8 Wrestlers The Rock Couldn't Get Over

1. The British Bulldog

The Rock Big Show
WWE.com

The British Bulldog arrived back in the WWF a shadow of his former self; his back mangled on the Warrior's trapdoor in WCW, he was unrecognisable from the big-bumping powerhouse of yore - a condition reflected sartorially with a pair of baggy blue denims. Recast as a street tough brawler to conceal his fading technical game and strapped-up knees, the 1999 Bulldog vintage was all a bit depressing - so much so that even the uplifting Rock babyface act could not get a thing out of him in their mini-programme. Rock's frustration was our anguish.

It was hard to watch; knowing what we did about the Bulldog's condition meant that every single bump he took evoked feelings of anxiety. Escapism was impossible; the grim reality of his situation was etched all over his pained face. That he felt compelled to come back into the WWF fold, after the events of the Montreal Screwjob and the death of Owen Hart, compounded everything: he probably didn't even want to do what he was incapable of doing.

It was hard to watch before Rock Rock Bottomed Davey Boy on a platter of a dog sh*t - the last memorable moment of a career that once lifted an entire nation.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!