Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Reveals Updated Bull Tattoo, Shares Story Behind It

The Rock Baywatch — Dwayne Johnson, who attended the world premiere of Paramount Pictures film “Baywatch” at South Beach on May 13, 2017, posted a photo of his new tattoo. Getty Images

Always one to let us in on what’s happening in his life, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson just shared a new story. He revealed that he’s updated one of his most well-known tattoos, a tattoo that he’s had for decades, the bull on his right shoulder.

In a video posted to his Instagram account, Johnson described the tattoo update as an “evolution of the bull,” which is something he felt compelled to do because his reasons for having the image on his skin have evolved, as well.

Evolution of the bull begins w/ @nikkohurtado. I've engrained this bull in my DNA for two decades. My core. Humbly, it's also become a symbol of strength, resilience, heart, power and defiance to so many people around the world. I got this tattoo when I was just a kid. Now I need it to reflect me as a man. All my ink is a rite of passage and spiritual and the MANA (power and spirit) has to be right before we begin. Mana is strong with world renowned Nikko. We talked for hours about the man I am today, compared to who I once was. And who I'll always be. We all desire to grow and evolve. The mana is right.. let the blood and pain begin. #EvolutionOfTheBull #WheresMyVicodin
A post shared by therock (@therock) on Aug 7, 2017 at 5:36pm PDT

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“I got this tattoo when I was just a kid,” The Rock captioned the video. “Now I need it to reflect me as a man.”

The short clip only showed the beginnings of the process, but in a new side-by-side comparison photo on his Instagram, the full evolution can be seen. As usual, The Rock captioned the image with a detailed story of what the updated version means to him, and why he was willing to go through 22 hours of tattooing to get it.

Evolution of the bull. After 3 sessions and 22hrs of tattooing with world renowned @NikkoHurtado, the story's almost done.. Every detail is a reflection of my own personal history. From the cracks and heavy damage in the bone representing life's hard lessons I've learned over the years. Just like scars and wrinkles - I'm so grateful to have 'em because they're earned. To the horns, not pointing up or out to the side, but pointing straight ahead representing relentless energy and forward progress. The core and anchor of this image is in the eye. Look closely and you'll find the life, energy, power and you'll feel the MANA (spirit). The eye tells the story of a disruptive positive energy always ready to dent the universe. Depending on the light and angle, sometimes the energy's subtle and sometimes it's glaring. But it's always alive and ready to disrupt the universe and love and protect my family and all things I love with intense passion and gratitude. Cheers to living, learning, evolving and growing. And to the positive disrupters ready to dent the universe. #EvolutionOfTheBull #TheDisrupter #TheMana #NowLetsBreakOutTheTequila
A post shared by therock (@therock) on Aug 11, 2017 at 8:26am PDT

“Every detail is a reflection of my own personal history,” The “Ballers” star began. “From the cracks and heavy damage in the bone representing life’s hard lessons I’ve learned over the years. Just like scars and wrinkles - I’m so grateful to have em because they’re earned. To the horns, not pointing up or out to the side, but pointing straight ahead representing relentless energy and forward progress.”

He continued: “The core and anchor of this image is in the eye. Look closely and you’ll find the life, energy, power and you’ll feel the MANA (spirit). The eye tells the story of a disruptive positive energy always ready to dent the universe.”

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Nikko Hurtado, the Los Angeles-based tattoo artist who was tasked with The Rock’s bull evolution, posted a gallery of photos of the updated version. He also had quite a bit to say about working with the rock and the process of mixing up the tattoo.

“@therock is a true gentleman how I came to tattoo him I do not know,” Hurtado wrote. “I am a truly blessed human.”

Through this experience I've learned a lot. Everyone always sees what is on the outside what is shown of our lives no one truly knows behind the scenes. @therock is a true gentleman how I came to tattoo him I do not know. I am a truly blessed human. (Thank you Matt) the process of tattooing a client starts with a meeting always finding out what it is they want. Tattoos are markings on the body that are with you for ever. Imagine choosing a birthmark. The tattoo has to represent you, who you are and what you feel, your image and your personality. @therock and I spend time going back and fourth showing him different ideas, different horns different mana. I always want to do what I want to do but I always have to remind myself that when I tattoo a client it is for them and theirs to wear the rest of their lives. I am excited to tweak and build this tattoo a little further after it heals. When I complete a tattoo in one sitting it is never finished my clients all know this to well. I let the tattoo heal, live, age a little before I come back to it and layer it see what it needs to give it the sculpting or life it requires to be abandoned because we all know art is never finished it is simply abandoned. I am grateful I am blessed I have been given the new gift of knowing about "Mana" thank you world your are nothing short of amazing. Thank you @therock till next time same channel same page! It's your friendly neighborhood tattoo artist.
A post shared by Nikko Hurtado (@nikkohurtado) on Aug 11, 2017 at 9:49am PDT

The progression had many steps, giving Hurtado ample time to get to know The Rock and what he wanted for his tattoo, which was a very important step.

“@the rock and I spend time going back and fourth showing him different ideas, different horns different mana,” Hurtado shared of the process. “I always want to do what I want to do but I always have to remind myself that when I tattoo a client it is for them and theirs to wear the rest of their lives.”

Even though these before-and-after photos are being plastered on both of the guys’ Instagram accounts, Hurtado reveals that the tattoo isn’t complete.

“I am excited to tweak and build this tattoo a little further after it heals,” the world-famous tattoo artist wrote. “When I complete a tattoo in one sitting it is never finished my clients all know this to well. I let the tattoo heal, live, age a little before I come back to it and layer it see what it needs to give it the sculpting or life it requires to be abandoned because we all know art is never finished it is simply abandoned.”

Whether the tattoo is updated more or not, it’s clear that The Rock is very happy with the outcome and that it now truly showcases the man that he is today. One who works hard, plays hard, and tattoos hard.

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