For new fans just getting into WWE, it’s hard to imagine that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was not a complete package as soon as he walked into a wrestling arena. However, those with long memories or more candles on their birthday cake will remember the superstar’s Rocky Maivia period, where he was told to smile and wave just like so many WWE faces today. The only difference is that the fans hated him and Rocky got to respond to it:
In a talk with sports reporter Jay Glazer, The Rock recalled this promo, saying it was the biggest rush he’s ever had in his life. The Rock would start to formulate his legendary gimmick within a month of that promo dropping, and the rest is wrestling and Hollywood history.
“The moment I was able to be authentic and speak my mind in the @WWE.” – @TheRock to @JayGlazer about the biggest rush he’s ever had.
(via @jayglazer) pic.twitter.com/iE3fUDH1iQ
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) November 25, 2020
Not coincidentally, The Rock’s cousin Roman Reigns recently went through a similar transformation, although it took a few years longer than The Rock’s. Now holding the WWE Universal Championship with Paul Heyman by his side, it will be interesting to see if the star of Hobbs and Shaw will be in a similar situation in the future.
RELATED: Booker T On Why Non-Wrestlers Deserve A Shot At The Sport
