The Rock Covered Up His Famous Bull Tattoo With A Bigger Bull Tattoo
One of the most famous and iconic tattoos of the past 20 years, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s brahma bull, is no more. 3 days ago, The Rock posted this video on his Instagram, letting everyone know he would be “adding” to the bull, and “evolving” it.
For whatever reason, I thought that meant the bull was staying as the centerpiece of his (massive) right arm and he’d be getting a half sleeve around it. Assumed it wouldn’t be too far off from the Pe’a (Samoan tribal tattoo) on his left arm and chest, but knew it’d be more detailed if The Rock was bringing in Nikko Hurtado. He’s arguably the most famous tattoo artist in the world, neck and neck with Kat Von D (who’s taken a fall since LA Ink got cancelled). Check out his Instagram @nikkohurtado for some awesome work. Two hours ago, The Dwayne shared his new ink with the world, along with this caption:
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
Better picture from Nikko:
I’m not sure how to feel about this. It’s cool, it’s a great tattoo, but it’s just not Rock. That original bull was synonymous with him. It was on all of his merchandise for years in the WWF/WWE, and now it’s the logo for his Under Armor line. When I was a kid, I got a temporary version of the tattoo on the boardwalk. Hell, I know people who went permanent with it on their arms!
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This new, giant one? I don’t know, man! I felt the same way when he got his tribal sleeve though, and now I almost can’t imagine him without it, so I guess I’ll just have to get used to it…and who knows! Maybe one day I’ll cover up my “Why not?” with a bigger, bolder “WHY NOT?!?!?!?!”