Get ready, wrestling fans and pop culture enthusiasts, because we’re about to take a deep dive into the legendary career of one of the most charismatic, electrifying, and enduring figures in sports entertainment history: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson! Before he was a box office titan, he was laying the smack down in the squared circle, building a legacy that truly stands the test of time. His journey from rookie sensation to a bona fide global icon is a story packed with twists, turns, triumphant victories, and jaw-dropping moments.
Today, we’re unrolling the red carpet (or perhaps, the Brahma Bull carpet?) for a special retrospective, showcasing the essential chapters of The Rock’s incredible WWE career. Think of it as your ultimate guided tour through the defining eras and unforgettable highlights that forged ‘The People’s Champion.’ Each stop on this journey reveals another layer of the phenomenon that is The Rock, proving why he’s not just a superstar, but a force of nature.
From his very first steps into the ring to his groundbreaking transformations and the rivalries that defined an era, we’re covering it all. So, grab your popcorn, find your favorite catchphrase, and prepare to be entertained as we explore the early, formative years that shaped the man who would eventually electrify millions around the globe. This is truly an epic collection of moments you won’t want to miss!
1. **The Genesis: From Flex Kavana to Rocky Maivia (1996-1997)**
After his football dreams with Calgary hit a snag, Dwayne Johnson wasn’t one to stay down for long! In 1996, he pivoted to professional wrestling, a path rich in family history. Veteran wrestler Pat Patterson, seeing the undeniable potential, secured several tryout matches for Johnson with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), setting the stage for an extraordinary career.
Initially wrestling under his real name, Johnson showcased glimpses of his raw talent. He even defeated The Brooklyn Brawler at a house show on March 10, though he faced losses against established names like Chris Candido and Owen Hart. These early tests honed his skills and prepared him for the spotlight that was rapidly approaching, proving his determination right from the start.
His journey took him to Jerry Lawler’s United States Wrestling Association (USWA), where he wrestled as Flex Kavana. Here, he truly started to find his rhythm, even winning the USWA tag team championship twice with his partner Bart Sawyer during the summer of 1996. His impressive run caught the eye of the WWF, leading to a contract and additional training from greats like Tom Prichard, alongside future stars Achim Albrecht and Mark Henry.
Then came his iconic WWF debut as Rocky Maivia, a heartfelt tribute combining his father and grandfather’s ring names. Though initially hesitant about the name, Vince McMahon and Jim Ross ultimately persuaded him. He was dubbed “The Blue Chipper” and hyped as the WWF’s first third-generation wrestler, a clean-cut face character pushed heavily despite his inexperience, making his debut on Monday Night Raw as part of Marc Mero’s entourage on November 4, 1996.
His first match at Survivor Series on November 17 saw him as the sole survivor in an eight-man elimination tag match, taking out Crush and Goldust. He quickly made history, winning the Intercontinental Championship from Hunter Hearst Helmsley on February 13, 1997, and successfully defending it at WrestleMania 13 against The Sultan. However, despite his early success, fans began to reject his overly wholesome character, with chants of “die, Rocky, die” and “Rocky sucks” becoming an uncomfortable reality. After losing the Intercontinental Championship to Owen Hart and suffering a legitimate knee injury, it was clear a change was needed.
2. **The Nation’s Reign: Embracing “The Rock” and Turning Heel (1997-1998)**
After recovering from his knee injury, Rocky Maivia returned in August with a fiery new attitude that shocked everyone! He turned heel, lashing out at the very fans who had booed him, a bold move that instantly grabbed attention. This marked the beginning of a truly transformative phase in his career, as he cast aside the “Blue Chipper” persona for something much more edgy and compelling.
He joined forces with Faarooq, D’Lo Brown, and Kama, becoming a key member of the controversial stable known as the Nation of Domination. This alliance provided the perfect platform for his evolving character. He definitively refused to acknowledge the Rocky Maivia name, instead referring to himself dramatically in the third person as “The Rock,” a moniker that would soon become synonymous with superstardom.
While still occasionally billed as “the Rock” Rocky Maivia until 1998, his new persona was undeniable. The Rock began regularly insulting the audience, his fellow WWF performers, and even interviewers in his promos, a move that surprisingly endeared him to a segment of the audience and drew intense reactions from everyone else. He was truly finding his voice, and it was a loud one!
His rivalry with Stone Cold Steve Austin quickly became one of the hottest feuds in the company. At D-Generation X: In Your House on December 7, Austin defeated The Rock to retain the Intercontinental Championship. However, in a shocking turn of events the next night on Raw Is War, Mr. McMahon ordered a rematch, only for Austin to forfeit the title to The Rock, hitting him with a Stone Cold Stunner in a memorable moment. He continued feuding with Austin and Ken Shamrock through the end of 1997 and early 1998, defending his title successfully against Shamrock at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania XIV.
The Rock even debuted a brand new Intercontinental Championship design, signaling his growing influence. He then audaciously overthrew Faarooq as the leader of the Nation of Domination, sparking an intense feud between the two. The stable, now under The Rock’s undisputed leadership, simply referred to themselves as “The Nation,” solidifying his status as a dominant heel and a burgeoning main event player. This was when the world truly started to smell what The Rock was cooking.
3. **Ascension to the Top: First WWF Championship & The Corporation (1998-1999)**
As The Rock continued to dominate, his feud with Triple H and D-Generation X (DX) intensified, igniting a rivalry that would span years and create countless memorable encounters. These two future legends first clashed in the quarter-final of the 1998 King of the Ring tournament, a match that The Rock impressively won, further establishing his credibility as a top-tier competitor.
At the King of the Ring event on June 28, The Rock continued his impressive run, defeating Dan Severn in the semi-final. However, his journey was halted in the final by his rival Ken Shamrock, a fierce competitor who proved to be a persistent thorn in The Rock’s side. This period was crucial for The Rock, showcasing his ability to hang with the very best.
The Rock then resumed his high-stakes feud with Triple H, culminating in a two out of three falls match at Fully Loaded: In Your House on July 26 for the Intercontinental Championship. The Rock managed to retain his title in controversial fashion, fueling the animosity between them. This bitter rivalry eventually led to a thrilling ladder match at SummerSlam on August 30, where The Rock finally lost the Intercontinental Championship to Triple H in a classic encounter that cemented both men’s legacies.
In the latter half of 1998, something remarkable began to happen: The Rock saw a massive uptick in fan support. Despite his heel persona, his undeniable charisma and captivating promos were turning the audience in his favor. This period saw him consolidate his famous persona, the one that would define him until 2000, becoming less a villain and more of a cool, anti-hero figure. His popularity became so immense that he was booked in a feud with fellow Nation members Mark Henry and D’Lo Brown, effectively turning him babyface in the process.
The Rock’s journey to the top was fast-tracked when he was entered into the “Deadly Game” tournament for the vacant WWF Championship. The finals took place at Survivor Series on November 15, where The Rock defeated Vince McMahon’s associate, Mankind, to stunningly win his first WWF Championship! In a shocking “double turn,” The Rock immediately betrayed the fans and allied with Vince and Shane McMahon, becoming the crown jewel of their notorious stable, The Corporation. The McMahons had betrayed Mankind, and The Rock, ever the opportunist, seized his moment.
4. **The People’s Champion Emerges: Charisma, Catchphrases, and Rivalries (1999)**
With his first WWF Championship under his belt and aligning with The Corporation, The Rock was on a collision course with Mankind. Their rematch for the WWF Championship at Rock Bottom: In Your House on December 13 was filled with drama. Mankind appeared to win by forcing The Rock to pass out to the Mandible Claw, but Vince McMahon, ever the puppet master, controversially ruled that since The Rock did not explicitly tap out, he retained his title. It was pure chaos, and fans couldn’t get enough!
The rivalry escalated to another level. On the January 4, 1999, episode of Raw Is War, Mankind finally defeated The Rock for the championship, thanks to timely interference from Stone Cold Steve Austin. But The Rock, never one to stay down, quickly regained the title at the Royal Rumble on January 24 in a brutal “I Quit” match. This bout was intended to showcase The Rock’s vicious streak, and it certainly did, as he delivered an unscripted 11 steel chair shots to Mankind’s head, far exceeding the planned five. The match controversially ended with a recording of Mankind’s voice saying “I Quit” played over the public address system after he was knocked unconscious, further solidifying The Rock’s ruthless new edge.
Just days later, on January 31, during an episode of Sunday Night Heat, The Rock and Mankind delivered one of the most unique and chaotic matches ever: an Empty Arena match. Taking place in an arena with 22,000 empty seats, the entire facility became their battlefield. After 20 minutes of brawling through the ring, stands, kitchen, catering area, an office, arena corridors, and finally a basement loading area, Mankind pinned The Rock using a forklift truck to reclaim the WWF Championship! It was an absolute spectacle.
The two rivals faced off again at St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: In Your House on February 14, in a Last Man Standing match that ended in a draw, meaning Mankind retained the title. Their epic feud finally concluded on the February 15 Raw Is War, when The Rock won his third WWF Championship in a Ladder Match, thanks to interference from a debuting Big Show. However, his reign was short-lived, as he lost the WWF Championship to his ultimate rival, Stone Cold Steve Austin, at WrestleMania XV on March 28. But by this point, The Rock’s popularity was soaring, fueled by his unparalleled charisma and speaking abilities, leading to countless catchphrases and merchandising opportunities that transformed him into “The People’s Champion.”
5. **The Unlikely Alliance: Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection (1999)**
Despite his heelish ways and his association with The Corporation, The Rock’s incredible charisma continued to win over audiences, turning him into an undeniable fan favorite. Even after losing his title rematch against Stone Cold Steve Austin at Backlash: In Your House on April 25, his star power only grew. The next night on Raw is War, in a dramatic turn, The Rock was fired from The Corporation after being betrayed by Shane McMahon, marking a full-fledged return to his babyface roots. This kicked off new feuds with Triple H, The Undertaker, and the formidable Corporate Ministry, proving he was ready to face any challenge.
Interestingly, April 29, 1999, saw the pilot episode of SmackDown! air, a term that was directly derived from one of The Rock’s iconic catchphrases, showcasing his massive cultural impact. In this inaugural episode, The Rock continued his intense feud with The Corporate Ministry, further endearing him to the fans. He defeated Triple H at Over the Edge on May 23, but lost a WWF Championship match against The Undertaker at King of the Ring on June 27, demonstrating that even The Rock faced formidable obstacles.
The Rock even had the unique privilege of having his own signature match, joining the likes of The Undertaker with the Buried Alive match and Mankind with the Boiler Room Brawl. His was the Brahma Bullrope match, a variant of a strap match where competitors were tied together with a cattle rope, which, along with its attached cowbell, could be used as a weapon. He contested this brutal match twice, both times in his spiritual home state of Texas. But then, something truly unexpected happened.
Shortly after SummerSlam, The Rock formed one of the most beloved and unlikely tag teams in WWE history with his former adversary, Mankind. They instantly became known as the Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection, a duo whose chemistry was off the charts. They didn’t waste any time, becoming WWF Tag Team Champions for the first time after defeating The Undertaker and Big Show on the August 30 episode of Raw is War, kicking off a fantastic run.
Beyond their in-ring prowess, The Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection became legendary for their critically acclaimed comedic skits. One of the most famous was “This Is Your Life,” where Mankind brought parody versions of people from The Rock’s past onto television, including his high school girlfriend and football coach, only for The Rock to hilariously insult them! This segment was an absolute smash hit, earning an astounding 8.4 Nielsen rating, one of the highest ratings ever for a Raw segment, solidifying their place in WWE lore. They traded the tag titles multiple times with Undertaker/Big Show and The New Age Outlaws before losing them for the final time to The Holly Cousins.
6. **Royal Rumble Controversies and WrestleMania 2000 Betrayal (2000)**
As the new millennium dawned, The Rock found himself at the heart of more controversy, proving that his career was never short on drama. At the Royal Rumble on January 23, 2000, he entered the prestigious Royal Rumble match and was one of the final two remaining, alongside the imposing Big Show. What transpired next was a moment that has been debated by fans for years.
In an attempt at a “false finish,” Big Show intended to throw The Rock over the top rope in a running powerslam-like position. However, The Rock ingeniously countered the move while on the ring apron, sending Big Show crashing to the floor. The Rock then reentered the ring, seemingly as the winner. But here’s the kicker: The Rock’s feet accidentally hit the floor during the reversal attempt, although those watching the event on television did not initially see it, creating a truly electrifying and disputed finish.
This incident was brilliantly played up in the storyline. Big Show, outraged, provided additional video footage that clearly showed The Rock’s feet touching the floor, vehemently claiming to be the rightful winner of the Royal Rumble. This sparked an intense rivalry, as The Rock’s coveted number one contendership for the WWF Championship was then put on the line against Big Show at No Way Out on February 27, a match which Big Show won after Shane McMahon controversially interfered. The road to WrestleMania was getting complicated for The Rock!
However, The Rock wasn’t out of the picture for long. He managed to defeat Big Show on the March 13 episode of Raw Is War, successfully regaining his right to face the reigning WWF Champion, Triple H, at the monumental WrestleMania 2000 on April 2. This wasn’t just any match; it was a Fatal Four-way elimination match, also featuring Big Show and Mick Foley, promising an all-out war for the most coveted prize in sports entertainment.
Adding another layer of intrigue, each wrestler had a McMahon family member in his corner: Triple H had his wife, Stephanie; Mick Foley had Linda; The Rock had Vince; and Big Show had Shane. The Rock, ever the resilient competitor, lasted until the final two, showing incredible endurance and skill. But in a truly shocking betrayal, Vince McMahon turned on The Rock, hitting him with a chair, which allowed Triple H to eliminate him and retain the championship. It was a moment that left fans absolutely stunned and solidified the ever-shifting landscape of the McMahon family’s allegiances. Interestingly, due to his image at the time, a Magic: The Gathering deck archetype was even named after him, showcasing his widespread pop culture influence!
7. **Record-Breaking Dominance: Multiple WWF Championship Reigns (2000-2001)**
Following the shocking betrayal at WrestleMania 2000, The Rock’s rivalry with Triple H continued to burn intensely, setting the stage for more epic clashes. Never one to be deterred, The Rock ultimately triumphed, winning his fourth WWF Championship at Backlash on April 30. This victory was made even sweeter by the timely intervention of Stone Cold Steve Austin, whose appearance helped The Rock reclaim his rightful place at the top, much to the delight of The People. The energy in the arena was absolutely electric!
The very next night on Raw is War, The Rock successfully defended his newly won title against Shane McMahon in a thrilling Steel Cage match, showcasing his resilience and championship mettle. However, his reign faced another formidable challenge at Judgment Day on May 21, where he faced Triple H in an Iron Man match, with none other than Shawn Michaels serving as the special guest referee. It was a seesaw battle of wills, with both men pushing each other to their limits, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
With the score tied at five falls each and only seconds left on the time limit, a controversial moment unfolded: The Rock was disqualified when The Undertaker unexpectedly attacked Triple H. This unfortunate turn of events gave Triple H the 6–5 win and the championship, robbing The Rock of what could have been another triumphant defense. But The Rock’s determination was unwavering, and he was already eyeing his next opportunity to reclaim his gold.
True to his relentless spirit, The Rock won the WWF Championship for a fifth time at King of the Ring on June 25. He achieved this remarkable feat by scoring the winning pin in a six-man tag team match, where he teamed with Kane and The Undertaker to take on Shane McMahon, Triple H, and Vince McMahon. Pinning Vince himself was a statement, solidifying his dominance and further cementing his connection with the fans. He truly was ‘The People’s Champion,’ and he was just getting started.
His championship reign was nothing short of dominant. The Rock successfully defended the coveted championship against Chris Benoit on July 23 at Fully Loaded, proving his versatility against a technical master. The following month, he retained his title against both Kurt Angle and Triple H at SummerSlam on August 27 in a high-stakes triple threat match. He then had another successful title defense against a formidable lineup of Benoit, Kane, and The Undertaker on September 24 at Unforgiven, showcasing his incredible strength and enduring popularity as champion. However, this reign eventually came to an end when he lost the WWF Championship to Kurt Angle at No Mercy on October 22, 2000, but it was clear that The Rock’s place among the greats was firmly established.
Get ready for the next electrifying chapter, because if you thought the first half of The Rock’s career was explosive, you haven’t seen anything yet! We’re diving headfirst into the period where ‘The People’s Champion’ transcended the squared circle, becoming a true global icon, facing off against legends, making history at WrestleMania, and solidifying his status as a once-in-a-lifetime superstar. This is where Hollywood came calling, epic rivalries burned brighter than ever, and The Rock truly became ‘The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment.’
From iconic clashes to unforgettable returns and his latest, most formidable persona, we’re covering every epic moment that cemented his legacy. You’ll see how he seamlessly blended his wrestling prowess with unparalleled showmanship, captivating audiences worldwide and continuing to innovate the very fabric of professional wrestling. This journey isn’t just about titles; it’s about the sheer force of personality that is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and trust us, you’re in for a wild ride!
8. **The Alliance Invasion and WCW Champion (2001)**
The latter half of 2001 saw The Rock make a triumphant return to the WWF, stepping into one of the most chaotic and thrilling storylines in wrestling history: The Invasion. This was a battle for supremacy between the WWF and its newly acquired, but still in-storyline rival promotions, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Fans were absolutely buzzing as former WCW and ECW stars poured into WWF television, forming “The Alliance” to challenge Vince McMahon’s empire.
Both The Alliance and McMahon himself made fervent attempts to persuade The Rock to join their ranks. Ever the strategic powerhouse, The Rock eventually aligned himself with McMahon and the WWF, a decision that sent ripples through the wrestling world and set the stage for monumental clashes. His return was exactly what the WWF needed to bolster its forces against the invading threat.
It wasn’t long before The Rock made an indelible mark. He squared off against WCW’s formidable Booker T at SummerSlam on August 19, where he spectacularly defeated him to win the WCW Championship for the very first time. This victory wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a massive statement in the inter-promotional war, signaling that The Rock was back and ready to lead the charge.
His reign with the WCW Championship saw its share of twists. He eventually lost the title to Chris Jericho at No Mercy on October 21, only to then team up with Jericho the very next night on Raw to win the WWF Tag Team Championship from The Dudley Boyz. Though they soon lost those titles, The Rock quickly reclaimed his second WCW Championship by defeating Jericho again on the November 5 episode of Raw, proving his relentless pursuit of gold.
The climax of The Invasion storyline arrived at Survivor Series on November 18, with a “winner takes all” five-on-five elimination tag team match. The Rock was a crucial member of Team WWF alongside Chris Jericho, The Undertaker, Kane, and Big Show, facing off against The Alliance’s Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, Booker T, Rob Van Dam, and Shane McMahon. In a dramatic finish, The Rock ultimately pinned Stone Cold Steve Austin, securing victory for Team WWF and forcing The Alliance to disband. His WCW Championship was subsequently renamed the “World Championship,” though he lost it to Jericho at Vengeance, who then unified the WWF and World titles. The Rock’s challenge for the now Undisputed WWF Championship at Royal Rumble 2002 was unsuccessful, but his role in ending The Invasion was legendary.
9. **Icon vs. Icon – WrestleMania X8 and Brand Extension (2002)**
As 2002 unfolded, The Rock was still at the absolute peak of his powers, and a new, colossal challenge presented itself. He first defeated The Undertaker in a singles match at No Way Out on February 17, a testament to his continued dominance. However, the event also marked the highly anticipated WWF debut of the legendary WCW faction, the New World Order (nWo), featuring “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall. This arrival set the stage for an encounter that would become etched in wrestling history.
The clash that everyone wanted to see soon materialized: The Rock versus “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X8 on March 17. This wasn’t just any match; it was billed as “icon versus icon,” a generational showdown representing the pinnacles of two distinct eras of professional wrestling. The anticipation was palpable, and the energy in the SkyDome was beyond electric.
Despite The Rock being portrayed as the heroic character and Hogan as the villain, a significant portion of the massive crowd was vocally rooting for Hogan, creating an incredibly dynamic and unique atmosphere. This unexpected crowd response led both superstars to brilliantly adapt the style of the match on the fly, crafting a narrative that truly captivated everyone watching.
The Rock pinned Hogan at WrestleMania X8, a monumental victory that solidified his status as the undisputed top-tier icon of his generation. It was a passing of the torch, a moment where the new era definitively claimed its place. Following this epic encounter, the WWF introduced its first-ever brand extension, and in the “draft lottery” on the March 25 episode of Raw, The Rock was fittingly chosen as the number one overall pick, going to the SmackDown! brand before embarking on a brief sabbatical.
10. **Record-Setting WWE Undisputed Champion and Hollywood Transition (2002)**
Just when fans thought The Rock might be stepping away for good, he made a sensational surprise return on a June episode of Raw, before heading to his assigned SmackDown! brand. This return was met with rapturous applause, as The Rock quickly reinserted himself into the main event picture. He was immediately named the number one contender for the coveted WWE Undisputed Championship, signaling his unwavering ambition.
True to his word, The Rock once again etched his name in the record books. At Vengeance on July 21, he defeated both Kurt Angle and the then-champion The Undertaker in a thrilling Triple Threat match to win the WWE Undisputed Championship for a record-setting seventh time! The arena erupted as ‘The Great One’ hoisted the unified championships, once again standing atop the mountain of sports entertainment.
His championship reign continued its dominant trajectory. At the Global Warning event on August 10, he successfully defended his title against both Triple H and Brock Lesnar, pinning Triple H to retain the gold. However, all good things must come to an end, and at SummerSlam on August 25, The Rock lost the WWE Undisputed Championship to the formidable Brock Lesnar. This loss also saw him relinquish the record for the youngest WWE Champion, a title he had proudly held since 1998.
This period, however, also marked a turning point in fan perception. Sean Coyle, writing for ESPN.com in 2018, noted that after his iconic victory over Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X8, The Rock “started to see a dip in fan support,” which “turned into a plunge” by the time of his match with Lesnar at SummerSlam. Fans were increasingly aware of his burgeoning acting career and his impending departure from WWE, leading to a palpable negative crowd response during his match with Lesnar. The Rock was visibly frustrated by this, and in a post-show promo, declared that the “sing-along with the Rock is over!” He then took time off to fully kickstart his acting career, with his role in ‘The Scorpion King’ being a major catalyst.
11. **Hollywood Rock and Austin’s Final Match (2003-2004)**
The Rock’s return in 2003 was unlike any other. Stepping back into the WWE on the January 30 episode of SmackDown!, he immediately set up another marquee match with Hulk Hogan at No Way Out on February 23. However, due to the negative fan reaction he received in his previous matches as a result of his budding acting career, The Rock embraced a full-blown heel persona. This marked the debut of “Hollywood Rock,” a character that exuded arrogance, boasted a new look including a shaved head, and was dripping with expensive, gaudy clothes.
This new, cocky Rock defeated Hogan at No Way Out, proving he could still draw massive reactions, whether positive or negative. He then moved to the Raw brand, where he engaged in various smaller feuds, including one with The Hurricane. It was during this period that he introduced his infamous “Rock Concerts,” segments where he’d play the guitar and humorously, yet cuttingly, mock WWE performers and fans in song, solidifying his new villainous yet undeniably entertaining persona.
Despite failing to win a number one contender’s match for the World Heavyweight Championship, The Rock found himself drawn into another program with his ultimate rival, Stone Cold Steve Austin. This led to a rubber match at WrestleMania XIX on March 30, a highly anticipated encounter that called back to their previous two WrestleMania clashes, both of which Austin had won. In a momentous and emotional match, The Rock finally defeated Austin after delivering three consecutive Rock Bottoms, ending their legendary rivalry in what turned out to be Austin’s final match (until WrestleMania 38).
The very next night, Raw was dubbed “the Rock Appreciation Night” to honor his victory, but his celebration was cut short by the debuting Goldberg, who attacked him. At Backlash on April 27, Goldberg defeated The Rock, who then briefly left WWE once again to film ‘Walking Tall.’ His final major wrestling appearances came in 2004, where he notably reunited the Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection to aid Mick Foley in his feud against Evolution. They lost a handicap match at WrestleMania XX against Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Batista, marking Johnson’s final wrestling match until November 2011. Following this, The Rock’s contract with WWE ended, and he fully committed to his illustrious full-time acting career.
12. **The Grand Return and Epic Feud with John Cena (2011-2013)**
After years away, The Rock’s return to WWE was nothing short of monumental. On February 14, 2011, he was announced as the host of WrestleMania XXVII, appearing live on Raw and immediately igniting a fiery feud with the then-face of WWE, John Cena, during a lengthy and iconic promo. The wrestling world was set ablaze with anticipation!
Following numerous appearances via satellite, The Rock made a live Raw appearance before WrestleMania XXVII to confront Cena directly. After a scorching exchange of insults, The Miz and Alex Riley attacked The Rock. While he fended them off, Cena blindsided him with an Attitude Adjustment, further intensifying their rivalry. At WrestleMania XXVII, The Rock opened the show with a promo and later restarted the main event between Cena and The Miz. In a shocking moment, he delivered a Rock Bottom to Cena, allowing The Miz to win, only to then attack The Miz himself.
The very next night on Raw, The Rock and Cena agreed to an unprecedented match at WrestleMania XXVIII, an entire year in advance! They even briefly worked together to fight off The Corre. As WrestleMania approached, their verbal confrontations on Raw SuperShow reached fever pitch, including The Rock hosting his first “Rock Concert” since 2004, hilariously mocking Cena in song.
At WrestleMania XXVIII on April 1, The Rock defeated Cena in the main event, countering Cena’s People’s Elbow attempt into a Rock Bottom for the pin. This “Once in a Lifetime” event shattered the record for the biggest professional wrestling pay-per-view buyrate. The next night, The Rock praised Cena and vowed to become WWE Champion again. He made good on that promise, announcing at Raw 1000 in July 2012 that he would wrestle for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, where he was attacked by CM Punk.
After heated confrontations with CM Punk on Raw and an altercation on SmackDown where he delivered a Rock Bottom to Damien Sandow and a People’s Elbow to Cody Rhodes, The Rock faced Punk at Royal Rumble 2013. Despite a controversial intervention attempt by The Shield, The Rock defeated Punk to win his record-breaking eighth WWE Championship! He then retained the title against Punk at Elimination Chamber and unveiled a brand new WWE Championship design on Raw, complete with customizable Brahma Bull side plates. His epic rivalry with Cena culminated in a WrestleMania 29 rematch for the WWE Championship, where The Rock ultimately lost the title, ending his 70-day reign. Unfortunately, he sustained a real injury (torn abdominal and adductor tendons) during the match, leading to surgery and another sabbatical.
13. **Part-Time Appearances and WrestleMania Moments (2014-2019)**
Even after transitioning to a full-time Hollywood career, The Rock’s connection to WWE remained strong, leading to a series of thrilling part-time appearances that consistently brought arenas to their feet. In April 2014, he made a grand return, appearing in the opening segment of WrestleMania XXX alongside fellow legends Stone Cold Steve Austin and Hulk Hogan, creating an unforgettable moment for the ages.
Later that year, on the October 6 episode of Raw, The Rock surprised everyone by confronting Rusev and Lana, clearing Rusev from the ring in classic ‘People’s Champion’ style. Just days later, on the 15th Anniversary of SmackDown, he appeared in a backstage segment, reminiscing about his legendary feud with Triple H, a nod to their storied past that delighted long-time fans.
His appearances continued into 2015, notably at the Royal Rumble event on January 25, where he made a dramatic entrance during the main event. He came to the aid of his cousin, Roman Reigns, helping him fend off Big Show and Kane after Reigns had eliminated them. The Rock then emphatically endorsed Reigns in the ring, a moment that sparked much discussion. Later that year, at WrestleMania 31 on March 29, The Rock teamed up with UFC icon Ronda Rousey in an electrifying in-ring altercation against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, with Rock attacking Triple H and Rousey overpowering McMahon, to the roar of the crowd. He even made a surprise appearance at a live event in Boston, delivering a Rock Bottom to Bo Dallas.
WrestleMania 32 on April 3, 2016, saw The Rock make another memorable entrance. After announcing that WWE had broken the all-time WrestleMania attendance record, he was interrupted by The Wyatt Family. Following a verbal exchange with Bray Wyatt, The Rock engaged in an impromptu match with Erick Rowan, winning in a lightning-fast six seconds with a Rock Bottom, setting the record for the fastest win in WrestleMania history. He was then joined by a returning John Cena to fight off Wyatt, Rowan, and Braun Strowman, ensuring a truly epic segment.
Although his televised appearances became less frequent, The Rock continued to engage with the WWE universe. He made an untelevised appearance on Raw in February 2017 to promote his film ‘Fighting with My Family.’ In 2019, The Rock officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling, a bittersweet moment for fans. However, speculation turned to jubilation when he returned for SmackDown’s 20th Anniversary on October 4, 2019, his first televised appearance since 2016. There, he cut a dynamic promo with Becky Lynch before they were interrupted by King Corbin, whom The Rock promptly dispatched, celebrating with Lynch to the delight of the audience.
14. **The Final Boss Era (2024–Present)**
Just when we thought The Rock’s wrestling chapter was largely closed, 2023 brought an electrifying resurgence! On September 15, The Rock made a jaw-dropping surprise return to SmackDown, delivering a segment with Pat McAfee and Austin Theory that saw him take out Theory, marking his first televised WWE appearance since 2019 and reigniting the hopes of millions of fans.
The new year, 2024, started with a bang. On the Day 1 edition of Raw on January 1, The Rock made his first live appearance on Raw since 2016, interrupting Jinder Mahal and immediately getting into a brawl that he, of course, won. But it was his post-match question to the crowd – asking if he should sit at “the head of the table” – that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, directly referencing his cousin, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
The drama escalated rapidly. On the February 2 episode of SmackDown, The Rock confronted Roman Reigns after Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes initially chose to step aside, seemingly allowing The Rock to face Reigns at WrestleMania 40. However, this move was met with intense backlash from fans, who passionately wanted Rhodes to “finish his story” against Reigns. The WrestleMania XL media event on February 8 became a flashpoint. In a stunning turn, The Rock aligned himself with Reigns, chastised Rhodes for reversing his decision, and delivered a shocking slap to Rhodes for speaking out against the revered Anoaʻi family, of which both The Rock and Reigns are proud members.
The Rock’s transformation was complete on the February 16 episode of SmackDown, where he officially joined Reigns’ faction, The Bloodline. He unveiled a menacing new persona, dubbed “The Final Boss,” incorporating facets of his arrogant “Hollywood Rock” incarnation from 2003, complete with insulting the audience, wearing gaudy expensive clothes, and entering to a new theme song that transitioned from his heroic music to his “Hollywood Rock” tune. On the March 1 episode of SmackDown, he issued a chilling challenge: if he and Reigns defeated Cody Rhodes and Seth “Freakin” Rollins in a tag team match at WrestleMania Night 1, Rhodes’ championship match against Reigns on Night 2 would be contested under “Bloodline Rules.” Rhodes and Rollins bravely accepted.
The tension continued to build, with The Rock attacking Rhodes backstage on the March 25 episode of Raw, leaving him beaten and bloody in the parking lot – a true “Final Boss” move. At the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame, The Rock received a special “People’s Championship” from Muhammad Ali’s wife, Lonnie, which he proudly carried. In the main event of WrestleMania XL Night 1, The Rock and Reigns secured a dominant victory over Rhodes and Rollins, ensuring “Bloodline Rules” for Night 2. During the Night 2 main event, The Rock famously interfered, delivering a Rock Bottom to John Cena, only to be spectacularly chokeslammed by The Undertaker. Though Rhodes went on to defeat Reigns, The Rock interrupted Rhodes’ celebration on the Raw after WrestleMania to congratulate him and reveal his temporary departure, but not before hinting at a future showdown. The “Final Boss” has left the building for now, but the world is already buzzing about his next electrifying appearance!
There you have it, folks – an epic journey through the unparalleled career of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, from the humble beginnings of Rocky Maivia to the global phenomenon that is ‘The Final Boss.’ His story is a testament to charisma, resilience, and an undeniable connection with the audience, proving time and again why he is truly ‘The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment.’ Whether he’s laying the smack down in the ring or lighting up the silver screen, The Rock continues to prove that his legacy is far from over. Keep your eyes peeled, because you never know when ‘The Great One’ will grace us with his presence next! If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that when The Rock comes back, it’s always an event you absolutely can’t miss.
