The Rock recently reflected on headlining three WrestleManias with Stone Cold, labeling their rivalry the greatest box office draw ever.
There are rivalries throughout wrestling history that will be remembered for as long as the business endures. Hulk Hogan versus Randy Savage, The Undertaker and Kane, John Cena versus CM Punk. However, the one that might endure the longest, especially considering the respective fame of each competitor, is The Rock versus Stone Cold.
Not only did Rock and Austin wrestle each other at three different WrestleManias, two of which closed the show, but they led WWE during its hottest time. The locker room and ring were packed with huge personalities and big stars, yet Rock and Austin managed to shine brighter than anyone else. Their individual matches were great, but when they came together, that's when the magic really happened.
Rock recently took to Instagram to reflect on the time he shared with Austin in WWE. As expected, The People's Champ had nothing but the utmost respect and looked back with fondness on that time in his career. Rock believes that there has been no "greater box office draw" in the wrestling business than his rivalry with Austin before or since. He admits that he's biased, but that sentiment really is hard to argue with.
It can definitely be argued that there have been bigger matches and even better feuds, but in terms of drawing power, there has been nothing more impressive. More people were tuning into WWE's product and attending WWE shows on a weekly basis during that period than at any other point in the company's history. Rock and Austin had the ultimate drawing power, whether they were on the same card or in the same ring.
Since then, Rock has obviously gone on to become a major draw in Hollywood as well as wrestling. It's why so many fans would love to see him return to WWE, even if it's just for one more match. Knowing he still loves the business is comforting to a lot of fans too. There was a period during his movie career where it seemed as if he was ashamed of his roots. Turns out that was off the back of bad advice given to him by people he mistakenly put his faith in.