On a recent edition of his “Grilling JR” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross discussed The Rock’s epic rivalry with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin back in the day.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On The Rock catching Steve Austin’s eye in 1998: “Austin always had an eye out for the other talents as potential opponents. And he — you know, you look at The Rock from head to toe with his physique, his mannerisms, his ability to talk, et cetera, et cetera. And it really becomes that no-brainer. And Steve paid attention. He knew at some point in time that the day would come when he and Rock would begin some sort of little journey together. It wasn’t a little journey, because they headlined in one-on-one matches three WrestleManias. Three! That’s unheard of in today’s world.
“But they were so good and their chemistry was so flawless, they headlined WrestleMania 15, 17 and 19. And I remembered them all very well. I called all three of them, and it was a great honor to see the greatness in front of me that includes Austin and Rock. So it was good stuff, man. It was good stuff. I’m sure lucky and glad that I was doing my trade in that period of time.”
On The Rock’s angle with Sgt. Slaughter where he was supposedly injured: “Yeah, it just kept feeding him material that he could carry with him and make better. That’s the thing about a great star, is that they take what the booking or creative committee presents them and they make it better.”
On Rock’s chemistry with Ken Shamrock: “Severn was a stop-gap. It got Rock to Shamrock, and then here they go again. And they just had that match down. I mean, they didn’t really have — maybe you could think about something. I don’t think I can think of any Shamrock-Rock match that was horrible, or not good. They were always solid as hell.”
The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin are two of the most iconic figures in the history of professional wrestling. Their epic rivalry captivated audiences and helped elevate the WWE to new heights during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Recently, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross discussed their legendary feud on his podcast, “Grilling JR.”
According to Ross, Austin recognized The Rock’s potential as a formidable opponent early on. The Rock’s impressive physique, charismatic mannerisms, and exceptional mic skills made him an obvious choice for Austin. The two superstars headlined three WrestleManias together, a feat that is virtually unheard of in today’s wrestling landscape.
Their chemistry in the ring was unparalleled. Ross recalled calling all three WrestleMania matches and expressed his gratitude for being able to witness the greatness of Austin and The Rock firsthand. The matches were not only memorable but also showcased the immense talent and star power of both individuals.
One aspect that contributed to The Rock’s success was his ability to take any storyline or angle and make it better. Ross mentioned an angle where The Rock was supposedly injured by Sgt. Slaughter. Instead of letting it hinder him, The Rock used it as fuel to further enhance his character and engage the audience.
Another notable partnership for The Rock was with Ken Shamrock. Ross praised their chemistry in the ring, stating that their matches were always solid. The Rock and Shamrock had a natural ability to work together, creating compelling and entertaining bouts that fans thoroughly enjoyed.
The impact of The Rock and Austin’s rivalry cannot be overstated. Their matches were not only highly anticipated but also drew massive crowds and generated significant revenue for the WWE. The Rock’s ability to connect with the audience and deliver captivating performances, combined with Austin’s rebellious persona and unmatched intensity, created an electric atmosphere whenever they stepped into the ring.
In conclusion, the rivalry between The Rock and Steve Austin remains one of the most memorable and influential in professional wrestling history. Their chemistry, talent, and ability to captivate audiences elevated the WWE to unprecedented heights. The Rock’s exceptional skills on the mic and his knack for making any storyline better, coupled with Austin’s intensity and charisma, made their matches must-see events. Their legacy continues to inspire and entertain wrestling fans around the world.