The Rock, The Character, Is A Jerk

[Jenna.]

Cena walked away because that's what the story called for. Storyline wise he probably WAS giving The Rock "his time". He applauded, just like classy Cena always does. In other words, it's exactly what the WWE wanted to have happen... And it did.

And storyline wise, The Rock called him back to make the character John Cena feel like a complete piece of crap.

But in reality, both guys were playing to the emotions of the crowd. They embraced their strengths and weaknesses witht he crowd and embraced them.

Storyline wise in my opinion, Cena walked away because essentially no one wanted him there, so he did the "classy" thing by walking away. And like you said storyline wise The Rock made him feel like crap by calling him back.

I just don't get the logic that Cena was giving him his time. He didn't needed it like I stated before. After the ppv ended for a good 7 minutes or so he even had more time with the fans. Any other time, Cena celebrates with the legends. Or he'll stand off to the side until he gets the ok from the legend. Why was it different now?

Think about it. You're not gonna stand around and wait to get booed, while someone else is getting praised like crazy.

 

[akrassikauda]

Cena walked away because that's what the story called for. Storyline wise he probably WAS giving The Rock "his time". He applauded, just like classy Cena always does. In other words, it's exactly what the WWE wanted to have happen... And it did.

And storyline wise, The Rock called him back to make the character John Cena feel like a complete piece of crap.

But in reality, both guys were playing to the emotions of the crowd. They embraced their strengths and weaknesses witht he crowd and embraced them.

This is what the OP wrote about the character being a jerk everything you said is why the character is a jerk. Here's Cena doing the right thing giving Rock his time with the crowd then Rock just totally disrespected him. That's a jerk.

 

[Workrate]

I get the feeling that one of two things is happening: they're actually going to turn Cena or they're trying to make The Rock such a jerk that the audience reaction levels out a bit and becomes even for both guys. You know, almost like directing sympathy towards Cena's character.

I thought last night's ending was pretty absurd, if only from the aspect of basically highlighting that the biggest guy of the last half decade or so isn't worth marbles compared to the last great era's star. I also thought the match itself played out sort of weird, with Cena getting kicked around the whole time. It's the only time I can ever remember where he was buried -- in this case by both his opponents and partner.

Of course, the commentators pointed it out at one point: why should The Rock care about last night's match? It served no purpose for him. He had no beef with the guys across the ring and he was a begrudging partner. I think his behavior conveyed that.

 

[Trail_Blazin]

Storyline wise in my opinion, Cena walked away because essentially no one wanted him there, so he did the "classy" thing by walking away. And like you said storyline wise The Rock made him feel like crap by calling him back.

I just don't get the logic that Cena was giving him his time. He didn't needed it like I stated before. After the ppv ended for a good 7 minutes or so he even had more time with the fans. Any other time, Cena celebrates with the legends. Or he'll stand off to the side until he gets the ok from the legend. Why was it different now?

Think about it. You're not gonna stand around and wait to get booed, while someone else is getting praised like crazy.

Because it makes sense. Cena knows Rock doesn't like him... And while he won't back down from Rock, he's kinda like the kid in high school who wanted to fit in with the "cool kid" because he wanted the respect of the "cool kids" friends. He tries to show respect and show that he appreciates the "cool kid" but deep down he knew that The Rock didn't want him anywhere near the ring, and he knew that he would never get the cheers The Rock did. So he walked away. He was, to use a catchphrase, "Rising Above Hate".

And The Rock, to use his catch phrase, called him back to put "Boots to Asses" and humiliate the guy.

It's a classic bully/anti-bully story.

The Rock is an AWESOME bully figure here. Like I said, I'm a huge fan, not really a big Cena fan, although I like him more than most do. But man I respect the hell out of what both of them are doing.

 

[BASSER911414]

This is what the OP wrote about the character being a jerk everything you said is why the character is a jerk. Here's Cena doing the right thing giving Rock his time with the crowd then Rock just totally disrespected him. That's a jerk.

Ever heard the phrase wrestling is scripted. Either ur a dumbass or u never had that talk with ur parents.

What did u expect Cena to walk away after winning ? Although it was badly implemented, the Cena/Rock feud will be kept alive this way. The audience was getting the feeling that the rock and cena are being chummy now but hell no. u cant have a main event at wm28 with the main eventers being friends.

I wouldve gone with a staredown after posing and come to blows with them being separated or something. Or even have Cena AA the rock to make the audience hate him more. Like what HBK did to hogan. The rock rock bottoming Cena was the third best option frm my POV. Keeps the feud alive and the rock stands tall at the end of the day

 

[Jenna.]

Because it makes sense. Cena knows Rock doesn't like him... And while he won't back down from Rock, he's kinda like the kid in high school who wanted to fit in with the "cool kid" because he wanted the respect of the "cool kids" friends. He tries to show respect and show that he appreciates the "cool kid" but deep down he knew that The Rock didn't want him anywhere near the ring, and he knew that he would never get the cheers The Rock did. So he walked away. He was, to use a catchphrase, "Rising Above Hate".

And The Rock, to use his catch phrase, called him back to put "Boots to Asses" and humiliate the guy.

It's a classic bully/anti-bully story.

The Rock is an AWESOME bully figure here. Like I said, I'm a huge fan, not really a big Cena fan, although I like him more than most do. But man I respect the hell out of what both of them are doing.

But then with that said, that's different from him giving The Rock his time. I get THAT logic. He walked away because he knew The Rock didn't want him there, and he wouldn't get the same cheers.

That's pretty much what I said. He walked away because he couldn't hang. I don't buy "oh he walked away because he was giving The Rock his time" No he walked away because he wasn't like and wouldn't get the response Dwayne did.

And I agree. I respect Cena for his work ethic, but I can't get with that character.

Nice analogies btw.

 

[Master_MIND]

Of course The Rock is a jerk, he always has been...why? Because that's who THE ROCK is!

Would you being saying the same thing if it was Austin instead of The Rock? Because if it was he would be giving Cena the finger, stunning him and pouring beer on him after. Kinda a jerk move to but it would also be funny and entertaining.

Nowadays in wrestling when a guy turns face they automatically start smiling and waving to the crowd like a fucking clown. It's why people start to hate them.

Look at Big Show when he's heel he's mean...then when he's face he smiles and waves.....so does Ezekiel Jackson, so did Mark Henry on Raw, so did MVP which was completely AGAINST the character. Mason Ryan is doing it too. It's a stupid formula WWE uses for faces now. Look at Ted DiBiase.....holy fuck the DiBiase Posse...wow that's gold...he's gonna get so over with that one.

Randy Orton smiles like a chump now too and everyone can see where his momentum is heading.

The Rock is a jerk, but he's cool and he's funny....and most of all entertaining. So was Austin, so was HBK in the 90s. It's wrestling, guys are supposed to be jerks.

And for all the people that say they don't want Rock around anymore what would you prefer? Let me guess Cena vs Ryder vs Morrison at WM28...WOW what a draw that would be!

 

[Trail_Blazin]

But then with that said, that's different from him giving The Rock his time. I get THAT logic. He walked away because he knew The Rock didn't want him there, and he wouldn't get the same cheers.

That's pretty much what I said. He walked away because he couldn't hang. I don't buy "oh he walked away because he was giving The Rock his time" No he walked away because he wasn't like and wouldn't get the response Dwayne did.

And I agree. I respect Cena for his work ethic, but I can't get with that character.

Nice analogies btw.

Yeah, you pretty much did say that, looking back on it. I just wish that people would learn to accept that things are developed for a storyline. The in-ring action, although choreographed, is real. They actually have to do those things. Sin Cara blew out his knee when he attempted that jump last night. Injuries happen, it's real. Outcomes aren't. Hitting people with moves aren't (well, at least the devastation that looked to be caused by getting hit), but that stuff takes big time athleticism and attention to detail.

Storylines, however, are completely fake, and manufactured to be entertaining. Some storylines stink. (Mark Henry and Mae Young giving birth to a hand ring a bell?) Some are great. This one is getting people invested, even if they say they don't like it.

Give credit where credit is due. These two guys are producing an epic feud.

It could be better, for sure. The WM match reveal happened too soon. They should be building to it. But these guys are making the most of it.

The only people I feel for in this whole thing are Miz/Truth. They're getting buried. But maybe they were promised a major push afterwards.

 

[SPR*VLN]

Wow kinda shocked. Aren't you the same guys that went apesh*t when he returned earlier this year? Said his promo skills are excellent? Many fail to realize people grow up and evolve. Jericho did it. When everyone wanted the '99-'05 Jericho he switched it up. Cena hasn't switched it up and look at him, most hated. Seriously y'all are mad wishy washy.

 

[Marv95]

Definitely not, considering hardcore matches, strip shows, bikini contests, blood, swearing & "badass" characters were around until mid-2008, when Linda McMahon first started making her plans to run, then fully adapted in 2009 when she announced she was running for office and they're still in effect today because... she's running for office again.

Actually they were around until mid 2007 after the Benoit tragedy. That's when I noticed things were going in a different direction. The cussing became much limited, they took away the T&A for the most part, blood and hardcore weren't used as much, and of course Hornswoggle's massive push. They were going to tone it down anyway with Linda running but it started with in 2007 Benoit and then Mattel.

As for the Rock, he's the Johnny Bravo of WWE. Only more humble.

 

[Jenna.]

Yeah, you pretty much did say that, looking back on it. I just wish that people would learn to accept that things are developed for a storyline. The in-ring action, although choreographed, is real. They actually have to do those things. Sin Cara blew out his knee when he attempted that jump last night. Injuries happen, it's real. Outcomes aren't. Hitting people with moves aren't (well, at least the devastation that looked to be caused by getting hit), but that stuff takes big time athleticism and attention to detail.

Storylines, however, are completely fake, and manufactured to be entertaining. Some storylines stink. (Mark Henry and Mae Young giving birth to a hand ring a bell?) Some are great. This one is getting people invested, even if they say they don't like it.

Give credit where credit is due. These two guys are producing an epic feud.

It could be better, for sure. The WM match reveal happened too soon. They should be building to it. But these guys are making the most of it.

The only people I feel for in this whole thing are Miz/Truth. They're getting buried. But maybe they were promised a major push afterwards.

Yeah the angle from where I was sitting, Sin Cara took a pretty nasty fall. I even wonder if the outcome to the match was suppose to happen like that.

But I agree, many people don't know the difference between a storyline and reality which is pretty sad.

And I agree with the two of them putting on an epic feud, that's why I don't understand why so many people on here complained about this match or constantly complaining about the feud in general. I think it's progressing nicely into WM28.

I don't really think Miz and Truth got buried.(Lol maybe I'm just biased since I wanted to see The Rock whoop ass and win.) They can easily (and hopefully) come out tonight on Raw or whatever and bitch and moan about there still being a conspiracy. Idk I can see them really running away with this storyline if executed right.

 

[[cL]]

Rock is boring now, and I wish he'd go away forever again. He was WAY better in the ring than I thought he'd be last night, though.

My big problem with Rock right now isn't that he's "heelish", it's that he's lost his promo ability. What was once his only great skill, he has let it deteriorate. Continually repeating himself, trying to get over that lame "Boots to asses" catchphrase that continues to fail. He's become a shell of what he once was.

Trying to get over that lame "boots to asses" catchphrase that continues to fail.


Are you serious????
It trended on twitter worldwide within moments after he said it.
The crowd in Boston chanted it for minutes after he said it
The crowd in NY chanted it for minutes during the match last night...
Trying to get over.....He's lost his promo ability? If he has, he is still light years beyond anyone on the roster besides Punk.
Lost his promo ability....
lolololololol...thats the funniest crap i've read all morning.
Thanks.

 

[I_Like_All_Wrestling]

Yes. The Rock does at like a jerk at times. He does things like squirting water on a camera guy post match...but that's the kind of thin The Rock character does. I do kind of wish he would scale down on being a jerk a little though.

However, the premise of this entire feud, storyline wise, is based on the idea that John Cena talks about how The Rock doesn't care about fans and lied to them about coming back. The Rock is showing Cena that he does care about the fans and that he's there to entertain them. The point is for him to show how good is he (and like it or not, even at this point, he's light years ahead of every, EVERYONE in the WWE right now) and show that the fans love him.

Remember though, that the overall point of this is to build up The Rock and play on who he is, only to have him lose to Cena at Wrestlemania. After that I fully expect him to cut a promo talking about how he respects Cena and he a great wrestler and he's a leader. That is going to happen.

As for people in the beginning of the thread saying he's "a shell of himself" are you kidding? 10% of him is better than 100% of the roster right now, both in ring and on the mic. Yes, his promos are not as good as they used to be, but they destroy everyone else.

 

[Hulk Hogan's Brother]

Duh. Your conclusion is wrong because of two reasons, OP. Firstly, if you do heelish things to a heel your actions are feted, not condemned. Whether that reaction is deserved or not, John Cena is a heel for a lot of people out there. He irritates a lot of people and when The Rock hands his ass out to him, people are bound to love him. John Cena is the face of the PG Era, a bit too goody two shoes and a guy who almost never loses. Rock is almost the opposite character wise and is dominating Cena. How can the ones who are not liking Cena not like what Rock is doing?

Secondly, The Rock is not some character debuting in 2011. He is a legend of the business and one of the most loved superstars of all time who has returned to the ring after 7 years. That alone is something that will command adulation from the wrestling fans, majority of whom happen to be very nostalgic. You think he is behaving like a jerk. Well, the thing is that he could get away with a lot more if he wanted to. That is what makes him "The Rock".

And finally, it is really dumb to call people dumb for being nostalgic or for liking a certain type of superstar or product. Firstly, nostalgia is something that is not exclusive to wrestling and if someone can generate nostalgia, that alone shows how damn good that guy is. Secondly, this is a show about men pretending to fight other men in underpants. There can be no correct reason for liking this product. Being a PG era defender or a hardcore Cena mark is just as bad as being a Attitude Era fanboy and showing a middle finger to all the other eras of wrestling. Some of you would do well to get that.

 

[Dominiho]

I agree with both comments here, his promos have been too long winded, for example the one where he dissed Cena while at his house via satelite, went on for 10mins and was poor. The whole boots to asses thing is also a poor catchphrase. However, he is limited to what he can say due to the whole PG rating

 

[[cL]]

When the Rock wrestled full time...even as a heel he was getting cheers. To be fair...the top babyface attacked Rock first in real life. Rock's comments and jokes reflected how some fans view John Cena.

Yes Rock has been away for seven years, but he paid his dues and helped carry this company before Cena even stepped into a ring to train. Rock was smart, he went out on top. He wasn't going to be like Hogan or flair and stay in the game well past his prime.

He "interfered" in the title match at WM to help setup this years match and the year long feud.

He resorted to post-match attacks because its what needed to be done. Rock is viewed as the stronger of the 2. Had Cena attacked him, he would've goten booed out of the building. Rock attacking Cena makes Rock get cheered while also making Cena look like HE was the victim.

Rock vs Cena is a generation vs generation rub. Its kinda like a...passing of the torch. Rock had it done with Hogan and now Cena is doing it with Rock.

Even if they were to turn rock full blown heel for their WM match, he would STILL get bigger cheers than Cena.

I think people are doing all they can to get the people on the message boards to try and change their minds about Cena. The fact is what The Rock did last night, was BRILLIANT.
He furthered the storyline.
Thats what he was SUPPOSED to do.
He's not the heel, he's the legend. He's going to get cheered no matter what he does.
Last night when he called Cena back to the ring, it was to show him what its like to be respected by the fans. The people who love Cena were not able to drown out the people who hate him.
To be honest, Cena started this WHOLE thing when he ran his mouth about the Rock in 2007. So he's acting like someone who's character was attacked and love for the business, questioned. Of COURSE he's going to act that way.

 

[I_got_bant_for_idiocy]

Everybody that is bitching and complaining about the rock let me remind you about acouple things if the rock didnt come back

Your survivor series mainevent would of bin something like

John cena/sheamus/randy orton/mason ryan/ vs wade/cody/miz/ rtruth

which would of ended up been wade,cody and miz and rtruth against the soul survivor john cena who would of Super cena up and eliminated everyone ONE by ONE oh yeah its true, than the exact same people bitching about the rock would be bitching about super cena winning the survivor series.. You guys are the reason why vince doesnt give a rats ass what you say. Your bitching and complaining doesnt make him money the rock makes him money, cena makes him money. Numbers dont lie..

 

[LSN80]

Yes, Rock is a jerk. When has this become old news?

For some reason, Ive always been of the type that cheers the face, regardless of whether or not the heel is better then the face. Yet, Ive never been able to cheer Rock in any situation. I've never been a fan of the pandering, I'm better then you showmanship he's displayed, yet I'd be foolish if I didn't give a nod to him and realize that regardless of what I think of him, he's one of the all-time greats.

For those who say his schtick has gotten old, I could see that being the case if this was 10 years ago. You know, when he was actually here all the time? Now, even with him wrestling in the main event of Survivor Series, and the main event of Wrestlemania 28, he still has made less then 10 appearances this year between satellite and personal appearances. How can his over-the-top schtick have grown old so quickly when Zach Ryder, another man with an over-the-top gimmick who's there every week, hasn't amongst most of us?

I don't fault those who consider Rock to be a jerk, my guess is most of you are younger and have only a brief memory of the time where the Rock was most prominent. And there's nothing wrong with that. Just consider that he simply has and is doing nothing more then he did in the past. So if you don't like the tweener character he portrays now, chances are, you never would have.

 

[RJJ]

Oh, you didn't know? That's what the character "The Rock" is all about. It's supposed to be that arrogant, egotistic, big mouth, respects no one, self-centerd prick, who believes that he's the greatest thing to ever happen in earth. That's the rock, hell that's why people love him. The more he do such things the more people love him. lol we're not even talking about 1999 rock...


As far as his performance last night....just WOW almost 40 and he's still got it, to be honest I never that he'd be that good in the ring after all that time away. And for all those who questioned his in-ring ability, you need to do your homework and watch some of the old rocky maivia matches. As far as the promo goes, I really liked it, it did agreat job to pumped up the crowd for the main event.

 

[Ortonmaniac]

Yes exactly. As I said in a thread about a month ago he is just plain boring to me anymore. And the heel Rock got brought up, what I dont understand is The Rock kinda taking shots at Cenas Rise Above Hate message. I dont see whats to make fun of that its a very good message. Keep the boring fruity pebbles joke going but taking shots at that is just stupid

 

[Str8Edge]

The Rock came of like a real dick last night. Also, I'm one of those "Cena Haters" and hate him with such a passion but last night I felt bad for him for the first time in my life. The Rock makes him look like shit and treats him so. I understand they have to further their storyline for Wrestlemania but at this point, if Rock continues this asshole/better than you so ill treat you like shit attitude I can't see myself cheering for Rocky.

 

[VinnieSunshine]

I think people are doing all they can to get the people on the message boards to try and change their minds about Cena. The fact is what The Rock did last night, was BRILLIANT.
He furthered the storyline.
Thats what he was SUPPOSED to do.
He's not the heel, he's the legend. He's going to get cheered no matter what he does.
Last night when he called Cena back to the ring, it was to show him what its like to be respected by the fans. The people who love Cena were not able to drown out the people who hate him.
To be honest, Cena started this WHOLE thing when he ran his mouth about the Rock in 2007. So he's acting like someone who's character was attacked and love for the business, questioned. Of COURSE he's going to act that way.

I think you misunderstand what I said. Im not trying to change anyone's opinion of any superstar...hell I embrace opinions! I just cant stand when douchewads come on here an attack other posters or superstars without FACTS!

Did SS end how we all thought it would end? Yes. Did it end how we WANTED it to end? No. Cena wasn't going to turn on Rock and go heel.

I PERSONALLY think that, with the way WWE booked Awesome Truth...they should've won last night. WWE should've played it off for weeks that Cena needed help, so he called the Rock, a man who he has been semi feuding with for months. The match should've shown that they cant co-exist which would lead Awesome Truth to win. Them losing did NOTHING to help establish them...either has the last few weeks. Miz and Truth have just been pawns in this storyline to help push Rock vs Cena.

This whole storyline is being made out to be like Cena is jealous of Rock and his popularity, how Cena will never match that because he cant get the FULL respect of the fans.

Once Rock walks away for a few weeks/months its going to be business as usual.

I like Rocky, LOVE HIM. He still makes me mark out. But WWE cant keep going to the legends well whenever they need to help push a storyline. The match at Mania could be used to help further someone not already established. Make a mid-carder, build him up and feud him with Cena, proclaiming that Cena is the new top dog to beat. Would said new guy lose...yes, BUT, it would be a 5 star match.

Rock is part-time. He comes in, does his thing once and a while with Cena and then leaves for awhile.

Once Mania is over...what happens?

 

[Trail_Blazin]

Once Mania is over...what happens?

We'll see. The Rock did say, earlier this year, he was back.

I took that to mean he'll be in the WWE (as a severely part time attraction) for the long haul. But we'll find out.

 

[chris21]

The Rock came of like a real dick last night. Also, I'm one of those "Cena Haters" and hate him with such a passion but last night I felt bad for him for the first time in my life. The Rock makes him look like shit and treats him so. I understand they have to further their storyline for Wrestlemania but at this point, if Rock continues this asshole/better than you so ill treat you like shit attitude I can't see myself cheering for Rocky.

ITS HIS CHARACTER!

He has always insulted everyone no matter who it is. I personally think the Rock is doing this even more because when Cena beats him at WM it will look like Cena has overcome the bully so to speak. But we will see.

It was great to see him shake everyone's hand at the end too. Man how good does it feel to him back seriously. I never ever thought he'd return after so long but to come back and still be so good is amazing. A lot of respect for him. And Cena too, he's doing his job very well too. Can't wait for WM!

 

[LoudClearVoice]

We'll see. The Rock did say, earlier this year, he was back.

I took that to mean he'll be in the WWE (as a severely part time attraction) for the long haul. But we'll find out.

Everyone knows he's a full time Hollywood actor. He is not saying and never said, he's a full time wrestler, coming back full time.

When he gave his word that he's never going away, what he meant, in my opinion is that he'll always be involved in some way whether it's coming back for a promo or something or as guest ref or coming back for some special edition of raw (like how stone cold does). All the Little Jimmies will criticize when he doesn't come back full time after Mania, but it's obvious he never meant he's coming back full time.

Before this comeback, he always said he never would return to the ring and really wanted nothing to do with WWE. Now that he's "back" it means he's back associating himself with WWE and bringing back the Rock character.