10 Best Booking Decisions In Wrestling History

4. Turning The Rock Heel Again

The Elite Comeback
WWE.com

In the autumn of 1998, the Rock got white-hot.

It was always going to happen. The rule is that fans don't necessarily like heroes; they go for stars. Rock's patter was incredible, his charisma otherworldly, and while he's in the downfall phase of his career at present, back in "the day", he was on fire. He was the coolest man alive, but in the most ideal selection headache of all time, so was Steve Austin.

Vinces McMahon and Russo arrived at their best ever creative decision at the 1998 Survivor Series, one that accomplished two huge financial coups:

1) The Rock was instantly installed as the biggest heel in the company, allowing the WWF to secure the most buys for any WrestleMania event ever (XV).

2) The glimpse of the Rock as a babyface was so thrilling and so over that McMahon knew it would be as easy as piss to turn him whenever it was convenient.

It felt counterintuitive at the time, but back then, Vince McMahon was adept at playing the long game. He had a monster heel and a megastar babyface on deck. Fans resented the Rock for in effect teasing them, but he was so entertaining as the Corporate Champion that it was as easy for Vince to turn him as it was for him to take something out of his pocket.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!