Dwayne Johnson VS The Rock

[H33LTurn]

I completely agree with this. I've been going back, as of late, and looking over a few of The Rock's promos and he was nothing compared to what Dwayne does today. I think Dwayne still tries, like his promo against Cena, but the nostalgia element is running its course, and as you can tell from the lackluster pop he got at Old School RAW, it isnt going to last forever. Whenever The Rock plays a face the crowd comepletly turns against him because The Rock isnt supposed to be the nice hero that comes in to save the day. The Rock was, during his rise, Steve Austin's antagonist, during his zenith the cocky Hollywood success story, and all in between that a workhorse whom the crowd was dying to see cut a promo. Dwayne isnt that. The ear to ear smiles, the corny stories. It would be great for a little stint before being inducted into the HOF or something, but hes the WWE champion. We expect him to carry himself in any way other than "yup, I'm amazing. And after Wrestlemania I'll be leaving again. Oh I know that you know, I'm not even going to try to fake it".

[zhaff2004]

Originally Posted by H33LTurn

I completely agree with this. I've been going back, as of late, and looking over a few of The Rock's promos and he was nothing compared to what Dwayne does today. I think Dwayne still tries, like his promo against Cena, but the nostalgia element is running its course, and as you can tell from the lackluster pop he got at Old School RAW, it isnt going to last forever. Whenever The Rock plays a face the crowd comepletly turns against him because The Rock isnt supposed to be the nice hero that comes in to save the day. The Rock was, during his rise, Steve Austin's antagonist, during his zenith the cocky Hollywood success story, and all in between that a workhorse whom the crowd was dying to see cut a promo. Dwayne isnt that. The ear to ear smiles, the corny stories. It would be great for a little stint before being inducted into the HOF or something, but hes the WWE champion. We expect him to carry himself in any way other than "yup, I'm amazing. And after Wrestlemania I'll be leaving again. Oh I know that you know, I'm not even going to try to fake it".

This is just it. I think people kinda missed my point. I still go back and watch old Rocky promos fairly often, (mostly when I'm trying to avoid studying) thing with it is that just about every promo I watch of his from 2003 backward is damn entertaining. Its not about being too mature to enjoy it any more... I'm in my 4th year of university and listening to him talk any time between 98 - 03 is just pure gold. Electricity, energy, delivery and above all else, they were entertaining.

[Jmallett]

Originally Posted by Caitiff

I'm going to call BS on the last part of this. "The Rock's" schtick was stale as all hell before he left the first time. He was, literally, doing precisely dick, outside of demanding that the crowd cheer for him and spew forth tired catchphrase after tired catchphrase. And, of course, the crowd did cheer, for the exact same reasons they still do. They did it because a group of sheep can only function if they are all accepted. There's a reason the term "Black Sheep" exists. It's because the one that's different is shunned by all.

So, they cheer, because that's what's expected of them to be "normal," and thus, accepted. It's true today, even more-so than it was then. Seriously, who in the hell in 2013 knows what "Cookie-Puss" is? It's just childish, borderline retarded insult after childish borderline retarded insult, the same as it's always been. Why doesn't it work as well today as it did then? Because the people weren't taught, for years, to be sheep, who only strive to serve at the altar of one man's ego.

When "The Rock" was the self-proclaimed "People's Champion," (Which is a term that one can NEVER give to himself, but that's another rant, entirely.)he still portrayed himself as being above the people. Naturally, people are drawn to that kind of person, because too many people want to BE that kind of person. Too many people want to be the douchebag that refers to himself in the third person, and doesn't get the living crap kicked out of him for his own douchebagery.

Seriously, if "The Rock" were actually booked to lose the big matches, he would never have been as popular as he was. But, he was booked to look like the alpha male, while push after push was sacrificed at the altar of "The Rock." Don't believe me? Watch Chris Jericho's WWF debut again, and try to tell me that his momentum didn't significantly slow, by the end of that exchange.

Or, I'll do another example. During the Invasion angle, there was a big brawl between both sides. Booker T was clearing out people. "The Rock" was clearing out people. They finally come face to face with each other, and "The Rock" looks at Booker T, and says "who are you?" Keep in mind that Booker T was the WCW Champion, at the time! He said that to THE top guy in the main opposing faction! (By the way, when asked about why he never signed with WWF after the buyout, Sting gave this very segment as his reason. He knew, at that moment, that he would never stand a chance of being treated with respect, because "The Rock" simply doesn't know how to be respectful.... To anyone.

Screw Dwayne. Screw "The Rock." And, I can, thankfully, be one of those people who can, honestly and with a straight face, say that I never liked the son of a bitch.

Ok BS the rock put more ppl over than Austin Hogan and Cena combined let's see Austin put over rock in his last match Hogan put warrior over Cena put over cm punk but the rock put over
Ken shamrock the hurricane evolution Mick Foley billy Gunn triple h constant only to get nothing in return presumably Cena now yeah also Jericho yeah no respect he basically has the worst win lose ratio of the legends and dint forget Brock Lesnar


Posted from Wrestlezone.com App for Android

[Jenna.]

I'm basically reiterating what others have basically said on here, but essentially The Rock or Dwayne or whatever you want to call him has evolved with the times. Rocky Maivia was humble, hungry and an all around good guy. It went well with the current era of the WWF at the time, then we went into the Attitude Era, everything was taken up another notch. Everything was bad ass so Maivia then became The Rock an arrogant I don't give a fuck character. After 2000 as his popularity was at an all time high, he was still arrogant but now he was for the people because they made him who he was. IE: The People's Champion. When he left and went Hollywood, his heel character was arrogant but more of a goof ball using a little more comedy in his schtick, and now the current Rock's character has more so come full circle. He doesn't have to be arrogant and be a bad ass. His legacy backs up that he's The Great One, and that's why we have The Rock we have now. Not only because it's the PG era, but he doesn't need to be over the top and be arrogant. It's more so to prove that he is the all time greatest and to pass the torch. I mean think about it. If we had the same arrogant Rock from 98-00 it would COMPLETELY overshadow the talent now. People would really be complaining how he's buring the current roster.

And this is what a lot of people are not understanding. Granted you don't have to like him, but calling him selfish or buring the roster or whatever bullshit comments is ridiculous. All the times this man has put others over, never walked out WM with the title etc, I can't see how anyone wouldn't think he's for the company with stuff like this. I love how people complained about Punk dropping the belt to Rock, but he lowkey was put over by him at the same time. I mean this man now has possiblity the biggest match of his career against the freakin Undertaker at WM. Punk's career was completely elevated by this encounter by Dwayne title or not.

I can admit that some of his promos aren't as captivating like in the past, but it's better than what we deal with week in and week out. Not only that but you have to really analyze the situation. He's older and the times have changed, that over arrogant swearing asshole can't function in the PG Era. And again people complain about the childish jokes and gay jokes and that it's the same ol same ol, but people really need to get over themselves, because 99.8% of the time we joke like that with our friends or laugh at stupid humor shit like Superbad or The Hangover. He jokes and still can pull off a great serious promo like last week. That shows he's versatile. To say he has gotten stale is a stretch, the pops he still gets and the reactions he gets only proves otherwise.

We're just witnessing an all time legend come full circle with his wrestling career.

[SinCityBlitz]

Originally Posted by Killjoy.exe

I don't know how many documentaries regarding the Attitude Era have to be made to drive the point that "The Rock" is just "Dwayne being himself" before people give up on the "he's acting" crap.

As for on the mic, he's the same today as he was back in 2000. Nothing's changed. Of course he's not going to make you jizz a rainbow out of your mouth every time he grabs the mic, some of his promo's were better than others. Sometimes he was good, sometimes he was great.

The Rock and Dwayne Johnson couldn't be any more different. He is very little like his character at all. In real life the guy is very humble. Of course he has an ego but everyone does but unlike most Dwayne knows when to put it away. He pissed me off when he tried to distance himself from wrestling but that is a different topic. I am just glad that he woke up and realized he was doing wrong.

His interviews with Cena(the later ones not the fruity pebble ones)are pretty intense. I think his interviews style changed a little because of the PG but is basically the same as when he wrestled full time. He is GREAT when intense but I don't really care for the fruity pebble type stuff.

[One to Remember]

Originally Posted by Mr. HD

That's what The Rock does. What did you want him to say? "Booker T., we finally meet face to face!" No. Besides, all due respect to Booker, it's still Booker. Rock wouldn't say "Who in the blue hell are YOU?" to STING of all people. Come on now. Also, around that time, Austin was in the Alliance so Booker wasn't exactly the top guy in the opposing faction anymore.

What in the hell are you talking about? He would had said that to anyone because that is the attitude his persona produced. Book has been a top name in WCW since 2000 but he was already prominent as a tag team legend on par with a Road Warrior or a Steiner or a Midnight Rocker..
He would had said it to Sting, he would had belittled Flair, made a bottoms up gesture at Scott Hall, and so on.

The Rock didn't change, he just evolved IMO. This is due partly to the whole PG Era having an effect on him. I don't get people complaining about Rock and his shtick. This what The Rock does. He uses catchphrases. Just because he doesn't have sideburns, wear sunglasses and refer to himself in the third person anymore doesn't mean he's not the same guy. He's just evolved. I never understood that.

I don't

Okay, there are different levels in evolution and they can only be so close before they became separate. The Rock right after the NOD Rock was way different due to his attitude, not the words he used. The sideburns were a '90s thing but they are a sign of rebellion too when everyone is pressured to lose them. Wearing sunglasses at night and not showing your eyes to people who need to see them is rogue and out of order outright. There is a difference between cocky and smug. Full of it and confident. The old Rock was not under the jurisdiction of the fanbase be him good or bad. In his evolved form he actually acknowledges the audience.. The old Rock was above them.

People just find reasons to shit on The Rock because he "got out" unlike certain wrestlers who are still on TV to this day. He became successful in a profession other than wrestling and it annoys people. In fact, I remember in 2003, he said this very thing in a promo. Not exactly quoted, but he said when you go on and become successful, the people will turn on you and it was becoming apparent.

Your confusing envy with ruffled feathers. It was worthy of a hostile response when Johnson behaved above wrestler or embarrassed of it. It was juvenile and hypocritical because he wasn't too embarrassed to cash his WWF checks at a bank. He also got a hostile response because he eased out a bit too quick. They felt disrespected because he changed his showbiz name even though his WWF persona would inspire the roles he was even considered for.

At the end of the day, WWE needs The Rock more than Rock needs WWE. Rock is climbing the ranks at Hollywood with his movies, starring in multiple of them, and still has the time to make appearances. If he didn't care, you wouldn't have heard a peep from him in the 7 years he was gone. He still was able to treat the fans to some good old Rock when he had the chance. His mainstream appeal and nostalgia factor come into play. Why else did WrestleMania do 1 Million buys last year? Even as an A Lister these days, and his loaded filming schedule, he still finds the time to entertain the people, and give guys like Punk the rub.

WWE doesn't need the Rock like WCW didn't need the NWO in 2000, ECW couldn't be saved by Snuka in 2001 and Verne Gagne did the AWA no favors by having title reigns past '75..
WWE likes to utilize crutches out of paranoia. We have not seen what happens when Vince McMahon lets things play out w/o reaching for a trump card in fear. Its speculation.
He might make returns to not look like he switched up.. People in all arenas don't like people who do that. He may be doing it as a nod to his family.
It might be free advertising for him or it might be a means to get WWE fans to embrace a project already coming down the pipeline..

Originally Posted by kwig2121

Austin went Hollywood and he hasn't come back! Arguably you could say he turned his back on WWE. We the fans clamor for one more match! We tweet. We hit the internet blog, no response! Austin doesn't even show up on the Raw's for the big specials. No appearances. Makes weak injury excuses, my knees, an accident, my back, my neck, and YOU still clamor for him. Don't get me wrong I like SCA, but WWE made him. And he is barely a B list actor, and you can't show up on RAW??

You sound like some middle school girl that got stood up at the prom..
Austin's issues are either with WWE or McMahon depending on how you look at it. Because he had an issue with WWF storylines doesnt mean he declared war on wrestling. Quit taking his gripes out of context on purpose. If he is an old skool guy or an Attitude Era guy and WWE represents neither of those to him he can pull a Bruno and just not recognize what's current. If Paul E. was running a re established ECW based on the old one Austin would show his face there.. If the Governor of Texas made some speech about the Sportatorium Austin would be there. Austin has WWE issues, not wrestling issues.

You have no point about him being a B actor because you don't know if hes destitute, if he values money at all, or a media whore. He isn't a Kardashian, he can decline tv time.. As far as your remarks about the Rock making bank, how do you know after he makes 15 million that 14.5 million goes into a retirement account? You don't.. Plenty of celebs who make more then him have wound up with less then you.. He may just be able to maintain his life style, we don't know what he keeps at the end of the day.

Originally Posted by boywithbluehanger

Now for my own 2 cents: I get the feeling that the only reason why people online claim that his segments are boring now are because they're comparing his good days (now) to his "great days" (back then). Even at his worst, he's still far better at verbal delivery than CM Punk or even John Cena. If I can give an example of hypocrisy, Punk's rants and speeches since his kayfabe-breaking character retooling have been far less entertaining that any of The Rock's speeches since then. He's also failed to garner any consistent loud support/anger from the audience until he starting feuding with the Rock. And even then, Heyman was getting the bulk of the consistent responses. So if we're going to be just as harsh on others as much as The Rock, then I should see far more complaints about someone like CM Punk rather than nothing but focusing on his in-ring prowess.

Well yea because they are two different Rocks with two different attitudes, and two different sets of rules to adhere to. CM Punk isn't supposed to be the king of microphones. His kayfabe critiquing is for a certain variety of fan and is also meant to garner interest by delusional fans. The point of his speech isn't to get a pop but to clarify his stances. Its to explain his actions and then make you sympathetic enough to back his actions. He wasn't getting a crowd response because it wasn't clear if his criticisms make him a heel or just a face with gripes. Heyman is always heel, as the manager of monsters or the ECW guy in the WWE Universe..

Originally Posted by chris21

I think is his current run he is severely held back by the PG era and not only that he's held back by Vince and the writers. You can't seriously tell me the original Rock wouldn't have absolutely layed the verbal smackdown on John Cena? Sure he's given out some decent lines but it all seems to be about protecting Cena especially last year. I feel the Rock is being held back from doing what he can do and what he would have done back in the day.

Yeah because in addition to the Rock being good at it John Cena is a funny character. How do you expect a character like John Cena to hold his own against a former member of the Nation of Domination? Any member of the NOD..? The writers and PG rules are an issue because its not what the Rock does, its the fact that he does it because he feels like it. The Rock's appeal wasn't being a bad ass it was him answering to no rules or jurisdiction which by default made him bad ass..

I read an article a while back which was completely true, one of the reasons some of you (not me) are finding him boring now is because you've grown up. Its that simple for me.

That makes no sense because when we were introduced to him we weren't grown up. Maybe he grew down after we grew up.. We were even younger when he was Rocky Maivia and WWF was more PG yet we didn't like him then..

Dwayne Johnson is a great guy, sure he has an ego but I'm genuinely surprised so many seem to dislike him. He's worked his ass off for everything he's done in his life, he should be an inspiration. People really need to get over the fact he's not a wrestler any more. Its a minority mind you, most of us and the fans that actually go to events still enjoy what he's doing.

sendpm.gif

Yeah but if thats your logic explain why a wrestling fan needs to except a former wrestler has the holder of wrestling's top title? He is a caricature of himself and the question you all need to ask is how would today's Rock handle an attack from the Rock of '99? If he can't hold his own against an earlier form then thts a case in point, you can't just dismiss that problem by sayin "oh well, I am still me so he can't defeat me because we are we.." Where are his sideburns? Why can't his money be used at the same hair clinic Chavo lucked out at and why is his guitar playing as bad as it was 12 years ago? The guitar is a good point, he doesn't play at all, he was just doing a caricature of a '90s performance to get a cheap nostalgia point.