The Rock at Survivor Series: A career defined in three moments

[C-40]

The Rock at Survivor Series: A career defined in three moments​

Survivor Series stretches so far back into WWE history that it sits behind only WrestleMania in the pantheon of pay-per-view events. Over the course of three decades, Survivor Series has featured an abundance of iconic moments -- the starts of careers, the ends of eras and some of the most shocking matches the WWE has ever had. But the career that changed the most at Survivor Series, and in turn helped shape the history of the event as much as anyone ever has, is that of The Rock. There were moments throughout his WWE tenure that continue to resonate, but three major phases of the Great One's career were largely defined by moments that took place at Survivor Series.

Click Here For Full Story

 

[jack]

Thanks for proving my point so sweetly.

BUSTED

 

[C-40]

Survivor Series 1996: The dawn of a brilliant career at MSG​

Who would have thought that this constantly grinning character, who was almost too giddy to be a legitimate threat, with ring attire that looked out of place even in a cartoon era as he walked to the ring for his first big match in Madison Square Garden, would have turned into the most electrifying man in sports entertainment? Despite the unfortunate reliance on tassels and a similarly tragic haircut, the man who was at that point referred to as Rocky Maivia showed flashes of a quickness, agility and strength that would eventually help him to become a generational talent.

He teamed up with Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Marc Mero and The Stalker (one of Barry Windham's alternate personas) to take on Triple H, Goldust, Crush and Jerry "The King" Lawler. Despite the talent featured in the match, this was The Rock's showcase. After eliminating Crush and Goldust, The Rock was the sole survivor for his team in his debut match -- a hell of a way to begin the Hall of Fame-worthy career that ensued.

But the character and his rapid ascent would ultimate lead to a tremendous backlash against The Rock. He'd become Intercontinental champion, but the crowd would ultimately go so far as to make signs and chant things like "Die Rocky Die." It was this key moment that pushed The Rock into the Nation of Domination, where he was able to put his charisma and dynamic personality on display. Just a couple of years into his career, The Rock would make a major leap towards greatness.

 

[jack]

Thanks for proving my point so sweetly.

BUSTED