10 Biggest "What If" Scenarios In WWE History

4. What If The Rock Hadn't Conquered Hollywood?

shawn michaels wcw
wwe.com / wikipedia

The Rock is the biggest crossover star that wrestling has ever produced, and he made an incredible transition from professional wrestling to Hollywood acting. Where the likes of Hulk Hogan and Jesse Ventura failed, Rocky became a global megastar, and his acting success now greatly outshines his work as a professional wrestler.

It could’ve been oh-so different had The Rocky not persisted without his acting career when Walking Tall and The Scorpion King bombed, however. Hindsight shows that he made the right decision in fighting through these disappointments, but few would’ve blamed him if he’d returned to WWE following his early acting flops.

The People’s Champ would’ve likely returned as John Cena was emerging as WWE’s top star in 2005. Rocky, as one of the most popular acts WWE have ever produced, would almost certainly have put the brakes on the Cena project. That’s not to say Cena’ wouldn’t have become as big as he is today, but he’d be sharing a spotlight with one of the most popular wrestlers of all-time, and his progress would almost certainly have been slowed.

The Rock would’ve been thrust straight into the main event, and he’d have stayed there for as long as he wanted. There’d be no big return in 2011, and no “Once in a Lifetime” feud with Cena. Rock would’ve been a constant presence in the title hunt, and would’ve likely shattered Ric Flair’s record of 16 world championships a long time ago.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.