Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has a busy 2012 ahead of him. He already has "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" getting ready to hit theaters along with his turn as Roadblock in the upcoming "G.I. Joe" sequel. But for wrestling fans, we are ecstatic to know that on April 1 he will square off with John Cena in an epic showdown at "Wrestlemania XXVIII." Woo-hoo!
In mtvU's new series "5 Questions With...," The Rock is featured in the first episode. In the conversation, Johnson even teaches us how to do the pec pop of love. Inspired by the show, we decided to reflect on The Rock's greatest in-ring moments. Cue sense of nostalgia for "The People's Champ."
The Rock's 1st Televised Pro Wrestling Match
Before Dwayne Johnson was known as The Rock or even Rocky Maivia, he was known as Flex Kavana in the USWA. He wasn't the trash-talking guy with "The People's Eyebrow" back then, he was just some big guy from Hawaii named Flex. Thank God his career took off. Fast forward to the 4:45 mark to see Flex Kavana's introduction to the world.
Rocky Maivia Joins The Nation Of Domination
When Rocky Maivia debuted with his ridiculous looking hair back in 1996, the whole "good guy" routine was getting phased out by fans who helped usher in the "Attitude Era" of the WWE. Maivia was crushed under the weight of the transition and fans badgered his good, clean and wholesome image with "Rocky Sucks" chants. So Maivia rode the wave and joined the WWE's Black Power collective known as the Nation of Domination while becoming a full blown heel and taking on the moniker "The Rock." Little did everyone know that his heel persona would be the breeding ground for the megastar we see today.
The Rock Wins 1st Championship
The Rock was so good as a bad guy who fans couldn't help but get behind, thanks to his hilarious interviews and numerous catchphrases. At the time, the WWF had a tournament at "Survivor Series" to crown a new champion, and The Rock was the fan-favorite heading into the tourney while Mankind appeared to be Vince McMahon's handpicked heir to the belt. In the ultimate swerve, we found out that The Rock was in cahoots with the McMahons and poor Mankind got screwed over in a parody of the infamous "Montreal Screwjob," thus making The Rock an even bigger heel than ever.
The Rock: This Is Your Life
As much as The Rock despised Mankind, Mankind adored The Rock. Mankind decided to celebrate The Rock's life on an episode of "Raw" that still stands as the highest rated segment in WWE history. Why? It's absolutely hilarious.
"Hell In A Cell" Promo
One of the many hilarious promos The Rock cut during his WWE career, this one was right before his "Hell In A Cell" match with Rikishi, Triple H, Undertaker, Kane, Kurt Angle and Stone Cold Steve Austin. His mockery of his opponents is spot on and side splitting.
The Rock And Stone Cold Sing To Each Other
The Steve Austin-Rock rivalry was one of the best in the history of the sport simply because the two were magic on the microphone. This run found Austin giving birth to the "What?" catchphrase as a heel and The Rock was the babyface looking to upend the Austin. The two met in the ring and exchanged disses and songs (yes, songs) in a classic "Raw" moment.
The Rock: One Night In Sacramento
Speaking of singing, when The Rock returned after beginning his Hollywood career he was a definitive heel that turned his back on the fans. Again, The Rock mastered the art of turning fans against him with a run of spots where he would play guitar and diss whatever town he was in. This particular night in Sacramento, California, was great and drew a ton of heat when The Rock crushed the souls of the fans with a scathing Lakers-Kings reference. Pure gold.
The Rock And Hurricane Helms
This oddly became one of the best segments of The Rock's career as mid-carder Hurricane Helms held his own with the champ. The barbs launches at Helms' superhero character are classics and proved that it didn't matter who The Rock was on camera with, he's arguably the best wrestler to ever cut a promo.
The Rock Returns To Host "Wrestlemania"
On Feb. 14, 2011, The Rock returned after a seven year hiatus as the surprise special host of "Wrestlemania XXVII." To say the lid blew off the building when his music hit would be an understatement.
The Rock Vs. Hulk Hogan (Wrestlemania XVIII)
Before there was The Rock vs. John Cena in a battle of wrestling eras, there was this epic showdown between The Rock and Hulk Hogan that stole the show in Toronto at "Wrestlemania XVIII." The Icon vs. Icon showdown had the thousands in Toronto split as the duo engaged in a dramatic back and forth match that will probably go down as one of the most amazing matches due to the crowd's divided response. It was absolutely epic, deafening and is a must watch for any wrestling fan.