6 Wrestling Moments That Had A Major Long-Term Impact
4. The Rock Can't See John Cena's Second People's Elbow
Being overshadowed by a universally and legitimately beloved megastar in the form of The Rock really got to John Cena during the pair's bogus 'Once in a Lifetime' clash for the ages at WrestleMania XXVIII - and it showed.
Though Cena famously never 'gave in to the darkness' during his centuries atop WWE's tree, his Sun Life showdown with The Great One nevertheless positioned him as the de facto heel. Rock might have abandoned the fans for Hollywood, but there was never a doubt the nostalgia-fueled audience wouldn't welcome him back as the returning hero. As such, Cena's 'divisive' nature was more divisive than ever on the night.
At one stage, a totally not-heel Cena, inhaling the choleric atmosphere directed his way, mugged off the crowd by attempting to hit Rocky with his own trademark People's Elbow. But petards were built for autohoisting, and Cena's mockery saw him walk straight into a Rock Bottom - and a defeat.
It'd be a different story a year later (despite, inexplicably, being the same 'Once In A Lifetime' one). At 'Mania 29, a wiser but equally derisive Cena teased the exact same spot which had ran him aground in Florida, only to pull up at the ropes and goad Rock with a sh*t-grinned 'U Can't See Me'. Dwayne fell for the bait hook, line, sinker, and copy of Carp Monthly; as he swung out in confused rage, John reversed it into an AA.
Or at least, tried to, only to be caught in a reversal himself. Cena might have learned from his mistakes, but he should have known The Rock always has a comeback.