The Rock

Background

The Rock debuted in World Wrestling Entertainment in 1996 as Rocky Maivia, named after his father Rocky Johnson and grandfather "High Chief" Peter Maivia. He was billed the WWE's first third-generation superstar. Although a face (good guy), the fans began turn on him and by 1997 began chants such as "Die Rock Die!"

Major Plots

Later that year he turned into a heel (bad guy), joined the group The Nation of Domination, and began referring to himself in the third person as The Rock. By 1998 this cocky persona began to make him extremely popular with the fans, which resulted in him becoming a face again and feuding with Mr. McMahon as he sought the WWE Championship. Due to his popularity, he referred to himself as "The People's Champion." But soon, at Survivor Series, he again became a villain and sided with McMahon after he helped The Rock win the WWE Championship. He joined their group called The Corporation and was now "The Corporate Champion."

In 1999, he left The Corporation and partnered with Mankind to form the Rock 'n' Sock Connection. This odd alliance turned out to be very successful for The Rock as they ended up winning the WWE Tag Team Championship on three occasions. A memorable moment during this time happened on RAW called "This Is Your Life." Mankind brought in people from The Rock's past, including a teach and a high school girlfriend, with The Rock belittling them.

In 2002, The Rock faced Hollywood Hulk Hogan in an "Icon vs. Icon" match at WrestleMania X-8. This was a dream match for many fans, as it pit the biggest star of the 80's against the biggest star of the 90's. The following year at WrestleMania XIX he faced Stone Cold Steve Austin, a man he had feuded with throughout his entire career, for the last time. A year later at WrestleMania XX, The Rock teamed up once again with Mick Foley to form the Rock 'n' Sock Connection to face Evolution in a 3-on-2 handicap match. Until 2012, this will be have been his final wrestling match.

The Rock giving Cena the Rock Bottom at WrestleMania XXVII

In 2011, seven years after his last live appearance in a WWE ring, The Rock returned to guest host WrestleMania XXVII. Leading up to the event, he had begun a feud with John Cena over words he had said in interviews about how The Rock no longer cared about the WWE or the fans. This lead to The Rock costing Cena his WWE Championship match against The Miz in the main event. The following night on RAW it was announced that The Rock would face John Cena at WrestleMania XXVIII in the main event, marking the first time ever that a WrestleMania main event was made one year in advance.

WWE Accomplishments

• WWE Championship (x8)
• WCW Championship (x2)
• WWE Intercontinental Championship (x2)
• World Tag Team Championship (x3 with Mankind, x1 with The Undertaker, x1 with Chris Jericho)
• 2000 Royal Rumble winner
• 1997 Slammy Award (New Sensation)
• 2011 Slammy Award (Game Changer of the Year)
• 2011 Slammy Award (Guess Who's Back or: Return of the Year)
• 2012 Slammy Award (LOL! Moment of the Year)
• Most Charismatic Wrestler (1999–2002, 2011, 2012)
• Best Box Office Draw (2000, 2011, 2012)
• PWI named him best wrestler of the year in 2000