Business
The Iran War Is Hitting Gulf Markets, Lifting Israel and Shifting Risk Across the Region
For years, investors treated the Persian Gulf as a bastion of calm in a deeply unstable region. Oil wealth and careful diplomacy kept turmoil at arm’s length. Wars raged in Gaza, Israel, Syria and Lebanon—far from glitzy Dubai.
Now, markets are repricing risk across the region. The war with Iran—which has grounded flights, stranded tankers and put cities such as Dubai and Qatar’s Doha under bombardment—is forcing investors to recalibrate their perception of the region’s stability.
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Business
NVIDIA Stock Drops 3% Amid Geopolitical Pressures and Export Regulation Concerns
NVIDIA Corporation shares fell sharply on March 6, 2026, closing down 5.52 points, or 3.01%, at $177.82 as investors grappled with fresh reports of potential U.S. export restrictions on AI chips and broader market volatility tied to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

AFP
The Santa Clara, California-based chipmaker opened at $179.84 and traded in a range of $176.82 to $182.76 during the session. Volume surged to approximately 189 million shares, well above the average, reflecting intense trading interest amid the pullback. The previous close stood at $183.34, capping a brief two-day advance that had lifted the stock modestly earlier in the week.
The decline mirrored weakness across tech-heavy indexes, with the Nasdaq Composite also posting losses as energy prices climbed on renewed Middle East conflict risks. NVIDIA’s outsized influence on market sentiment—stemming from its dominance in AI accelerators—amplified the move, contributing to broader sector caution.
Analysts attributed much of the pressure to Bloomberg reports that the U.S. Commerce Department has drafted regulations requiring export permits for advanced AI chips to nearly every country worldwide. Such measures could complicate NVIDIA’s global supply strategy, particularly as the company has already navigated tight restrictions on shipments to China. NVIDIA CFO Colette Kress recently confirmed no Data Center revenue from China in recent guidance, underscoring ongoing challenges in that key market.
Adding to the narrative, Financial Times reporting indicated NVIDIA has halted production of its H200 chips tailored for China, redirecting capacity toward next-generation Vera Rubin hardware. The shift highlights the company’s pivot away from compliance-limited products in favor of cutting-edge platforms expected to drive future growth.
Despite the day’s retreat, NVIDIA’s fundamentals remain robust. The company reported record fiscal fourth-quarter results on February 25, 2026, with revenue of $68.1 billion, up 73% year-over-year and 20% sequentially. Data Center revenue—the AI engine—hit $62.3 billion, surging 75% from the prior year. For full fiscal 2026, revenue reached $215.9 billion, a 65% increase.
Guidance for the first quarter of fiscal 2027 calls for approximately $78 billion in revenue, plus or minus 2%, excluding any contribution from China. The outlook reflects continued explosive demand for Blackwell architecture GPUs and accelerating adoption of AI across enterprises, cloud providers, and sovereign AI initiatives.
Wall Street maintains a strongly bullish stance. Consensus ratings hover at “Buy,” with an average 12-month price target around $265, implying roughly 49% upside from the March 6 close. Some analysts, including those at JPMorgan, Raymond James, and Citigroup, recently lifted targets toward $265-$300 following the earnings beat and optimistic commentary on Blackwell ramp-up and Rubin roadmap.
Morgan Stanley reinstated NVIDIA as its top semiconductor pick, citing an “surprisingly good entry point” after the stock’s modest 2026 underperformance relative to explosive business growth. Bernstein, Baird, Bank of America, and Rosenblatt also pushed targets higher, some to $300, betting on sustained AI tailwinds.
CEO Jensen Huang’s recent comments added intrigue. He described a $30 billion investment in OpenAI as potentially NVIDIA’s “last” major equity commitment in the startup, ahead of its anticipated IPO. The remark tempered speculation about further large-scale strategic bets but underscored confidence in organic growth drivers.
Upcoming catalysts loom large. NVIDIA’s GTC conference, scheduled for March 16-19, 2026, features a keynote from Huang and promises updates on Blackwell Ultra ramp, Rubin launch timing in 2026, Rubin CPX late in the year, Rubin Ultra in 2027, and Feynman in 2028. The event typically showcases breakthroughs in robotics, AI agents, and accelerated computing, often sparking rallies.
Competitive dynamics drew attention as well. Broadcom issued bullish AI chip sales forecasts, positioning itself as a challenger in custom accelerators and networking. Yet NVIDIA’s ecosystem moat—spanning CUDA software, full-stack offerings, and market share leadership—continues to insulate it, with analysts viewing competition as healthy validation of the AI opportunity rather than an immediate threat.
The stock’s technical picture shows consolidation after peaking at a 52-week high of $212.19 in late October 2025. The 52-week low remains $86.62 from April 2025. Year-to-date in calendar 2026, shares are down modestly despite underlying strength, trading at a forward P/E around 36 based on consensus estimates.
Market capitalization hovers near $4.4 trillion, cementing NVIDIA’s status as one of the world’s most valuable companies. Its low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, quick ratio above 3, and return on equity near 97% highlight financial resilience.
A modest quarterly dividend of $0.01 per share was declared, payable April 1, 2026, to shareholders of record March 11, with an ex-date of March 11. While the yield is negligible at 0.02%, it signals confidence in cash flow generation.
Longer-term, the AI market’s projected expansion beyond $2 trillion by the early 2030s positions NVIDIA favorably. Enterprise deployments, inference workloads, sovereign AI projects, and emerging applications in robotics and physical AI fuel optimism.
Near-term risks include regulatory tightening, supply chain constraints in photonics and advanced packaging, and macroeconomic sensitivity to energy costs and interest rates. Yet most observers view recent dips as healthy corrections within a secular uptrend.
As trading wrapped March 6, attention shifted toward next week’s economic data, Fed commentary, and any fresh geopolitical developments. For NVIDIA, the path ahead hinges on execution against ambitious roadmaps and sustained AI spending momentum.
Investors in Seoul and global markets watched closely, recognizing NVIDIA’s role as a bellwether for technology’s transformative potential amid an uncertain macro backdrop.
Business
Trump cannot end protections for 350,000 Haitians, US appeals court rules

Trump cannot end protections for 350,000 Haitians, US appeals court rules
Business
Pope Leo names former envoy to Duterte’s Philippines as ambassador to US

Pope Leo names former envoy to Duterte’s Philippines as ambassador to US
Business
EastGroup Properties: A Quiet Compounder Delivering Market-Beating Returns
EastGroup Properties: A Quiet Compounder Delivering Market-Beating Returns
Business
Filipino Tennis Star’s Rise to World No. 32 and 2026 Breakthroughs
Alexandra Eala, the trailblazing Filipino tennis prodigy, continues her meteoric ascent on the WTA Tour as she competes at the BNP Paribas Open in March 2026. At just 20 years old, the Quezon City native has become the highest-ranked player from the Philippines in WTA history, reaching a career-high of No. 31 in February before settling at No. 32 as of early March. With fans flocking to her practice sessions and a rematch against familiar foe Dayana Yastremska looming in the second round, Eala embodies national pride and global potential.

Here are 10 key things to know about Alexandra Eala as her 2026 campaign intensifies.
- Prodigious Early Start and Junior Success Born May 23, 2005, in Quezon City, Philippines, Eala began playing tennis at age 4. She moved to Spain at 13 to train at the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, graduating in 2023 with a diploma presented by Nadal himself. Her junior career peaked with the 2022 US Open girls’ singles title, marking her as a generational talent from Southeast Asia.
- Historic Breakthrough in 2025 Eala exploded onto the senior scene in 2025, becoming the first Filipina to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal at the Miami Open as a wildcard. She stunned three Grand Slam champions—No. 24 Jelena Ostapenko, No. 15 Madison Keys and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek—in consecutive matches, propelling her into the Top 100 and etching her name in Philippine sports history.
- Career-High Ranking in 2026 Entering March 2026 at No. 32, Eala sits more than 100 spots higher than the same time in 2025 (No. 140). Her peak of No. 31 came on Feb. 23 after a strong Dubai Tennis Championships run, where she notched her first Top 10 win of the year over No. 7 Jasmine Paolini before falling to No. 3 Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals. She is the only Filipino to crack the WTA Top 100 since rankings began in 1975.
- Strong 2026 Start Eala opened the year with semifinal appearances in singles and doubles at the Auckland Open. She advanced to the Abu Dhabi Open quarterfinals (losing to No. 11 Ekaterina Alexandrova), exited early in Doha but rebounded in Dubai with three wins, including the Paolini upset. Her consistent performances have fueled a rapid climb and positioned her for deeper runs in big events.
- Sunshine Swing Focus As a seeded player at the WTA 1000 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells (March 4-15), Eala received a first-round bye and advances to the Round of 64. She faces Dayana Yastremska in the second round—a rematch of their 2025 quarterfinal clash, which Eala won 6-1, 6-2. Following Indian Wells, she heads to the Miami Open (March 17-29), where she aims to surpass her 2025 semifinal.
- Playing Style and Strengths Eala’s game features a solid baseline foundation, powerful groundstrokes and mental toughness honed at the Nadal Academy. Her left-handed forehand and aggressive returns shine on hard courts. She emphasizes focusing on her own game rather than opponents, crediting humility and preparation for her success.
- National Icon and Inspiration Dubbed the “Pacquiao of tennis” by fans, Eala inspires a new generation in the Philippines. Her Vogue Philippines cover after the 2022 US Open junior win and Tatler features highlight her off-court appeal. She prioritizes growing the sport locally, viewing her rise as an opportunity to expand tennis’s footprint in Southeast Asia.
- Family Background Eala hails from a sports-oriented family. Her mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, a former national swimmer, won bronze in the 100m backstroke at the 1985 Southeast Asian Games. Her father, Mike Eala, is a businessman. The family’s support has been crucial, with her mother often credited for instilling discipline and competitive spirit.
- Off-Court Milestones and Personality Beyond tennis, Eala has embraced her rising fame with grace. Interviews portray her as humble, charming and focused—qualities praised by fans and media. She maintains balance amid pressure, often highlighting family time and gratitude for supporters. Her popularity draws crowds at practice sessions, creating an “Eala effect” at tournaments.
- Future Outlook and Ambitions Eala views 2026 as a building year, not her peak. In late 2025 interviews, she expressed optimism that “maybe 2027 will be even better,” signaling long-term goals like consistent Top 20 status, Grand Slam deep runs and possibly a major title. With her trajectory—jumping from outside the Top 150 in 2024 to Top 32—experts see her as a potential Top 10 threat in coming seasons.
As Eala takes the court in Indian Wells, Filipino fans worldwide rally behind her with chants of “Laban Puso!” Her blend of talent, work ethic and poise positions her as a global star and national hero. Whether she advances past Yastremska or builds momentum for Miami, Alexandra Eala’s story continues captivating the tennis world.
Business
Inside the booming business of wellness clubs and third spaces

A few years ago, Grace Guo began to crave places in New York City where hanging out with friends didn’t have to involve alcohol.
Newly sober and surrounded by friends who also chose not to drink, Guo said she wanted alternatives to the typical social scene. After some research, she landed on Bathhouse and Othership: social wellness clubs designed to create communities around improving health.
“Honestly, it kind of just feels like going to a spa together and spending an afternoon together. I think for me, it just feels much better rather than staying out late at night,” Guo told CNBC.
She’s one of a growing number of people seeking out membership clubs and other places that are structured around maintaining health while also acting as a spot to foster connection.
And those spaces are becoming booming businesses, too. Bathhouse, which opened in 2019 in Brooklyn, New York, told CNBC exclusively that it expects to hit around $120 million in revenue by the end of this year. It declined to disclose any of its other financials, as did Othership.
Many of these types of companies are privately held, but publicly traded gym chain Life Time also began doubling down on premium wellness a few years ago. While investors initially did not like that reallocation of resources, it’s now paying off, with Life Time’s stock more than doubling since October 2023.
Companies old and new are trying to reach consumers like Guo. The 31-year-old said she’s seen an increased focus on health, wellness and peacefulness in her own social life and in those around her, as she searches for so-called third spaces with that focus.
“I’m kind of like, where can I go to try to plug into a community, or where can I go to express a particular interest that I have and find like-minded people?” Guo said. “It’s finding a group of like-minded people, but then also having the space and the novelty to try something or to pursue something.”
At Othership, between spending time in the sauna and the cold plunge and choosing a popular evening time slot, Guo said the environment of health-focused socializing spoke to her.
“Having a space to go to where it kind of shocks us out of our routine and complacency is really important, and I think probably the biggest thing is just the fact that it overcomes a lot of the inertia of doing something,” Guo said.
‘Loneliness is an epidemic’
Bathhouse pools
Source: Bathhouse
The concept of third spaces isn’t new. The term was first coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book, “The Great Good Place,” to refer to spaces outside of the home, or the first place, and work, the second place, where people gather and form relationships.
That definition came to encompass places like neighborhood coffee shops, libraries, bars and more, where people from different backgrounds came together in an informal setting with relatively low barriers to access.
But somewhere in the past few years, that definition has evolved, and the importance of third spaces has blossomed.
Richard Kyte, a professor at Viterbo University in Wisconsin and the author of “Finding Your Third Place,” said he’s been teaching courses on third places for nearly two decades, but only noticed the term becoming mainstream in the past few years.
That turning point, Kyte said, also coincided with the pandemic, which sent the world into lockdowns and practically eliminated social gatherings for a period while redefining them for the long term.
“During that time, all of a sudden, we were talking more about the cost of loneliness, the cost of social isolation. It really came home to us during the pandemic that this was not healthy,” Kyte told CNBC. “And at the same time that we were noticing that we need these places more, we were seeing that so many of them were closing. That kind of spurred a renewed interest.”
It’s a trend that’s also been compounded by an increasingly digital-forward society, he added, as younger generations crave more than just social media connections even with the rise of artificial intelligence and chatbots.
“We’ve got all of this huge investment in technology that increases the ease and desirability of being independent,” Kyte said, citing AI companies promoting products that pose as friends. “When we have people turning more to their screens instead of looking to find fulfillment through social interaction, it just takes all these people out of the pool.”
According to Cigna’s 2025 “Loneliness in America” report, 67% of Gen Zers reported feeling lonely, along with 65% of millennials. A 2024 Harvard survey found that 67% of adults feel social and emotional loneliness because they are not part of meaningful groups.
Harry Taylor first founded Othership alongside his wife and friends to create a space that incorporated the wellness trend while combating that isolation.
“We understand that there’s a huge market for people to meet other people. Loneliness is an epidemic right now,” Taylor told CNBC. “We realized, just through doing this, it has the capacity for people to come together and just be themselves, be vulnerable.”
What’s old is new
Third spaces have evolved to encompass specific purposes, justifying the price tag that often comes with them, since some membership clubs can thousands of dollars per month.
Wellness, specifically, has seen a recent boom, becoming one of the top categories for gifting items last holiday season. Equinox chairman Harvey Spevak told CNBC last month that “health is the new luxury,” with the global wellness market expected to reach nearly $10 trillion by 2030, according to estimates from the Global Wellness Institute.
Bathhouse, which operates roughly 90,000 square feet of facilities in New York City, offers a wellness experience based on the bathhouse legacy of Europe. The space has saunas and cold plunges, both guided and unguided, starting at $40 for a drop-in session. The company’s two New York locations see roughly 1,000 customers each day.
“It was really apparent that there was no bathhouse-like concept that was really oriented towards a modern consumer, especially not in America,” co-founder Travis Talmadge told CNBC.
Talmadge said he and his co-founder were focused on creating a human experience, tapping into each person’s body while also building community around the shared activities.
“Our spaces are really large scale, so one of the nice things is that everybody kind of feels like a background actor on set, where there’s just so many people moving around,” Talmadge said. “You can have this really personal time, either by yourself or with somebody else, but then you’re in this environment with a lot of people doing the same thing.”
Talmadge said the company has seen a “surplus of demand” and runs at a “very healthy margin,” with plans to open seven more locations through 2027.
It’s just one of many wellness spaces growing in popularity.
Othership is also tapping into a wellness mindset, incorporating practices from various cultures to address the “physical, mental emotional and spiritual.” It has locations in New York and Canada, with plans for more growth.
At Othership, members can choose between three options: a free-flow session, designed to allow members to use the space however they want; classes, which alternate between saunas and cold plunges with group-led activities; and socials, imitating clubs without the alcohol in an effort to be present.
Co-founder Taylor said through Othership, he’s seen customers form new friend groups, propose to their partners in the sauna and find belonging with others while also fueling their own health.
Creating alcohol-free spaces was one of the Othership founders’ aims when creating the vision. Othership now hosts comedians, live musicians and more at its saunas to mimic similar spaces seen in big cities that are often associated with alcohol.
“There’s so much social media, which gives us the false perception that there’s social engagement and interaction, but so many of us have experienced when we’re doomscrolling, it almost even does the opposite,” Taylor said. “There’s a void in the wake of that social satiation that we all require as humans, so it’s that coming together and just being so real with one another that really creates a deep sense of belonging.”
Building community
Glo30 skincare studio.
Courtesy: Arleen Lamba
Wellness communities can form in other ways, too. Glo30, a membership studio founded 13 years ago with locations across the country, offers personalized skincare treatments for members every 30 days, creating a schedule aligned with other members to foster community.
“Community building is a lot about not just getting the results and [feeling] good, but also being able to have a commonality on their experiences and share what they feel,” Glo30’s founder and CEO Arleen Lamba told CNBC.
While urban cities like New York and Los Angeles have seen a boom in wellness clubs, Lamba said her more than 100 locations represent the in-between, in places like Texas, Arizona, North Carolina and more.
Every Glo30 appointment is scheduled on the hour in each location to create more opportunities for social connection, Lamba said.
“As people come into the studio, people are also leaving the studio, and we recognize that they recognize each other, they would actually make new friends,” she said, adding that especially post-pandemic, the company has seen a growing number of social groups form in the treatment rooms.
Lamba said she’s seen the craving for social connection increase with the rise of social media, but that creating community can often happen in untraditional places, like Glo30. At the same time, that social interaction isn’t as “overwhelming” as other places like parties or big group events, allowing for intimate socializing, she said.
In the past two years, Lamba said the number of Glo30’s franchise units in development has grown 67.5% as it sees more demand for its services.
The boom of third spaces goes beyond wellness, too. Exclusive restaurant memberships, gyms, creative spaces, social clubs and more are gaining more popularity as consumers search for ways to build community outside of their houses and offices.
At Glo30, Lamba said she’s seen every type of customer base at the company’s locations, from families to girl groups to couples.
“The third space is interesting because it creates a true connection,” she said. “We get to be witness to someone’s life — their highs, their lows, their middles — and we are the constant, and that, to me, is what the third space is about: No matter what kind of day you had out there, good or bad or medium, this space belongs to you. And when you come to this space, people will know you, see you, appreciate you and be glad you’re there.”
Business
Cody Rhodes Reclaims Undisputed WWE Championship
Cody Rhodes reclaimed the Undisputed WWE Championship on the March 6, 2026, episode of Friday Night SmackDown, defeating Drew McIntyre in a high-stakes main event that sets up a blockbuster WrestleMania 42 showdown against Randy Orton. The title switch, amid interference and intense storytelling, capped a chaotic night at the Moda Center and shifted the Road to WrestleMania narrative dramatically.

Rhodes, known as the American Nightmare, pinned McIntyre after a sequence featuring a Super Cutter followed by his signature Cross Rhodes. The victory marked Rhodes’ third reign with the prestigious title, following his earlier 2025 run and brief loss to McIntyre earlier this year. The win came after McIntyre’s interference in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match cost Rhodes a guaranteed WrestleMania spot, prompting SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis to grant the immediate rematch.
Reports indicate WWE creative, led by Triple H, planned the change to deliver a fresh WrestleMania main event. Backstage sources confirmed Rhodes and Orton were aware of the Orton vs. Rhodes direction as early as January or February 2026, with the title drop from McIntyre designed to elevate the personal stakes. The longtime allies-turned-rivals—Rhodes mentored by Orton in Legacy—have teased tension for months, including Orton’s hesitation in past encounters and subtle mind games.
McIntyre, who won the title in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match earlier in 2026, expressed frustration post-match. Fans online debated the timing, with some praising the Rhodes-Orton draw while others felt McIntyre deserved a longer reign or a different WrestleMania path, potentially against Jacob Fatu. The interference in the title match involved Jacob Fatu, whose actions aided Rhodes and fueled speculation about Bloodline remnants or new alliances.
The episode featured other notable developments. In women’s action, Rhea Ripley appeared for a tense face-to-face with Women’s Champion Jade Cargill ahead of their WrestleMania clash. Ripley, fresh off her Elimination Chamber victory, promised to “end the era” of Cargill’s dominance, building anticipation for the high-profile matchup.
Tag team contenders were crowned as R-Truth and Damian Priest earned a shot at the WWE Tag Team Championships, defeating opponents in a hard-fought bout. Oba Femi continued his destructive run with a decisive win, solidifying his rising status on the blue brand.
The show also highlighted ongoing storylines involving Roman Reigns’ potential return or revenge angles, though no major appearance occurred. Commentary focused on the evolving Bloodline saga and how Rhodes’ win impacts broader dynamics.
Rhodes celebrated post-match, hoisting the title as confetti fell and the crowd chanted “Cody! Cody!” In a brief promo, he addressed Orton directly: “Randy, we’ve got unfinished business. At WrestleMania, the American Nightmare finishes the story—again.” Orton, who won the Elimination Chamber to earn his shot, watched from afar, smirking, setting up a personal, legacy-defining confrontation in Las Vegas.
Fan reaction was mixed but largely positive for the title change. Social media buzzed with excitement over Rhodes-Orton, with hashtags like #AllRhodesLeadToWrestleMania trending. Critics questioned the frequency of title switches on TV but acknowledged the draw of two fan-favorite legends clashing for the top prize.
WWE continues building toward WrestleMania 42, with Rhodes now positioned as champion entering the final stretch. McIntyre’s future remains unclear—rumors suggest a program with Fatu or a multi-man scenario—but the focus shifts to the epic Rhodes-Orton rematch of mentor and protégé.
As SmackDown airs on USA Network (and Netflix internationally), the blue brand delivers must-see drama weekly. With WrestleMania 42 approaching, Cody Rhodes’ championship victory ensures the Road to Las Vegas remains unpredictable and compelling.
Business
Trump on Saturday posts "Today Iran will be hit very hard!’

Trump on Saturday posts "Today Iran will be hit very hard!’
Business
‘The Rock’ Reflects on ‘The Smashing Machine,’ Family Life and Upcoming Projects
LOS ANGELES — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson remains one of Hollywood’s most prominent figures in March 2026, balancing critical acclaim from his dramatic turn in The Smashing Machine, family milestones and a packed slate of blockbuster projects. The 53-year-old actor, producer and former WWE superstar continues to dominate headlines with personal reflections, red carpet appearances and updates on major films like the live-action Moana remake and Jumanji sequel.

Johnson’s portrayal of MMA fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine—directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring Emily Blunt—earned him his first Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama at the January 11, 2026, ceremony. Though he didn’t win, the role marked a pivotal shift from high-octane action to emotional depth, exploring addiction, family struggles and redemption.
In exclusive interviews during the Golden Globes red carpet, Johnson opened up about how the film reshaped his perspective on his own “complicated relationship” with his late father, Rocky Johnson, a professional wrestler who battled personal demons. “It gave me a deeper level of empathy for those struggling with addiction,” he told E! News’ Zuri Hall. The biographical drama, which premiered in late 2025, underperformed at the box office but garnered praise for Johnson’s transformative performance, including significant weight loss to embody Kerr’s physical decline.
The experience prompted Johnson to emphasize personal fulfillment over commercial guarantees. In a Hollywood Reporter Actor Roundtable discussion, he described chasing a project like The Smashing Machine for years, calling it something he was “really hungry to do.” He reflected on exhaling deeply after premiering the film at Venice, feeling he was no longer “living others’ dreams” but pursuing his own artistic path.
Family remained central to Johnson’s 2026 narrative. He and wife Lauren Hashian made a rare joint appearance at the Golden Globes, sharing a date night amid his nominations. The couple, married since 2019, have two daughters together, and Johnson frequently credits fatherhood for grounding him. His eldest daughter, Simone Johnson (known in WWE as Ava Raine), stepped away from the ring in early 2026 after six years, retiring her stage name—prompting Johnson to express pride in her choices.
On the professional front, Johnson wrapped production on several high-profile projects. The live-action Moana remake, where he reprises Maui opposite newcomer Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, completed filming ahead of its July 10, 2026, release. Johnson teased fans with updates, expressing excitement for the music and visual spectacle. Teasers released in late 2025 showcased Johnson as the demigod, with Disney positioning the film as a global family event.
Jumanji 4 also wrapped in early 2026, signaling Johnson’s return to blockbuster territory after The Smashing Machine‘s Oscar bid. Columbia Pictures confirmed progress, with Johnson confirming the wrap on Instagram. He is also attached to a Martin Scorsese-directed Hawaii-set crime thriller co-starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt, with production eyed for later in 2026. Another Safdie collaboration—an adaptation of Daniel Pinkwater’s Lizard Music—adds to his indie-leaning pursuits.
Business ventures persist despite occasional hurdles. ZOA Energy, Johnson’s energy drink brand, settled a $3 million class-action lawsuit in January 2026 over preservative claims on labels from 2021-2025. The settlement, pending final approval in March, allows eligible consumers refunds but does not admit wrongdoing.
Johnson’s fitness regimen drew attention, with reports of a 10-15 pound shift in 2026 for role preparation—sparking online discussions about his evolving physique. He maintains a rigorous routine: double gym sessions six days a week and a disciplined diet, emphasizing consistency at 53.
WWE rumors swirled, with Johnson addressing potential involvement in future WrestleManias. He expressed enthusiasm for WrestleMania 43 in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—the first outside North America—but offered no firm commitments on in-ring returns.
Social media remains Johnson’s direct line to fans. His Instagram (@therock), boasting over 391 million followers, features motivational posts, family glimpses and project teases. A January 2026 post reflected on 2025 with gratitude: “Peace out ✌🏾2025 Grateful, humble, hungry, smiling and ready for 2026.”
Net worth estimates place Johnson near $800 million in 2026, fueled by acting fees ($20-50 million per film), producing, tequila brand Teremana and endorsements. Analysts predict he could cross the billionaire threshold soon.
As Johnson navigates dramatic acclaim, family priorities and blockbuster commitments, his 2026 trajectory blends introspection with ambition. With Moana live-action poised for summer dominance and more prestige projects ahead, The Rock continues proving his versatility beyond the ring and screen.
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