The former wrestler apologized to UFL players and coaches for having to miss UFL’s opening day
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Dwayne Johnson detailed a scary experience during a recent flight from Hawaii.
Johnson, 52, posted a video message on X on March 28, revealing that his plane needed to return to Hawaii after the crew discovered a “hydraulics issue” mid-flight, forcing the former wrestler to miss a scheduled appearance at the United Football League’s second-season kickoff in Texas.
In his video message, Johnson, a co-owner of the UFL, said he was “super pumped to get down there” and “rock and roll with all the players and coaches” before explaining what happened with his plane.
“The pilot comes back to me, he gets down on one knee — and it’s just me on the plane, me and the crew,” said Johnson. “And he says, ‘Mr. Johnson, I’m sorry to inform you but we cannot continue to fly over the ocean, we have a problem,’ ” the actor recalled.
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The pilot apparently gave Johnson his “word” that he would land the plane “back safely on the island” after discovering the issue.
“I appreciated his demeanor in the moment,” Johnson shared, adding that the pilot said they couldn’t “take a chance” continuing the flight, “especially over the ocean.”
“I took this as a sign from God and the universe,” he continued, remembering the “really f—— crazy turbulence” during the flight. “You can’t help but think…is this it?” Johnson added.
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The actor said he asked the flight attendant to make his drink “a double” after the pilot informed him of the plane issue. “When you’re back there alone with just your drink…hoping you make it back safely…you start to realize the s— that’s really important in life…and the s— that doesn’t matter. I had one of those moments last night,” Johnson shared.
The Moana star said he greatly appreciates the crew and the pilot for getting him back to Hawaii safely and apologized to the UFL players and coaches for missing the event.
“I’m super bummed and I’m so sorry,” Johnson said in the video.