Pages

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Wrestlemania: The Rock

The Rock (from WWE)
By Chad Smart
@chadsmart on Twitter

While Kevin is doing a Mania’s Memories series, I thought I’d supplement it with looking at the Wrestlemania careers of the wrestlers competing in high profile matches.

Rocky Miavia vs. The Sultan
The Rock made his Wrestlemania debut at Wrestlemania 13 defending the Intercontinental title against The Sultan. A still green Rocky Miavia vs. a lame gimmicked Rikishi is about as thrilling of a match as you’d expect. Rocky was being pushed as the blue chipper third generation star and the fans were starting to turn on him. There were a couple “Die Rocky Die” signs in the crowd. The match was essentially a backdrop for the post-match shenanigans of Rocky Johnson making a surprise appearance to help his son fight off Bob Backlund and the Iron Sheik who were in the Sultan’s corner.

After a transformative summer that saw Rocky join the Nation of Domination and become The Rock, Wrestlemania 14 saw The Rock defending the IC title again. This time his opponent was Ken Shamrock. If memory serves right, the Rock/Shamrock feud was like the Kofi Kingston/Dolph Ziggler feud in that it seemed to last for almost a year. Shamrock won the match making Rock tap out to an ankle lock, but then Shamrock wouldn’t release the hold so the referee reversed the decision. Pretty disappointing finish for a Wrestlemania match especially since it meant their feud would continue.

Austin vs. Rock (WWE)
Continuing his streak of defending titles at Wrestlemania, Wrestlemania 15 marked the first meeting of the two biggest stars of the Attitude Era as Rock defended the WWF World Title against “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. While Wrestlemania 15 came along when the Attitude Era was really starting to take off, I think the show is the epitome of Russo-rific booking. That’s a rant for another time. Austin and Rock had a heated battle and once the smoke was clear, Austin stood tall with the title while Rock was counting the lights.

With Steve Austin on the shelf due to injury, Wrestlemania 2000 saw each member of the McMahon family pick a wrestler to back in a Fatal 4-Way match for the WWF Title. Stephanie McMahon was with WWF Champion Triple H. Linda McMahon brought Mick Foley out of retirement so he could try to have his Wrestlemania moment. Shane McMahon was certain The Big Show would be victorious in the match. Vince McMahon sided with The Rock hoping to get a measure of revenge against Triple H for beating Vince at Armageddon the previous December. During the match Vince turned on The Rock hitting Rock with a steel chair leading to Triple H retaining his title.

Wrestlemania 17 is highly regarded as one of the, if not the, best Wrestlemania ever. The show happened a week after WCW was bought by Shane McMahon and, in my opinion, signaled the end of the Attitude Era. If this was the end of an era then it made sense to see Steve Austin and The Rock battle it out for the WWF title once again. The outcome was the same as their previous Wrestlemania battle when Steve Austin turned heel in one of the most nonsensical heel turns not booked by Vince Russo.

Rock vs. Hogan (WWE)
While this year’s match against John Cena is being billed as the biggest match in Wrestlemania history, I tend to think The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania 18 is the biggest match to ever take place at Wrestlemania. No offense to Cena, but he hasn’t had the mainstream appeal of Hulk or Rock. I don’t think anyone expected the crowd in Toronto to be as firmly behind the Hulkster as they were once the match started. I doubt we’ll ever see another match with this much crowd intensity. That night the torch was passed and Rock ended his Wrestlemania losing streak as well as his streak of appearing in title matches.

If you want to debate the idea of Wrestlemania 17 being the end of the Attitude Era, it would be hard to say Wrestlemania 19 didn’t nail one of the last nails in the Attitude coffin. Due to injuries, Steve Austin was facing an early retirement from the ring. At the same time Dwayne Johnson’s budding acting career was taking off so the writing was on the wall that The Rock’s wrestling days were coming to an end as well. There was no title on the line this time. The Rock and “Stone Cold” went out there, did their thing to the delight of the crowd. Third time was the charm as The Rock finally got the victory over his nemesis.

The Rock made his last wrestling appearance at Wrestlemania 20 reforming the Rock and Sock connection with Mick Foley to battle Evolution members Randy Orton, Ric Flair and Batista. Even though Rock and Sock ended up on the losing end of the battle, the match was a fitting end for what was thought to be Rock’s (and too a lesser extent Mick Foley’s) last match. Going out on an anniversary show of the grandest stage of all passing the torch to the next generation.

Gearing up for 28 (WWE)
The Rock has a .500 average at Wrestlemania with 4 wins and 4 losses. Will that average improve or decrease in four weeks when The Rock returns to Wrestlemania to battle Mr. Fruity Pebbles lady parts Kung Pow Bitch, John Cena? Kevin and I will be there to witness history in the making. It’ll be interesting to see if it’s possible to blow the roof off an open-air stadium.

What are your thoughts on WrestlemaniaWrestlemania moment? Share your thoughts on the My123Cents Facebook page.

66 comments:

  1. Hello, Dear. I found your blog using MSN. This is a really well-written article. I will be able to make certain to bookmark it and are available back to read more of your useful information. Best Seattle Injury Law

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have browsed most of your posts. This post is perhaps where I got the foremost useful information for my research. Thanks for posting, maybe we will see more on this. Are you conscious of the other websites on this subject? criminal DUI lawyer. See More

    ReplyDelete
  3. I genuinely many many thanks for the beneficial info on this great subject and anticipate even more wonderful posts. Many many thanks to an honest deal for valuing this attraction short blog post with me. I’m valuing it significantly! Excitedly planning for a further superb testimonial. All one among the foremost effective to the writer! replacing roofing service. Best Masonry

    ReplyDelete
  4. I make use of to stay a trustworthy organization that routine me to form tons of dollars moves week by week. As a results of aiding umpteen fix versions currently appropriately supplied, I required to accumulate a worth framework which could lookout of me while making use of among the foremost believed medicines of greenbacks move to line apart. Professional Orthodontics

    ReplyDelete
  5. I would genuinely not joke fussing regarding this. you've got got this sort of honest little bit of exposing this trouble, Check Out This

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for some other awesome article. What other place may just anyone get that sort of data in such an ideal strategy for composing? Element Expert Homebuyers

    ReplyDelete
  7. This article was shaped by a genuine stipend essayist clearly. I concur with massive amounts of the strong focuses made by the maker. I’ll be back day in and day for extra new updates. Expert Rental Agency

    ReplyDelete
  8. This article gives the light where we can watch reality. This is a conventional one and gives top to bottom data. Thanks for this wonderful article. Expert Mortgage Lender

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is such a data I’ve for a long while been endeavoring to find. Much obliged to you Injury Attorney Service

    ReplyDelete
  10. Extraordinary post yet I was considering whether you could form somewhat more with respect to this issue? Professional Dermatologist

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi, I am Incheon Office, I am the best site. I welcome you to an interesting world. Expert Divorce Lawyer

    ReplyDelete
  12. There are such colossal quantities of options out there that I’m completely overpowered. Injury Attorney Review

    ReplyDelete
  13. Really valuable and broken, Thanks for the post and effort! You should keep sharing even more such a blog. Special Family Law for Men

    ReplyDelete
  14. Engaging, post. I just uncovered your weblog and expected to express that I have delighted in examining your blog sections. Bail Bonds Service Expert

    ReplyDelete
  15. I Really Like seeing a blog site that recognizes the worth. I cheer to have found this message as its such an intriguing one! Professional Staffing Agency

    ReplyDelete
  16. The post is in an awesome way about the separation Reiki and has a lot of valuable data for me. Thanks The Sun Air Services

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for your post. I’ve been pondering shaping a truly corresponding post all through the most recent scarcely any weeks, I’ll obviously keep it direct and relationship with this reasonably if that cool. Special General Contractor

    ReplyDelete
  18. It will be helpful to any individual who utilizes it, just as myself. Continue doing what you are doing – I will peruse more posts. Much obliged! Expert Lawyer

    ReplyDelete
  19. It is staggeringly helpful to me. Thanks for such critical help again. Professional Plumber

    ReplyDelete
  20. I planned to hold it basically an IG perspective, notwithstanding, a couple of individuals said they would peruse a blog distribute furthermore, so here we’re. Special Generator Shop

    ReplyDelete
  21. Searching for some more updates from your side on this intriguing method. if you don’t mind share. The Best Appliance Repair

    ReplyDelete
  22. I can’t think focusing adequately long to investigate; considerably less make this sort out of article. Best Restaurant

    ReplyDelete
  23. you are making this data engaging and wonderful. You give perusers a ton to consider and that I regard such a making. Professional Divorce Lawyer

    ReplyDelete
  24. You will undoubtedly definitely put a considerable errand of strategies staying with remaining ailing in your message. Special Dermatologist

    ReplyDelete
  25. I’d be thankful for the slim chance that you could explain genuinely further. Justified, despite all the trouble Special Fence Contractor

    ReplyDelete
  26. An abundance of thanks a million, besides, to please keep up the powerful work. Professional Cosmetic Dentist

    ReplyDelete
  27. I’m as often as possible looking for first class blog entries and moreover articles so I expect I’m fortunate to have in truth discovered this! Court Reporter Review

    ReplyDelete
  28. Your top notch information about this exceptional post can change into an appropriate reason behind such individuals Special Rehabilitation Center

    ReplyDelete
  29. I never found any fascinating article like yours. It’s really worth enough for me. Thanks Professional Orthodontist

    ReplyDelete
  30. This blog site, fundamentally Finding some blog areas, has all the earmarks of being an, in all actuality, the unmistakable framework you’re utilizing. Expert Security System Installer

    ReplyDelete
  31. You give perusers a ton to consider and that I respect such a creation. Oral Surgeon Service

    ReplyDelete
  32. A sound blogging structure would allow its customer to grasp a conscious method to manage smother his blogging endeavors. Bail Bonds Specialist

    ReplyDelete
  33. This blog site, essentially Finding some blog districts, seems, by all accounts, to be an, in all actuality, the conspicuous framework you’re utilizing. Estate Planning Law Firm

    ReplyDelete
  34. As I might want to think, if all site administrators and bloggers made extraordinary substance as you did, the web will be substantially more accommodating than some other time in ongoing memory. Special Injury Attorney

    ReplyDelete
  35. Connecting with, post. I simply revealed your weblog and expected to communicate that I have savored the experience of inspecting your blog areas. Real Estate Consultant Review

    ReplyDelete
  36. I have bookmarked it and I am anticipating investigating new articles. Personal Injury Law Firm

    ReplyDelete
  37. I need individuals to know correctly how phenomenal this data is in your article. Expert Music School

    ReplyDelete
  38. I have to look for destinations with essential information on a given point and offer them to the educator our inclination and the article. DDS - Dentist Service

    ReplyDelete
  39. I m fun loving I discovered this blog. Grateful to you for offering to us, I also dependably increment some new supportive gaining from your post. Expert Home Inspector

    ReplyDelete
  40. Appreciative to you for offering to us, I also dependably increment some new supportive gaining from your post. Property Special Management

    ReplyDelete
  41. This is shrewd, actually a savvy thought. This is my first time in your blog and I truly love it. Thanks for this magnificent post. The Self Storage Wimbledon

    ReplyDelete
  42. Your blog isn’t simply important yet it is moreover very imaginative also. I genuinely loved examining your blog. Professional House Cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  43. Your blog isn’t simply significant yet it is besides incredibly creative too. I really loved scrutinizing your blog. Professional Mortgage Broker

    ReplyDelete
  44. As I might want to think, if all site administrators and bloggers made extraordinary substance as you did, the web will be significantly more accommodating than some other time in ongoing memory. Psychiatrist Service

    ReplyDelete
  45. I will visit bit by bit your blog since I know. It might be amazingly essential to me. Personal Injury Attorney Review

    ReplyDelete
  46. As I might want to think, if all site administrators and bloggers made incredible substance as you did, the web will be substantially more accommodating than some other time in late memory. Absolute Special Door Service

    ReplyDelete
  47. Dazzling, brilliant post. I’d like to draft like this also – taking the time and certified troublesome work to make a phenomenal article. Criminal Justice Special Attorney

    ReplyDelete
  48. I’m perky I found this blog! Every once in a while, understudies need to intellectually the keys of helpful savvy papers encircling. Expert Dentist

    ReplyDelete
  49. Much gratefυlness for you actually for some of your answers and needing each last idea around one of your to the achievement tο the undertaking recuperation that will be expert. Insurance Agency Service

    ReplyDelete
  50. Most of the time I like to read digital marketing related blogs. Extremely thankful to you for sharing such information. Read some of the important Digital marketing related post or videos below - Digital kaksha guru
    digital videos

    ReplyDelete
  51. I feel extremely appreciative that I read this. It is extremely useful and enlightening and I truly took in a ton from it. http://hikinginsightservicereview.simplesite.com/

    ReplyDelete
  52. Much appreciation to you for this bewildering post, I am stunning I saw this site on Google. Substance, truly, nonetheless, the entire site is furthermore amazing. Going to be

    ReplyDelete
  53. Much appreciation to you for this confusing post, I am stunning I saw this site on Google. Substance, truly, regardless, the entire site is staggering. Going to be

    ReplyDelete
  54. I truly appreciate basically examining the total of your weblogs. In a general sense expected to urge you that you have individuals like me who like your work. The Grocers

    ReplyDelete
  55. I like the subject that you have remembered about the importance of progress for relationship for the irrefutable level world buy 1000 youtube subscribers for $5

    ReplyDelete