10-year-old wrestler’s Halloween costume gets incredible reaction from ‘The Rock’ himself

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (KMOV/Gray News) - A 10-year-old wrestler who dressed as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for Halloween never expected to get the attention of the man himself.

Brooklyn Kepler, a 10-year-old girl from Illinois, wrestles with the Edwardsville Wrestling Club. Johnson is her hero, and her 10th birthday had a “The Rock” theme.

“I’ve always liked ‘The Rock.’ I thought he was just fun and big,” Brooklyn said. “I want to be a bodybuilder when I’m older, and he’s a bodybuilder.”

The 10-year-old wanted to be Johnson for Halloween, specifically his old-school wrestling look. Her mother, Michelle Kepler, made the costume, which included a bald cap, wrestling briefs and fake muscles.

Michelle posted her progress on social media. When she finished, she and her daughter were pleased with the result.

“I’m mind-blown. It looks so good,” Brooklyn recalled.

Brooklyn’s costume won second place in a local costume contest. For most people, that would be pretty good, but it wasn’t enough for one person who saw the family’s video: Johnson himself.

“This is Brooklyn,” wrote Johnson in a social media post. “She’s an awesome 10yr old and took Halloween this year to the next level - by going as (wrestling) ROCK - bald head, tattoos, wrestling gear, and mic skills that kills… IF YA SMELLLL…"

To make up for Brooklyn not winning the costume contest, Johnson said he would fly the 10-year-old and her family to California to be his guests at the red carpet premiere of “Jumanji: Open World” in December.

“Can’t wait to meet you, and your family and can’t wait for you guys to enjoy our movie, JUMANJI,” he wrote. “thanks for being such a cool fan.”

Brooklyn said she was in her mother’s lap crying when the family found out about Johnson’s invitation.

“I was so happy,” Brooklyn said.

“I was in tears,” her mother added.

Michelle said the family is grateful to Johnson and his team for noticing the video and inviting them. Both the video and Johnson’s response have gone viral.

“We’re kind of living the dream right now,” Michelle said.