Whether you call him Dwayne Johnson or The Rock, you can't deny the unbelievable success one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time has had inside and outside the ring. He is a third generation performer with Samoan blood pumping through his veins. The grandson of High Chief Peter Maivia and fellow WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson was destined for greatness the day he decided to lace up the boots. The Rock made his official WWE debut in 1996 at the Survivor Series and did so in dramatic fashion. He walked out of Madison Square Garden the sole survivor in his match. His meteoric rise continued with an intercontinental title win over Triple H. The consummate entertainer didn't really connect with the audience until turning heel and joining the Nation of Domination. He eventually took on the leadership role after taking out Farooq (Ron Simmons). He has had so many legendary rivalries with Steve Austin, Mick Foley and even John Cena. Rock won his first WWE championship against Foley at the 1998 Survivor Series, meaning it only took him two years to reach the top. "The Great One" proved he was a box office draw working with Austin at three WrestleMania events. Among his most memorable 'Mania matches was against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania XVIII in Toronto. The electricity was unmatched, even till this day. The Hollywood heavyweight may have left WWE to pursue acting, but has returned in recent years when his demanding schedule allows it. Even if it's only for a few appearances or for one match, Rock has the ability to connect with the audience unlike anyone to ever step in the ring. He isn't just the greatest Samoan superstar, but in the top five of the greatest ever. Period.
I've covered pro wrestling for more than 10 years interviewing the top names in the industry. I currently contribute to the Miami Herald's pro wrestling section online, the Layfield Report and a variety of other outlets.
