Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson praises Adelaide WWE megastar Rhea Ripley

One of the world’s biggest names has heaped praise on a former Henley High student to his 395 million Instagram followers, revealing the pair’s backstage antics.

Former WWE world champion-turned movie megastar Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has passed on enthusiastic words of encouragement to Adelaide’s own superstar wrestler Rhea Ripley after a special TV appearance.

The WWE legend took to social media to pay tribute to Ripley after a surprise return appearance on wrestling program Monday Night RAW, revealing the pair’s backstage shenanigans.

“She wears black. I love black. She’s a badass. And I got famous for wearing a fanny pack,” he wrote on Instagram.

“We had fun f*cking around backstage.

“Love, appreciate and respect you champ – thanks for trusting me with your title, keep kickin’ ass and raising the bar.”

The Baywatch and Jumanji star shared photos of his moment with Ripley, with the pair grinning at each other as Ripley handed over her title belt.

He also shared an intimate close-up photo of a beaming Ripley backstage.

Ripley penned a cheeky response in The Rock’s comments, saying there was “no-one else” she would trust with her WWE title.

“Wouldn’t let anyone else look after my baby … thanks for being a legend and making my night! Tequila next time,” she wrote.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has heaped praise on Adelaide WWE megastar Rhea Ripley. Picture: Instagram

The Rock shared an adorable backstage photo of Ripley to his 395m social media followers. Picture: Instagram

Former Henley Beach High School Student Ripley, whose real name is Demi Bennett, has surged to the top of the global wrestling industry on the back of blockbuster performances as well as an explosion in social media clout driven by legions of fans on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

A dedicated Crows fan, Ripley was forced to explain after being snapped wearing a Carlton AFL guernsey during a drip down under last year — but promised she remained loyal to her local SA team.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson with WWE presenter Cathy Kelley. Picture: Instagram

Ripley was in the country to promote the pro-wrestling powerhouse’s announcement of its first major Australian show in the past five years.

WWE will bring its signature Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event to Perth’s Optus Stadium on February 24, for a show tipped to attract tens of thousands of live fans and a millions-strong global broadcast audience.

Johnson’s reappearance on WWE television, and his encounter with Ripley, has stirred fevered speculations from fans that “the Great One” could also be bound for Australia next month.

Ripley, WWE’s reigning Women’s World Champion, is expected to play a starring role in the show along with fellow Adelaide star Bronson Reed (Jermaine Haley).