Hollywood heavyweight Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is back on the big screen in the festive action-comedy Red One, but it’s not just the holiday cheer or the star-studded cast that has fans buzzing. A particular scene in the film—featuring the fictional game “Krampusschlap”—has drawn the attention of none other than UFC president and Power Slap founder, Dana White.
White, a close friend of Johnson, even took to social media to spotlight the uncanny similarity between his real-life combat sport and the hilarious twist on holiday mischief in Red One. Here’s how this unlikely crossover is making waves.
Krampusschlap: Red One’s Hilarious Ode to Power Slap?
In Red One, Johnson stars alongside Chris Evans, J.K. Simmons, and Lucy Liu in an urban fantasy tale that blends Christmas magic with high-octane action. Yet, amid the festive chaos, the introduction of a quirky game called “Krampusschlap” steals the spotlight.
Featured in the film’s trailer, the game’s premise is humorously reminiscent of Dana White’s Power Slap, a combat sport where participants trade brutal slaps in a test of endurance and toughness. White himself couldn’t resist acknowledging the scene, tagging Johnson in an Instagram story to commend the playful nod.
This connection between the Hollywood blockbuster and the burgeoning combat sport highlights how niche ideas can seep into mainstream media, especially with a connector like Dwayne Johnson, whose influence spans wrestling, UFC, and now, festive filmmaking.
Dana White’s Take on The Rock’s Acting Future
While the Red One shoutout delighted fans of Power Slap, Dana White is also excited about another of Johnson’s projects: the upcoming Mark Kerr biopic, The Smashing Machine. Speaking to Collider (via Essentially Sports), White shared his high expectations for Johnson’s performance:
“The Rock will kill this. He will nail this role. I know how serious he’s taking this, I know who’s working with him, and I know how hard he’s working on this film. I think that this could be the opportunity for The Rock to actually be nominated for an Oscar.”
The film, produced by indie powerhouse A24, tells the gritty story of Mark Kerr, a UFC legend from its early days. Known for his fearsome prowess in the ring, Kerr was dubbed “The Smashing Machine” for his ability to decimate multiple opponents in one night.
From WWE Superstar to Oscar Contender?
Dwayne Johnson has spent decades dominating the action-adventure genre, with blockbusters like Jumanji and Fast & Furious cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. However, The Smashing Machine marks a significant pivot for the actor, signaling his ambitions for awards recognition.
With Dana White publicly rooting for Johnson and A24 backing the biopic, the project is already building significant momentum. This, coupled with Johnson’s involvement as a board member of TKO Group Holdings—home to WWE and UFC—shows how his career seamlessly straddles the worlds of sports and entertainment.
Red One: A Festive Knockout in Theatres Now
While The Smashing Machine gears up to potentially enter the awards race, Red One offers a lighter, family-friendly dose of holiday action. Its mix of humor, star power, and over-the-top antics is already resonating with fans.
Krampusschlap may have started as a quirky gag in the film, but with Dana White’s endorsement, it underscores Johnson’s ability to merge his wrestling roots, Hollywood career, and even niche sports into cultural moments.