In "The Crushing Machine," the story revolves around Mark Kerr, an iconic figure in the world of MMA, highlighting not only his sporting triumphs but also the challenges he faced in his personal life. Dwayne Johnson takes on a role that is significantly different from his usual portrayal of an invincible hero, depicting a man who, despite his achievements in the ring, struggles with a complex internal battle.
Creating this role became one of the most risky and vulnerable stages in Johnson's career. At press conferences, he openly shared his fears about the need to be honest and open in this role. For the physical transformation, the actor required about 13-14 different prosthetics, and daily makeup took up to four hours. The director and team chose an almost documentary approach, creating a minimalist and raw atmosphere, allowing the audience to see the fighter's real life without embellishments.
Johnson himself noted that this project provided him with the opportunity to step beyond the typical Hollywood image by playing a role he considers deeply personal. This honesty makes the film particularly significant for those who see a part of their cultural identity in the world of martial arts. In Kyrgyzstan, where many champions have emerged and the spirit of fighting is part of the national culture, this story resonates.
It was a great honor for me to interview Dwayne Johnson, discussing with him the cost of victory, the strength of character, and the importance of humility.
INTERVIEW
Asel:
Hello, Dwayne. I’m glad to meet you. I’m from Kyrgyzstan—a country where martial arts play a significant role in cultural identity. We have many famous UFC fighters, including champion Valentina Shevchenko. Therefore, your film resonates particularly with us.
Your film depicts both the triumphs and the emotional cost that a fighter pays. What do you think young athletes, including those from Kyrgyzstan, should understand about what it takes to achieve champion status?
Dwayne:
That’s an important question. There are several key points. If you are young and aspire to become a champion in MMA, to get into the UFC, or to wrestle, the first thing you need is hard work. Real, daily effort. I always emphasize: everything is achieved through your own hands, and you must do that work yourself.
But you also need to consider the emotional cost you mentioned. You have to be prepared for that: to accept, endure, and go through it. I have spent my whole life around rings—whether it’s wrestling, boxing, or fighting. My father was a professional wrestler, and my family is involved in wrestling, so I have a deep respect for MMA and martial arts.
Physical preparation is one thing, but the emotional side is entirely different. Over time, you realize that it’s not just about wins and losses. Winning is important, and that’s right. But when you lose, the main question arises: what do you learn? What do you do next?
Asel:
Becoming a champion is one thing, but staying a person while doing so is quite another. What internal mindset helps maintain this?
Dwayne:
Humility. That is extremely important.
You can and should be confident in your abilities. The desire to win and strive for success is normal. But it is humility that helps you go a long way and remain human, even when you are at the top.
When you win, it’s important to maintain dignity and humility. When you lose, you need to keep respect and continue learning.
It took me time to understand this myself. In wrestling, there’s a lot of show, ego, and loud statements. But I realized: you can be strong, confident, and aggressive while still being humble. That makes a fighter's journey truly profound.
Asel:
Thank you!
Dwayne:
Thank you.
