5 Ways The Rock Was A Hero And Saved WWE
4. Becoming The Leader Of The Nation Of Domination
"Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks!" That's what Dwayne Johnson was greeted with when he debuted in the WWE. Going by the name of Rocky Maivia, he was the clean-cut, classic good guy. Despite the WWE giving him a big push, the fans just never got behind his character, and his debut was a failure.
Rocky would be out of action from the WWE for a short time due to a knee injury. That was the end of Rocky Maivia, and the start of what would become "the most electrifying man" in the WWE.
During a time where the WWE was group/faction heavy, The Nation of Domination was a heel group led by Farooq (AKA Ron Simmons). When the baby face Rocky returned from injury, we would see him interfere in a match and help Farooq win. He turned heel and joined forces with The Nation of Domination.
In a short time, The Rock's swagger and charisma on the mic became the focal point of the group. He quickly turned on Farooq, and became the new leader. They took off under his leadership and would feud with another top faction, Degeneration X.
The Rock was able to reinvent himself, and save his own wrestling career in the process. He was also able to let the talents of a young D-Lo Brown and Mark Henry shine under the group.