WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared insights with Sports Illustrated about the profound impact WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin had on his career. During the discussion, Johnson recalled how Austin recognized his potential early and played a pivotal role in their collaboration at WrestleMania XIX, highlighting the significance of their partnership in the wrestling world.
The Beginning of a Historic Wrestling Partnership
Johnson revealed that Austin saw untapped potential in him and believed in their chemistry. He explained that while he was not in a position to initiate teaming up, Austin took the lead.
“He went to Vince McMahon in 1999, in January of 99, I think. He said, ‘I wanna main event WrestleMania with The Rock,’”
Johnson recalled, marking the start of one of wrestling’s greatest rivalries.
“The rest is history. We went on and I went on to have just the greatest rivalry with him,”
Johnson added, emphasizing how their competitive exchanges captivated audiences and defined that era of WWE programming.
The Final Bout at WrestleMania XIX and a Lasting Moment
Discussing their climactic match at WrestleMania XIX, Johnson revealed it was Steve Austin’s very last in-ring performance. He described the honor of wrestling Austin’s final match and the respectful dynamic between them as Austin prepared to leave the sport.
“As you leave the business, it’s the right thing to do and the respectable thing to do is to lose as you leave and put this guy over. Let this guy who’s going to go on. Let him win, and he didn’t have to because he was the biggest star in wrestling. But he did, he put me over,”
Johnson said.
Johnson also recounted a deeply personal exchange after the match:
“And as I was pinning him, I rock bottomed him three fucking times, by the way. You know, he, like Kurt Angle, he had a broken neck. He was wrestling with a broken neck. After the one, two, three, I leaned down in his ear, I said, I love you, man. He was like, I love you too. We had that moment.”
The Enduring Legacy of WrestleMania XIX Rock Austin
This intimate reflection illustrates the weight of their relationship and the emotions behind WrestleMania XIX. Steve Austin’s decision to elevate The Rock during his final match and the closeness they shared afterward left a lasting impact on fans and wrestlers alike. Their story not only celebrates a legendary rivalry but also exemplifies the respect and camaraderie that define professional wrestling.
