On a recent edition of his “Six Feet Under” podcast, The Undertaker recalled The Rock’s debut at Survivor Series 1996, and believing at the time that wouldn’t last. He said,
“I remember when (he was) coming out in the Garden (MSG) he had the funny colored thing on and whole…I was like this kid ain’t gonna make it, he’s got to change…no, he’s dead in the water.”
The Rock debuted as Rocky Maivia at the November 1996 event with a colorful attire and would be the sole survivor for his team.
After fans turned on the heavily-pushed babyface, WWE turned Maivia heel with the blue chipper transforming into the cocky ‘The Rock’ persona.
The Undertaker Reflects on The Rock’s Debut at Survivor Series 1996
In a recent episode of his podcast, “Six Feet Under,” The Undertaker shared his thoughts on The Rock’s debut at Survivor Series 1996. The Undertaker, also known as Mark Calaway, revealed that he initially had doubts about The Rock’s potential for success in the wrestling industry.
During the podcast, The Undertaker recalled The Rock, then known as Rocky Maivia, making his entrance at Madison Square Garden (MSG) with a colorful attire. The Undertaker admitted that he was skeptical about the young wrestler’s future, stating, “I remember when (he was) coming out in the Garden (MSG) he had the funny colored thing on and whole…I was like this kid ain’t gonna make it, he’s got to change…no, he’s dead in the water.”
Despite The Undertaker’s initial doubts, The Rock went on to prove him wrong. Rocky Maivia made a strong impression during his debut at Survivor Series 1996, where he emerged as the sole survivor for his team. However, despite this early success, fans soon turned on the heavily-pushed babyface character.
Recognizing the need for a change, WWE decided to turn Rocky Maivia into a heel character. This transformation marked the birth of “The Rock” persona that fans would come to know and love. The cocky and charismatic nature of The Rock resonated with audiences, and he quickly became one of the most popular and successful wrestlers in WWE history.
The Rock’s ability to adapt and evolve his character played a significant role in his long-lasting success. From his humble beginnings as Rocky Maivia to becoming one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with both inside and outside the wrestling ring.
The Undertaker’s reflection on The Rock’s debut serves as a reminder that success in the wrestling industry is not always predictable. It highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to connect with the audience. The Rock’s journey from initial skepticism to becoming a household name is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication.
As fans, we can learn from The Rock’s story and apply these lessons to our own lives. Just like The Rock, we may face doubts and obstacles along our journey, but with determination and the willingness to evolve, we can overcome them and achieve greatness.
In conclusion, The Undertaker’s recollection of The Rock’s debut at Survivor Series 1996 offers valuable insights into the unpredictable nature of the wrestling industry. It showcases The Rock’s ability to defy expectations and transform himself into one of the most iconic figures in sports entertainment history. The Rock’s journey serves as an inspiration for all of us to pursue our dreams and never give up, regardless of the initial doubts or setbacks we may encounter.