WWE Signs The Rock’s Cousin to a Developmental Deal, Details on How She Got Her Start in Pro Wrestling

May 26, 2014

According to The Wrestling Observer, one of WWE's new developmental Diva signings is Savelina "Lina" Fanene, who is of Samoan descent and is The Rock's cousin. Her grandfather and The Rock's great grandmother were brother and sister.

Lina, who is from California, has a background in sports and apparently was a star basketball player. She attended WrestleMania 28 with John Cena vs. The Rock as the main event and after that show, The Rock's mother Ata Johnson suggested that she try pro wrestling. At first Lina wasn't interested and thought the idea was crazy but started looking into wrestling schools in California. She had the tryout with WWE and they saw enough in her to sign her to a deal.

Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.

Nick attended New York University and graduated in 2001 with a degree in Drama.

Nick first entered the internet wrestling community back in 2004 when he became the co-host of The Voice of Wrestling Radio Show. From there, Nick made the transition from radio personality to editor when he began working with WrestleZone in 2008.

Nick is a member of two Off-Broadway theatre companies, Another Urban Riff, and the Drama Desk Award winning Godlight Theatre Company. Nick has appeared in over a dozen Off-Broadway plays since he moved to New York City, and has shot several short and feature length films. In 2010, he completed principle photography on a film titled "How to Score Your Life," which also features TNA Knockout ODB.

Inspiration in his life has come from many people including his family, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, The Beatles, and of course, Lassie.