From the moment that Rock and Cena first engaged each other publicly in 2008, the people wondered if they might ever step into the ring against one another. The two most polarizing figures in modern WWE history had always been linked. People said that Cena reminded them of Rock, particularly in how the general opinion of each could flip a switch and be different than it was five minutes prior. The Rock finally came back in 2011, hosting Mania and ultimately costing Cena the WWE Championship after a round of verbal altercations built the anticipation for some sort of confrontation between them to a fever pitch. The night after Mania 27, the challenge was laid out and accepted: Rock vs. Cena Once in a Lifetime at Mania 28 in Rocks hometown of Miami, Florida. One year later, they met for the first of two Mania main-events. Perhaps it was the very polarizing nature that prompted comparisons which led to their match seemingly a classic on every level failing to achieve high critical marks. Something is awry about the historical opinion of it. You can nitpick certain parts of it if you so desire. Why bother? It was Rocks first feature length singles match in nine years and it was about as perfect as anyone could have dreamed it would be given the circumstances. It told a great story with incredible false finishes, as well as featured the little touches that make a match like it extra special, such as Rock pushing Cena across the ring and telling him, The Rocks strong, too or when Cena was so shocked by Rocks arm drags and Mahistrole cradle in the early moments that he sat stunned in the corner asking the ref if Rock had caught a quick one on him. Rock vs. Cena had everything that did Taker vs. Triple H with HBK as the ref from the same show, but does not receive the same caliber praise. The crowd was going crazy. Cena worked one of the great matches of his career. The near fall with Cena rolling through the cross body into the AA was tremendous. Rock winning was an interesting and unpredictable twist. Honest to God, why this match has been so critically undervalued is beyond this writer. Viewing after viewing, it only gets better. Rock vs. Cena lived up to every bit of hype that it received.
"The Doc" Chad Matthews has written wrestling columns for over a decade. A physician by trade, Matthews began writing about wrestling as a hobby, but it became a passion. After 30 years as a wrestling fan, "The Doc" gives an unmatched analytical perspective on pro wrestling in the modern era. He is a long-time columnist for Lordsofpain.net and hosts a weekly podcast on the LOP Radio Network called "The Doc Says." His first book - The WrestleMania Era: The Book of Sports Entertainment - ranks the Top 90 wrestlers from 1983 to present day, was originally published in December 2013, and is now in its third edition.
Matthews lives in North Carolina with his wife, two kids, and two dogs.
