Wrestler Retrospect: The Rock

I've been thinking a lot about my next Wrestler Retrospect. I wanted to do an older wrestler, something from when I first started getting into wrestling. I was kinda stumped, but this last Thursday answered the question for me. Monday was the return of the most electrifying man in sports entertainment. The people's champion. The Rock!

The Rock

Stats

Height: 6'4"

Weigh: 265 lbs

Hometown: Miami, FL

Finisher: Rock Bottom, The People's Elbow

History: The Rock started wrestling in 1996, so his history is long. I'll try and put in a lot of important points, but it may not be too in depth. If you want to know more about his history I suggest Wikipedia.

The Rock debuted as a face wrestler then known as Rocky Maivia. The name was derived from his dad's first name Rocky Johnson and his grandfather's last name High Chief Peter Maivia. Rock debuted at Survivor Series in November being the sole survivor in the the eight-man elimination tag for his team. Shortly after he won the Intercontinental Championship within 3 months. It wasn't long before fans turned against him due to his clean cut baby face image. It was at this point that the Attitude Era was dawning in WWE, where fans were siding with anti-hero types. The Rock soon was injured and on returning became a full fledged heel. Like our last Wrestler Retrospect, Randy Orton, this is when the Rock began his rise to well known status. Rock became a self absorbed, flashy guy that fans loved to hate. On returning he joined the Nation of Domination and his persona ended up forcing out the groups leader Farooq (Ron Simmons). Rock took leadership and began a legendary feud with DX and then long time rival Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Shortly after the Nation was disbanded because of in fighting, with the Rock at the center of course, Rock began to become a Heavyweight contender. He began to cut entertaining promos and get over with the fans. This is when he began to refer to himself as the People's Champ. At Survivor Series '98 the Rock became the Heavyweight Champion after apply the Sharpshooter to Mankind, who never tapped out. This being an obvious parody of the infamous Montreal Screwjob. This began a back and forth between now face Mankind, resulting in Mankind winning the title from the Rock multiple times. By the end of the feud The Rock held the title in time to fight Stone Cold at Wrestlemania, which he lost.

It was shortly after that, despite his still being a villain, fan began to cheer for him. He began cutting even more entertaining promos and turned face again. He went on to win multiple championships over the years and continuing to entertain, whether being face or heel.

Sadly he eventually went on to do movies after that, with a few sporadic appearances during his rise, but soon fading from the wrestling spotlight. That is until Monday Night.

The week prior it was announced that Wrestlemaina would have a host. Something not uncommon at it's inception and the years following, but not done for quite a while. Fan speculated on the host, but Monday night their questions were answered. In a fashion similar to his glory days, the Rock returned. It was as if he hadn't missed a step, promo wise anyway. He cut a spectacular promo that promised the best Wrestlemania yet. It was as if he never stepped out of character. Being the best Wrestlemania has yet to be seen, but I hold high hopes that the People's Champ will not disappoint.

Why I like him: It might be obvious already, but here goes. Whether he's your favorite wrestler or not, The Rock is entertaining. His promos have me rolling most of the time. He says all the things that you wish you could, and he's able to back it up. His catch phrases are just that: catchy. You love saying them to your friends. They even spawned a show. Anyone ever heard of Smackdown. That was the Rock. Aside from that, the Rock is a great athlete. He's one of the best at being able to tell a story during the match and pulling off the spectacular moves that you find yourself talking about days after.

Final Thoughts: Like I said the success of the Rock's return is yet to be seen, but I have high hopes. Whether he's fully engrossed in the WWE Universe or just making the occasional appearance The Rock has never disappointed. I for one can't wait for him to Lay the Smackdown on someones candy @$$! Hopefully it's that Chain Gang douche John Cena.