10 WWE Battles With Fascinating Backstories
7. John Cena Vs. The Rock (WrestleMania XXVIII)
Some performers just don't see eye-to-eye, and it can take conflict to bring them together. That perfectly sums up the issues between The Rock and John Cena, who at one point really didn't care for one another. It all started when Cena spoke to UK-based The Sun newspaper in 2007, badmouthing Rock's part-time comebacks to WWE.
Dwayne Johnson did not take kindly to Cena's words and promptly fired back. A fellow peer had questioned his dedication and love for professional wrestling, and the slight had seemed to come out of nowhere. There was definite tension there, but it'd lead to some huge matches for WWE.
The night after WrestleMania XXVII, Rock and Cena agreed to square off at 'Mania the following year. Such a match had box-office appeal even without such a rich and real backstory, but it was really booked to capitalise on any ill-feeling between both men.
It's a shame they decided to overlook their own 'Once In A Lifetime' catchphrase, because a rematch at WrestleMania XXIX didn't feel quite as special.
Today, Cena and Rock are something like friends, but there was a time when they didn't get along at all.