50 Things You Learn Binge-Watching Every WWE WrestleMania

Imagine if current incumbent (at time of writing) Bron Breakker flops as Intercontinental Champ but gets another chance with the title in time for WrestleMania 42. Then, imagine Breakker finds his confidence and turns into a bonafide WWE headliner worthy of main eventing 'Mania 43 with gusto against another hot rising act. That's what The Rock lived across three WrestleMania events between 1997-1999.

He was a happy go lucky smiler in '97, and he ended up flopping as a babyface vs. The Sultan in a so-so match. Come '98, The Rock had harder edges and worked as a heel counterpart to Ken Shamrock. A year later, Rocky was deservedly standing across the ring from 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin in the WWF's most important match of 1999. He belonged in that spot, but the ex-Rocky Maivia didn't always look so sure footed.

That proves how much patience matters when developing fresh stars. They won't get absolutely everything right first time, so expectations for perfection should be tempered by realism. Further, as a bonus observation, think of this: Nobody knew that this would be Austin's fifth last 'Mania match. He missed 2000, worked The Rock again in 2001, Scott Hall in 2002, Rocky a third time in 2003, then wasn't seen again until battling Kevin Owens in 2022.

Nobody realised Austin was saying goodbye at 'Mania XIX just a few years after this. He was already a made man. The Rock, conversely, had only arrived at the top of the WWF scene. The fact he managed that so quickly after stumbling so hard beforehand speaks to his resolve.