What If... The Rock Didn't Go To Hollywood?

Either way, the past 15 years of WWE main events would have looked vastly different. Johnson’s endearing value as an entertainer means he’d have held a top spot for as long as he wanted, and it's hard to imagine Vince McMahon relegating him from the spotlight as long as he was making the promotion money.

As great as he was, though, Rock couldn't have saved the company's plummeting TV ratings alone. His presence may have eased them somewhat, but the factors behind the slide are too big for one man to solve. WWE's declining creative department, focus on appeasing shareholders over audience members, and the complacency born of their lack of competition: they'd remain regardless.

Thus, the consequences of him staying through Ruthless Aggression and beyond would likely be more creative than financial. Many of the PG Era's brightest stars would've had to settle for smaller rules, while others may hae benefited greatly from working with 'The Most Electrifying Man In Sports Entertainment,' assuming he, himself, didn't become a Cena-esque burial merchant.

The modern product's framework would largely be the same, but the cast? Absolutely not.