Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson recalls Vancouver blessing in disguise

How did Dwayne Johnson become "The Rock," wrestling legend and one of the most bankable movie stars in the world? It turns out failing in Vancouver played a big role.

In a new Instagram video shot from a balcony high above the city, Johnson reveals that he made his first visit to Vancouver as a 22-year-old player with the Calgary Stampeders.

"I was so excited. Two days later, I got cut. Dreams shattered, I was sent home with seven bucks in my pocket. I was like,'Wait no, I gotta play in the NFL eventually,'''he says.

"You realize that playing in the NFL was the best thing that never happened because it got me here."

Johnson describes Vancouver as "one of my favourite cities in the world" in his Instagram post.

"I've dropped my blood and sweat in this city, wrestled multiple matches in this city, shot big movies in this city," he says.

Johnson is in town to shoot Skyscraper, an action film co-starring Canadian Neve Campbell.