8 Times The Rock's Wrestling Skills Eclipsed His Promo Abilities
The Rock had a gift for gab but on these occasions, his in-ring skills trumped all.
There is a common misconception among wrestling fans that The Rock was strictly a promo guy, someone whose career will forever be linked to the outlandishly funny, wildly entertaining mic work that he delivered every Monday night over the course of his future-Hall of Fame career. While fans would be right to remember him for that element of his performance, and the many catchphrases he created that live on in popular society today ('smackdown', anyone?), it would do him and his legacy a great disservice to forget just how truly great he was between the ropes.
For all of the hype that goes into his promos and in-ring segments like "This is Your Life," Rock forged a legacy for himself as one of the best main event workers in WWE history. Sure, everyone remembers the brawls with Austin at WrestleManias XV and X-7, or the spot-heavy battles involving Triple H, but there is an entire body of work that lays testament to The Rock's ability to hang with the best wrestlers in the industry. Each one of those matches helped shape and mold a performer who, when all was said and done, would emerge as one of the most complete in wrestling history.
In celebration of The Rock's in-ring contributions, relive these 8 instances when his mat game eclipsed his promo abilities.
8. The Rock Vs. 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin - WrestleMania XIX
Despite an overnight hospital stay for Steve Austin and tremendous pressure on Rock coming off a miserable match against Hulk Hogan at No Way Out, wrestling's most electrifying superstar exploded into Seattle's SafeCo Field for WrestleMania XIX with an extraordinary match against his greatest rival.
A master of crowd psychology - a vital piece of the in-ring puzzle that is often overlooked by those seeking high spots - Rock manipulated the audience by mocking Austin, taunting him with his own ring vest and trash talking the fans.
The trading of finishers and well-timed near-falls increased drama, leaving fans guessing as to whom would emerge victoriously. It was the precise timing that had become a staple of Rock's in-ring game that helped elevate the match that otherwise no better or worse than their other non-WrestleMania matches from an action standpoint,.
Rock won the match, but his victory was secondary to the outstanding performance he turned in during what amounted to Austin's retirement bout.