The announcement of Dwayne Johnson’s match with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania last year piqued the interest of fans who had been waiting a long time for the “People’s Champion” to return to the ring. As a result of Cody Rhodes’ victory in the Royal Rumble, expectations were shifted, and The Rock became a persona widely hated.
Johnson has had tremendous success both in wrestling and Hollywood, but his passion for football makes people wonder what he was like before wrestling. Interest in Johnson’s athletic history piqued recently when a video of him playing football reappeared.
Old Dwayne Johnson footage shows The Rock in the thick of college football
When Dwayne Johnson was known as “The Rock,” he was an important figure in the Attitude Era of the WWE. Formerly known as Dwayne, Johnson played college football at the University of Miami and then with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
It was during a game against Florida State in 1993 when he sacked Charlie Ward, which is considered to be one of the most memorable moments he had on the field. Being able to tackle the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage is what is meant by the term “sacking” in football. Despite Johnson’s outstanding performance, Florida State was able to prevail in the game.
While the game was in progress, Johnson made a tackle on Ward, who would go on to become the starting point guard for the New York Knicks. Immediately after the tackle, Ward informed Johnson that he intended to pursue a career in basketball rather than football going forward. He brought up this particular incident when he was having a chat with Peyton and Eli Manning in the context of the Manning Cast.
The Rock’s career switch from football to pro wrestling
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had a rough go of it on the football field before he became a Hollywood superhero and Great One in wrestling. Injuries ended his NFL career aspirations, despite his stellar performance as a defensive tackle in high school. His injury problems continued even when he signed with the CFL, and he was released from the league just halfway through the season. Johnson was once again caught in an impossible situation, with no way out except to start all over again.
Johnson made his WWE debut in 1996 under the guise of Rocky Maivia, but his unambiguous persona made it difficult for her to win over audiences. But with his magnetic personality and mastery of the microphone, he won over the crowds and became known as “The People’s Champion.” Because of this, tensions rose between him and Vince McMahon, and in 1998, they faced off at the Survivor Series.
The Rock’s feuds with Triple H, the McMahons, and the Big Show began after his triumph at the 2000 Royal Rumble. After that, he persisted in his ascent and cemented his position as a wrestling legend despite internal and external conflicts.
The business is currently receiving a pure version of people’s loving personalities. In light of his recent heel run, what are your expectations? Share your thoughts in the comments.
