Warning: Spoilers for the ending of “The Smashing Machine”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson underwent a remarkable transformation for his latest movie “The Smashing Machine,” a film inspired by the real-life of former MMA fighter Mark Kerr.
During a Sept. 30 appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Johnson shared he had 22 prosthetics and put on just over 30 pounds of muscle to embody Kerr. He also took a moment to give Kerr his flowers.
Johnson explained to Fallon that before the “The Smashing Machine” credits roll, there are title cards (or film intertitles) that include information about the real-life Kerr.
“These fighters today, they make millions of dollars and everyone knows their name,” Johnson, 53, said. “But his name is Mark Kerr.”
“The Smashing Machine” centers on Kerr during 1997 to 2000, focusing on his formative years as a wrestler and his rise to fame. It also chronicled his addiction to painkillers, his subsequent overdose and tumultuous marriage to Dawn Staples-Kerr (portrayed by Emily Blunt).
The film is inspired by the 2002 HBO documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.”
Although considered a pioneer in the MMA and UFC world, Kerr received a different type of fame and attention compared to wrestlers and WWE athletes like Johnson, aka The Rock, who became a household name.
But now, years later, Kerr, 56, is having his own moment in the public eye thanks to thanks to the film named after his UFC stage name, “The Smashing Machine.”
Kerr was in attendance when “The Smashing Machine” premiered at the Venice Film Festival. While on the “Tonight Show,” Johnson reflected on sitting alongside Kerr when the crowd erupted in applause after the film ended.
“I was so happy for him, for Mark, because it was his validation that despite your struggles, despite the fact you overdosed twice and you’re still here — he’s lucky to be alive — things turned out OK and you are an inspiration for everybody,” Johnson said. “Mark Kerr is unbelievable.”
Kerr has been promoting the film alongside Johnson, Blunt and director Benny Safdie. During this time, he’s also shared more insight into his current life.
What Happened to Mark Kerr?
The film ends with footage of the real-life Kerr grocery shopping in Scottsdale, Arizona. He greets the cashier, loads up his groceries, hops into his truck and departs the parking lot. This moment signals that Kerr appears to have somewhat of a normal life after years of being in the public eye as a wrestler.
As shown in the film, and reflected in his real life, Kerr made his professional MMA debut on Jan. 19. 1997, competing in the heavyweight tournament as part of World Vale Tudo Championship 3. He won three of his matches, securing the tournament title.
He also made his successful UFC debut in July of that year, according to the UFC website. During his time with the UFC, he became a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion.
The fighter also competed in multiple MMA promotions including Collision Course, a Japan-based MMA promotion PRIDE Fighting Championships.
He retired from the sport in 2009, UFC notes, and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in June 2025.
During his time as a professional athlete, Kerr was addicted to prescribed painkillers which he used to ease the blows from his fights. He’s been open about overdosing due to his addiction.
Where Is Mark Kerr Now?
The former athlete is married to Franci Alberding. The two have a company called Absolute Wellness that promotes well-being whether it’s fitness facility design or equipment management, per their website.
He was previously married to Dawn Staples, and their relationship is depicted in “The Smashing Machine.” The former couple share a son named Bryce.
He’s also been an advocate for mental health, hoping to help those who struggle with addiction. He touched on his advocacy during his speech when he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2025.
Kerr has also been doing interviews ahead of the release of “The Smashing Machine,” talking about seeing Johnson transform into his former self.
“I could still see him in there, but I’m looking at like a mirror picture of myself and it’s this experience where I’m like, ‘Oh my god, man,’” he said during an interview on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast. “Like, wow… This is you going to a place that nobody even thought you could get to. It was incredible.”
Kerr also shared how watching one of the final scenes in the film was therapeutic for him.
“It was therapy for me… For the first time, I could actually see my part in it,” he said. “Like, I could see my part, how f—— hard I was on the people around me, how just singularly driven I was to accomplish something at all cost. And the person that paid it the most was Dawn. She paid a heavy price.”
Days before the movie arrived in theaters, Sports Illustrated also released Kerr’s joint interview with Johnson looking back at their careers and the film.
“Benny Safdie said this about you,” Johnson told Kerr. “I’m paraphrasing here, but one of the greatest triumphs about our film is the fact that you, yourself, as a human being, as a real man, Mark Kerr, found your own authenticity and finally after all these years, you are comfortable with who you are today.”