He was a top contender in World Championship Wrestling in the 1970's, receiving title matches against then-World Champions Terry Funk and Harley Race.
In 1982, Johnson joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and feuded with Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, Mike Sharpe, Buddy Rose, and Adrian Adonis. He was then paired with Tony Atlas as a tag team. They defeated the Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika) for the Tag Team Championship on the December 10, 1983 episode of Championship Wrestling (taped November 15). They were the first black men to hold a WWF championship. Together, they were billed as "The Soul Patrol".
In 1997, Johnson jumped into the ring on his son Rocky Maivia's behalf after he was attacked by The Sultan and The Iron Sheik at WrestleMania 13.
On February 25, 2008, Johnson was announced as an inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame along with his father-in-law, "High Chief" Peter Maivia. Both Johnson and his father-in-law were inducted into the Hall of Fame on March 29, 2008 by his son, The Rock.
On January 15, 2020, Johnson passed away.