Speaking to Will Cain on FoxNews, The Rock was asked who he believes is on his level on promos.
The Rock & Undisputed WWE Undisputed Champion Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes & World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins is the WWE WrestleMania 40 headliner of night one. He named his WrestleMania opponents and CM Punk. He said,
“Let’s see. There’s that guy….no one. [laughs]. The Final Boss answer is no one. There are a few guys who I think are great on the mic. CM Punk is great on the mic. Cody Rhodes is great on the mic. Seth Rollins, great on the mic. Paul Heyman, another guy great on the mic. What made, I believe, the wrestlers of the ’70s and ’80s, they had this unique style where in their promos, there was this belief, because it was a fact and it was true, that if you didn’t get over, if you didn’t get over on the microphone, you weren’t going to eat and pay your bills. It was just that simple. When you look back on those guys in the 70s and 80s, Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes. These guys got over on the microphone because their life literally depended on it. When you come from that kind of hunger. You speak in a different way. It’s not that it’s missing these days, it’s just the way of the culture and business model, the energy, intensity, and vitriol is just different when guys speak on the mic today,” said Rock.
In a recent interview with Will Cain on FoxNews, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson discussed the art of cutting promos in professional wrestling. When asked who he believes is on his level when it comes to delivering captivating and engaging promos, The Rock had an interesting response.
The Rock, who is set to headline WrestleMania 40 alongside Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Seth Rollins, named his WrestleMania opponents as well as CM Punk as individuals who excel in the art of cutting promos. However, when asked if anyone is on his level, The Rock jokingly replied, “Let’s see. There’s that guy… no one.”
While The Rock’s response may come across as arrogant, it sheds light on the unique style and hunger that wrestlers from the ’70s and ’80s possessed when it came to cutting promos. According to The Rock, these wrestlers believed that their livelihood depended on their ability to connect with the audience through their promos.
The wrestlers of that era, including legends like Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Dusty Rhodes, had a different approach to cutting promos. They spoke with a certain intensity and energy because their lives truly depended on it. If they didn’t get over with the audience through their promos, they wouldn’t be able to earn a living.
The Rock acknowledges that the landscape of professional wrestling has changed over the years. While he doesn’t believe that the hunger and intensity are missing in today’s wrestlers, he recognizes that the culture and business model have evolved. Wrestlers today may not face the same dire consequences if they don’t excel in promos, which can affect the way they speak and connect with the audience.
Despite these changes, The Rock still acknowledges several current wrestlers who excel in cutting promos. He specifically mentioned CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, and Paul Heyman as individuals who are great on the mic. These wrestlers have found ways to connect with the audience and create memorable moments through their promos.
In conclusion, The Rock’s comments on promos in professional wrestling shed light on the unique approach and hunger that wrestlers from the ’70s and ’80s possessed. While the landscape of the industry has changed, there are still individuals today who excel in cutting promos and connecting with the audience. The art of cutting promos continues to be an essential skill for wrestlers to master, as it plays a crucial role in their ability to entertain and engage fans.