry, just look at the likes o. The actor has been hard at work in 2021 with the movies Jungle Cruise and Netflix's smash hit Red Notice as well as his TV show, Young Rock. Johnson joined Halle Berry and Christina Aguilera on the list of winners at the awards show, which aired live on NBC and E! from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Alberto Rodriguez/E! Entertainment/NBCUniversal/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty