5 Shocking Secrets Behind Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's Iconic Black Turtleneck And Fanny Pack Photo

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is a global icon, a box-office titan, and arguably the most electrifying man in entertainment. Yet, for all his cinematic achievements and wrestling glory, one image from his past continues to dominate the internet and define a generation of meme culture: the legendary photo featuring a young, muscular Rock in a form-fitting black turtleneck, faded jeans, a silver chain, and, most famously, a fanny pack. As of today, December 11, 2025, this 90s flashback remains a viral phenomenon, and the true story behind this fashion disaster—turned—cultural masterpiece is even stranger and funnier than you think.

The photo, which first went viral around 2014, captures a moment in time when Dwayne Johnson was just starting his career, before he became the Hollywood powerhouse he is today. It’s a perfect storm of 90s aesthetics and earnest, misplaced confidence. This deep dive reveals the five most surprising secrets The Rock himself has shared about the most iconic, awkward, and beloved photo of his career.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson: The Man Behind the Turtleneck

Before diving into the secrets of the photo, it's essential to appreciate the journey of the man who wore it. This is a brief look at the biography of Dwayne Johnson, a multi-hyphenate star whose career spans decades and industries.

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• Full Name: Dwayne Douglas Johnson
• Date of Birth: May 2, 1972
• Place of Birth: Hayward, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Height: 6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
• Wrestling Career: Known as "The Rock," he is a 10-time world champion in WWE.
• Film Debut: *The Mummy Returns* (2001)
• Notable Films: *The Fast and the Furious* franchise, *Jumanji* franchise, *Moana*, *Black Adam*.
• Business Ventures: Co-founder of Seven Bucks Productions and Teremana Tequila.
• Nickname Origin: Inherited from his father, professional wrestler Rocky Johnson.

1. The Black Turtleneck Was Chosen to Impress Women

The most surprising revelation about the sleek, yet slightly awkward, black turtleneck is the sincere intention behind it. Johnson has explained that he genuinely believed the outfit was the epitome of cool and sophistication at the time, specifically chosen as a strategy to attract women.

In the mid-90s, when the photo was taken, Johnson was trying to project an image of a confident, successful young man. The turtleneck, tucked tightly into his faded, high-waisted jeans, was his attempt at a high-fashion, intellectual look—a far cry from the wrestling gear he would soon be known for.

He saw it as a suave, polished ensemble that would make him stand out. The irony, of course, is that the combination of the tucked-in top, the huge physique, and the fanny pack created a look that is now universally considered hilariously dated, though undeniably iconic.

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2. The Fanny Pack Had a Practical—and Hilarious—Purpose

The fanny pack is perhaps the most ridiculed element of the entire ensemble. While many assume it was purely a style choice, Johnson revealed it was highly practical for his lifestyle at the time.

He needed a convenient way to carry his essentials, and the fanny pack—worn front-and-center across his chest—was the solution. When asked what was inside the fanny pack, Johnson once joked that it contained "a lot of inappropriate things I can't mention right now."

The fanny pack, or "belt bag," has experienced a modern fashion resurgence, but its placement and size in The Rock's photo make it a true relic of 90s accessory culture. It highlights a common 90s trend of prioritizing convenience over aesthetic harmony, a concept that now fuels the photo's meme-ability.

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3. He Wore a Fake Tag Watch and a Hidden Tissue

Dwayne Johnson has provided an almost forensic breakdown of the photo's accessories, revealing two incredible details that add to the picture's mystique. First, the watch he is wearing is a "fake Tag watch," a common knock-off accessory popular in that era, further illustrating his aspiration to a high-end lifestyle he hadn't quite achieved yet.

Second, and perhaps the most bizarre detail, is the tissue tucked underneath his elbow. Johnson explained that he did this because he didn't want to get a stain on his brand-new, expensive black turtleneck.

This small, hidden detail speaks volumes about his earnestness and the high value he placed on this particular outfit. The combination of a fake luxury watch and a protective tissue wrapped around his arm makes the outfit a complex portrait of 90s ambition and fashion faux pas.

4. The Photo's Origin Story Was Featured on 'Young Rock'

The enduring popularity and cultural significance of the black turtleneck photo led to its story being immortalized on the small screen. NBC's biographical comedy series, *Young Rock*, which chronicles Johnson's formative years, dedicated a segment to the iconic ensemble.

The show humorously depicted the events leading up to the photo shoot, confirming Johnson's own stories about the outfit's intent and his youthful, misguided confidence in his style choices. This inclusion on the show cemented the photo's status not just as a meme, but as a key piece of Dwayne Johnson's personal history and brand narrative.

By recreating the moment in the series, Johnson demonstrated his willingness to poke fun at himself, which is a major reason why the public continues to embrace the image with such affection.

5. The Rock Has Hilariously Recreated the Look Multiple Times

Unlike many celebrities who might try to bury embarrassing past photos, Dwayne Johnson has fully embraced the meme, using it to connect with fans and showcase his self-deprecating humor. He has recreated the look on several occasions, often for promotional purposes or just for laughs, proving he is in on the joke.

One notable recreation was for a Christmas post, where he perfectly donned the black turtleneck, the fanny pack, and the signature silver chain necklace.

These recreations are not just simple throwbacks; they are a sign of his evolution. He has transformed an awkward moment of 90s fashion into a powerful, enduring part of his personal brand, demonstrating that true confidence means owning every chapter of your story, even the ones involving a fanny pack and a tucked-in turtleneck. The photo continues to pop up as a meme and a popular Halloween costume, ensuring its legacy remains fresh and relevant for years to come.