Wrestling still has hold on The Rock

The Rock (aka Dwayne Johnson) has his first leading role opposite Kelly Hu in the fantasy-action movie "The Scorpion King."

(CNN) -- Even as his star rises in Hollywood, The Rock's not particularly eager to abandon his wrestling gig.

"I've been weighing this decision, and it's heavy, because I love the entertainment industry and I love acting," he said in an interview that aired Saturday on CNN's "Larry King Live." "And I love the feel of a live audience, and the WWF fans, my fans, are so passionate and loyal.

"So that's something I can honestly say I never want to give up. However, I don't know how long I'll be able to balance both."

Given his muscle-bound physique and his leading role in the new fantasy-action flick "The Scorpion King," it's natural that people might compare him to other action movie stars. But the World Wrestling Federation favorite, whose real name is Dwayne Johnson, would rather not be thought of as heir to the Schwarzenegger throne.

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"I get that often -- you're going to be the next Arnold," he said. "Well, you know what? His shoes are very, very big, and let me just be The Rock. And I'm going to do my thing."

Still, he's grateful for the "Terminator" star's support.

"He has been fantastically supportive when I speak to him, and he's in a position where he really doesn't have to be supportive, period," he said.

Whether they're in the ring or on the big screen, wrestlers and their acting abilities shouldn't be underestimated, The Rock said.

"There's not a lot of tender moments in the WWF. There is, however, a large degree of acting going on, and I give a lot of credit to those guys," he said. "I mean, these guys are unbelievable athletes, and they do a great job of conveying what they're feeling."

The Rock, a former University of Miami football player, started out as a good guy in the wrestling ranks. But nice guys increasingly finish last in the WWF, and The Rock became, as he puts it, "one of the most hated guys on the roster."

So he tested a new persona, and the modern, arching-eyebrowed Rock became a sensation.

"The Rock is, I would say, over the top. A little bit of charisma. A little bit of confidence. ... He's not afraid to step out of the box and try different things," he said.

Whatever path he chooses, The Rock said he's grateful for his success.

"Even in college, I thought, I just want to do something with my life," he said. "And whatever I do, I just want to make the best of it."