There are varying opinions about The Rock leaving wrestling and heading to Hollywood to become a huge movie star. Some praise his success, forever fans of wrestlings most electrifying Superstar. Others criticize him for leaving a business he professes he loves for the bright lights, glitz and glamour of the silver screen. This writer has been highly critical of The Rock, more so for the words he speaks and the actions that contradict them than the fact that he left. After all, why would fans be upset that a guy we all had a huge hand in making a star has gone on to be one of the biggest celebrities in the world? The Rock has become an international box office attraction, a star who has single-handedly helped to lift dead franchises back into relevancy. At any given time, one of his films can debut at No. 1, drawing a huge payday for studios, all of which chomp at the bit to have the former WWE champion headline their next film. It is that demand that Vince McMahons WWE faced when trying to figure out a schedule for the Great One during his last handful of runs with the company. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyjfRW4LtXg Every time Rock sits down with the media to promote his latest film, he is asked about his time in WWE, a potential return to the company or his feud with John Cena. It keeps wrestling in the public consciousness and gives the sport a tremendous ambassador. For that reason, fans should be proud of the fact that one of their own has succeeded at the level he has, even if it meant leaving them as a full-time competitor.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
