Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has looked almost unrecognisable in recent weeks – and it’s left fans wondering if his in-ring story is finally over.

The 53-year-old appeared at the Venice Film Festival promoting The Smashing Machine, his long-awaited biopic of MMA legend Mark Kerr, revealing a strikingly leaner frame that’s fuelled talk of a permanent wrestling exit. The Rock reveals all on his epic body transformation to play UFC legend in 'The Smashing Machine'

Johnson had already said he’d done “the hardest physical prep of my career” to portray Kerr, revealing that he put on about 30 pounds for the role. But that’s not the look that has fans talking.

Indeed, wrestling audiences are used to seeing Johnson at his fullest and thickest – the powerhouse build that defined his Attitude Era

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