John Cena vs The Rock: A Deep Dive into Their Epic WWE Rivalry

The rivalry between John Cena and The Rock is one of the most iconic and memorable in WWE history. It spanned several years and involved multiple matches, promos, and moments that are still talked about today. In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into the history of the rivalry, the key moments that defined it, and its impact on WWE as a whole.

The Early Days

The rivalry between John Cena and The Rock actually started long before they ever faced off in the ring. In fact, it began in 2011, when The Rock returned to WWE after a seven-year hiatus. Cena, who was the top star in WWE at the time, took issue with The Rock's return and the fact that he was immediately granted a main event match at WrestleMania 27.

Cena's frustration with The Rock's return was rooted in the fact that he felt The Rock was a part-time wrestler who was taking the spotlight away from the full-time performers who worked hard year-round. Cena voiced these frustrations in a series of promos leading up to WrestleMania 27, setting the stage for the two men to finally meet in the ring.

WrestleMania 27

The first match between John Cena and The Rock took place at WrestleMania 27 in 2011. The match was billed as "once in a lifetime" and it certainly lived up to that billing. Cena and The Rock had a back-and-forth match that saw each man deliver their signature moves and taunts.

In the end, The Rock emerged victorious after hitting Cena with the Rock Bottom. The match was a huge moment for both men and for WWE as a whole. It was the first time in over a decade that The Rock had wrestled in a WWE ring and it marked the beginning of a new era for WWE.

The Build-Up to WrestleMania 28

Following their match at WrestleMania 27, John Cena and The Rock continued to trade barbs and insults in the months that followed. Cena was determined to avenge his loss and prove that he was the better wrestler. The Rock, on the other hand, was content to bask in his victory and taunt Cena from afar.

The rivalry between Cena and The Rock continued to grow in intensity as WrestleMania 28 approached. Cena and The Rock traded increasingly personal insults in their promos and interviews, with Cena even going so far as to say that The Rock was "never a true wrestler" and that he only came back to WWE for the money.

The Rock, for his part, remained confident in his abilities and refused to let Cena get under his skin. He continued to deliver his signature catchphrases and taunts, reminding Cena and the WWE Universe that he was the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.

WrestleMania 28 - Once in a Lifetime... Again

The second match between John Cena and The Rock took place at WrestleMania 28 in 2012. Like the first match, it was billed as "once in a lifetime" and it was another epic showdown between two of the biggest stars in WWE history.

The match was different from their first encounter in that it had a year's worth of buildup and anticipation behind it. The stakes were higher and the pressure was greater for both men. Cena was determined to prove that he was the better wrestler, while The Rock was looking to cement his legacy as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time.

In the end, The Rock emerged victorious once again after hitting Cena with the Rock Bottom for the second time. The match was a classic and it cemented the rivalry between Cena and The Rock as one of the greatest in WWE history.

The Aftermath

Following their second match at WrestleMania 28, John Cena and The Rock went their separate ways in WWE. Cena continued to be the face of the company and the top performer, while The Rock returned to Hollywood to continue his successful acting career.

However, the impact of the rivalry between Cena and The Rock was felt for years to come. It was a defining moment in WWE history and it set the stage for future clashes between part-time and full-time performers.

The rivalry also helped to elevate Cena's status in WWE. Prior to facing The Rock, Cena was already a top performer, but his feud with The Rock helped to establish him as the face of WWE for years to come.

The Rock's return to WWE also had a significant impact on the company. It helped to bring back lapsed fans and create a buzz around WWE that had been missing for years. The Rock's presence also helped to elevate other performers, as they were given the opportunity to share the ring with one of the greatest of all time.

The rivalry between Cena and The Rock also paved the way for other part-time performers to return to WWE and have a significant impact. Part-time performers like Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, and even The Undertaker would go on to have high-profile matches and feuds with full-time performers.

In Conclusion

The rivalry between John Cena and The Rock was one of the greatest in WWE history. It spanned several years and involved multiple matches, promos, and moments that are still talked about today. The two men had a chemistry in the ring and on the microphone that was undeniable, and their matches at WrestleMania 27 and WrestleMania 28 will go down in history as classics.

The rivalry also had a significant impact on WWE as a whole. It helped to elevate Cena's status in the company and set the stage for future clashes between part-time and full-time performers. The Rock's return to WWE also had a major impact on the company, bringing back lapsed fans and creating a buzz around WWE that had been missing for years.

The rivalry between Cena and The Rock will always be remembered as one of the greatest in WWE history. It was a defining moment in the careers of both men and it helped to shape the future of WWE.