The Rock's 14 Greatest Moments Since His 2011 Return

3. Royal Rumble 2013 €“ First WWE Title In Over A Decade

In another instance of booking a major PPV main event several months in advance, on the 1000th edition of Raw on July 23rd 2012, Rock announced that he would face the WWE champion, whoever that may be, at the 2013 Royal Rumble. St. Louis was the city in which Rock won his first WWE title, way back at Survivor Series 1998, so it was fitting he should make such an announcement there on what was also a milestone edition of the company's flagship show. Later that evening, then-WWE Champion CM Punk turned heel by attacking The Rock in what proved to be precursor to the Royal Rumble main event a few months later. As expected, Punk proved to be a great opponent for the People's Champ, and their match the Rumble absolutely delivered the goods. Rock scored the pin with the People's Elbow to capture the WWE title for the first time since he dropped it to Brock Lesnar back at Summerslam 2002. They also went on to headline the Elimination Chamber PPV the following month, where once again they delivered the goods and Rock retained the championship. This series also set-up the big rematch with John Cena at Wrestlemania 29, this time with the gold up for grabs.