Ranking The Rock's WWE WrestleMania Matches From Worst To Best

While WWE never quite utilised Ken Shamrock correctly, that certainly wasn’t for lack of trying on The Rock’s part. This sub-five-minute sprint is more angle than it is an actual match, but it puts across the great chemistry these two totally different superstars had, and illustrates Rocky’s often-underrated star making ability.

Here we find The Rock on the verge of a breakout run; he’s jostling with Farooq to become leader of The Nation, and has ditched the smiling and waving in favour of a cocky, cowardly heel persona. The preening pretty boy comes up against the World’s Most Dangerous Man, a cage fighter with every intention of snapping the people’s ankle.

Rock puts Shamrock over like a machine here. From the off, Ken clatters the IC Champion with suplexes, power, and savagery. Before the five minute mark, Shamrock catches the Great One in the ankle lock, and that’s game over.

Only, it isn’t. Too angry to simply enjoy his victory, Shamrock keeps the submission locked in until the decision is overturned. Rock keeps his belt, but Shamrock inflicts even more punishment on the dastardly heel and leaves to a hero’s ovation. It’s a surprisingly fun watch, in no small part due to Rock’s selfless work.