During his WWE career, The Rock competed in many memorable matches before stepping away in 2004 to focus on his Hollywood aspirations. Though his in-ring appearances became rare after that, he had already built a lasting legacy. Their rivalry ignited at WrestleMania XXVII, where The Rock interrupted John Cena’s main event bout against The Miz, sparking a feud that captivated fans.
Following that event, Cena challenged The Rock to a one-on-one match called “Once in a Lifetime” at WrestleMania XXVIII. The match was highly praised, with The Rock emerging victorious. Later, The People’s Champion defeated CM Punk to claim the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble, while Cena won the 30-man Royal Rumble match, leading to a rematch at WrestleMania 29. On that occasion, Cena won both the match and the title, earning strong approval from fans and critics alike. Despite this history, The Rock recently omitted Cena from his list of preferred in-ring rivals.
The Rock Shares His All-Time Favorite Opponents in the Ring
The Rock recently spoke with Mark Kerr, a UFC legend he portrays in the film The Smashing Machine, during an interview with Sports Illustrated. When asked about his top in-ring rivals, The Great One highlighted Kurt Angle, Brock Lesnar, and Booker T as his favorites without hesitation.
He elaborated that each wrestler brought distinct qualities that made their matches exceptional, praising their athleticism and unique backgrounds.
The Rock’s Praise for Elite Athleticism in Wrestling
In his own words, The Rock explained,
“I loved wrestling guys who are just insane athletes who had a pedigree at other things. And that was always Kurt Angle – insane athlete as you know, pedigree in wrestling, gold medal at the Olympics – wins the gold medal with a broken neck, it’s just wild. Brock Lesnar was the same. Just incredible pedigree, athlete, you could go anywhere in the ring with him. You know who else was an amazing athlete, was Booker T, who I loved wrestling. Amazing athlete.”
This statement illustrates how The Rock values opponents whose physical prowess and accomplishments extend beyond the wrestling ring, setting them apart in a league of their own.
The Broader Impact of The Rock’s Rivalry Choices
The Rock’s decision to exclude John Cena from his list of most admired rivals surprises many, given the intensity and popularity of their clashes at WrestleMania events. By recognizing Kurt Angle, Brock Lesnar, and Booker T for their unique athletic skills and wrestling pedigree, The Rock underscores the diverse talents that have shaped his career.
His reflections also highlight how certain rivalries leave a mark based on more than just championship titles or match outcomes—they celebrate the artistry and physical dedication athletes bring to the sport. As fans anticipate The Rock’s future appearances, possibly including a return to WWE at WrestleMania, his views shed light on the qualities that make wrestling matchups unforgettable.
