7. He Was Marketed As The WWE's Original Third-Generation Superstar
The WWE are often eager to emphasise the lineage of certain wrestlers, particularly those with deep roots in the business. Ted DiBiase Jr. is a notable recent example of a third-generation superstar, although the pressure of living up to such a legacy would ultimately hinder his career. Many of us are aware that The Rock has a similarly impressive history behind him, but a more shocking fact is the revelation that he was actually the first wrestler to be introduced to the crowd on the strength of his family ties. It can be easy to overlook the achievements of The Rock's ancestors in the wake of his own monumental success. His maternal grandfather, "High Chief" Peter Maivia, was part of the legendary Samoan wrestling tradition (and even fought James Bond as a henchman in 'You Only Live Twice'). Rocky Johnson, his father, was something of a groundbreaker. He - alongside partner Tony Atlas - became the first African American to win the WWF Tag Team Championship in 1983. Several of The Rock's cousins also went on to become recognisable names in the WWE, including Rikishi, Umaga, and former WWF Champion Yokozuna.
