Is it fair to give Hulk Hogan credit for the movie star status The Rock has since earned? Of course not. But Hogan’s ability to elevate The Rock to a new and even loftier standing in the eyes of the entertainment world certainly didn’t hurt Dwayne Johnson. And, ultimately, Hogan’s willingness to drop the match at WrestleMania 18 was a great move for the business as it effectively moved the WWE forward. While still a living legend bigger than wrestling itself, Hulk Hogan made it clear at ‘Mania in 2002 that the future of the WWE always belongs to the young guys in the dressing room.
Unlike another “dream matches” that never happened in WWE because egos prevented the parties involved from deciding a winner, The Rock has no illusions about his future in WWE – it will be permanent, but limited.
That is, The Rock will always be around, but not as an active competitor. For now and for the foreseeable future, guys like Cena and Orton are the faces of World Wrestling Entertainment. And The Rock reportedly doesn’t want to deprive these young men of the same opportunity he was given by Hogan and McMahon a decade earlier.
In other words, The Rock's winning ways are almost over.
Almost.
Following his victory over Cena at WrestleMania 28, The Rock promised to one day wear WWE gold again. And he very well may do just that. But we all know the truth. The Rock’s promise to never leave isn’t tantamount to a guarantee that the legendary grappler will remain a weekly – or even regular – on-camera character in the years ahead. Will occasional appearances be warranted? Absolutely. Are future wrestling matches definite? Absolutely not.
At the end of the day, The Rock has only committed himself to doing that which is best for the fans and the business – not one or the other. And after WrestleMania 29 or WrestleMania 30, although the fans may want The Rock to appear on every minute of WWE programming, the business will be best served by letting the new superstars cultivate their talents and become the future Rocks, Austins and Hogans of tomorrow.
If, in fact, The Rock stayed longer than he should, some of the criticisms from guys like Randy Orton and CM Punk would be proven valid. Indeed, professional wrestling is a young person’s game with a perpetual eye trained on the future.
Sad but true, The Rock is more of wrestling’s past than its future. But the WWE and the WWE Universe now, perhaps more than ever, need some of the magic of yesterday to rebound from the creative doldrums of recent years and begin working toward a new era of sports entertainment that will give rise to the biggest superstars of the next generation.
And by helping the WWE get to this point, The Rock is not only becoming more of a legend himself, he’s setting a stellar example for fellow legends and future legends to follow: honor the fans that never stopped chanting your name by helping them learn to chant someone else’s.
And the name that WWE fans may be chanting loudest in the next two years could easily be Randy Orton. What remains to be seen, however, is just how Vince McMahon, Brock Lesnar, John Cena, or The Rock will make this possibility a reality for all fans to enjoy.
Evolving Toward Greatness
Gone are the days of Randy Orton trying to abuse everything from drugs to power.
Orton is now a responsible and respectful team player who will put over any star he's asked to push - even Mark Henry and Kane.
And that's why a growing number of industry insiders and fans alike say that one day the Apex Predator will join his father in the WWE Hall of Fame.
"Evolution," writes columnist Tom Clark, "It’s not just the faction the Viper was once a part of. It is the story of his career. Where he is now, compared to where he once was, is like night and day. No longer is he sitting at the top as World Champion, reigning over a roster who simply cannot get a leg up. Other Superstars have stepped up their game and have been allowed to shine, including the current World Champion Sheamus. WWE is all about parity when it comes to the midcard workers, so when the time comes to move one of them up the ladder, it is a believable move for their characters and for the fans watching them."
"Part of that move involves getting the rub from established Superstars," he concludes, "and until Randy truly puts one of the younger talent over, by losing a rivalry in the end, when it counts, he may always have that voice of opposition from some of the WWE faithful who will not concede his importance in the company. But for me, Randy Orton is right where he needs to be, and right where he should be. He is slowly but surely approaching that Shawn Michaels status in his career, the level on which he cares more about giving back than holding onto his own place in the WWE hierarchy. He is part of the WWE machine, not someone sitting atop of it. Randy Orton is coming full circle, and that level of comfort is evident in not only his character, but his ring work. From prima donna to professional. Who would have thought it?"
The Unauthorized Story of Randy Orton and The Viper's Strike on WWE Page 4
