5 Ways The Rock Was A Hero And Saved WWE
1. Becoming A Star In The Attitude Era (And Defeating WCW)
During a time where the WWE were losing their big name stars like Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage, and later on Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, Vince McMahon was trying to rebuild his company with younger stars.
Three young stars would emerge in the WWE during this time, Steve Austin, Triple H and The Rock, and together these three would become the backbone of the Attitude Era for the WWE. When Steve Austin was the top face in the company, The Rock was there to be the top heel. In what most regard as the best WrestleMania card from top to bottom, WrestleMania 17 saw The Rock and Steve Austin headline the event for the WWE Championship.
When Austin was out with an injury, The Rock and Triple H would carry the load. The Rock would step in and become the fan favorite and Triple H would rival him as the heel. During this time, The Rock rose to new levels and brought even more mainstream attention to the company than Stone Cold Steve Austin.
With all the success the WWE had during this Attitude Era, they would eventually over take WCW in the ratings during the Monday Night Wars. This lead to a downward spiral for WCW, before eventually being bought by the WWE.
When the WWE needed him, The Rock was there for the rescue.