Samoan megastar Seiuli Dwayne Johnson has broken his silence following the death of his father this week, speaking of his immense pain but also the pride he had for a man he remembers as a pioneer but also his most important role model. 

Seiuli’s father, wrestling legend Rocky "Soulman" Johnson, passed away this week at the age of 75, according to an announcement by the World Wrestling Entertainment (W.W.E.) corporation. 

In a tribute posted to his social media accounts overnight Seiuli paid tribute to his Canadian-born father’s role in breaking down racial barriers in the world of professional wrestling.

I love you.
You broke color barriers, became a ring legend and trail blazed your way thru this world.
I was the boy sitting in the seats, watching and adoring you, my hero from afar.
The boy you raised to always… https://t.co/n67J7oGpWY

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) January 17, 2020

"I love you. You broke color barriers, became a ring legend and trail blazed your way [through[ this world. I was the boy sitting in the seats, watching and adoring you,” Seiuli wrote. 

"Dad, I wish I had one more shot to tell you, I love you, before you crossed over to the other side.”

"But you were ripped away from me so fast without warning.

“Now I’ll carry your mana and work ethic with me,

“Finally, I want you to rest your trailblazing soul, Soulman.

“I love you dad and I’ll always be your proud and grateful son. Go rest high."

Known by his stage name “Soul Man” Johnson senior was, like his son, a legend in the world of professional in his own right and had been inducted into the W.W.E. Hall of Fame. 

He was part of the first black tag team duo to win the World Tag Team Championship in what was then known as the World Wrestling Federation.