He may be Hollywood's favourite new heavyweight, but The Rock has vowed he will return to the wrestling ring.

The former American footballer - real name Dwayne Johnson - made his name in the World Wrestling Federation before winning roles in "The Mummy Returns" and this year's "The Scorpion King".

According to movie industry sources, studio bosses want the 30-year-old to hang up his spandex pants and concentrate on a full-time acting career.

But The Rock insists the reports are untrue and remains convinced he can juggle careers in the studio and the wrestling ring - and plans to do just that for "as long as he possibly can".

He says, "We've never had an open discussion about me ever giving up wrestling. They know I have a passion for wrestling and I love what I do."

"And it's just a matter of finding a balance, and not only finding a balance but making the transition an easy transition - as easy as possible."

"So at no point, I can confirm that, did they ever tell me I had to quit wrestling."