The 2000 Royal Rumble remains one of the most talked-about events in WWE history, not just for its high-octane action but for its controversial finish. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson emerged victorious, but not without dispute. The climax of the match saw The Rock and The Big Show as the last two giants standing. As the crowd at Madison Square Garden held its breath, The Rock delivered his signature spinebuster and the People’s Elbow to The Big Show. In a climactic struggle, despite Big Show’s massive chokeslam, The Rock managed to cling onto the ropes and used his momentum to hurl his formidable opponent over the top rope, claiming the win.
This victory was steeped in controversy as accusations flew that The Rock’s feet had touched the ground first—a claim that would have disqualified him and handed the win to The Big Show. This incident was not just a wrestling storyline; it had significant implications for their careers, particularly in light of their future in Hollywood.
A Turning Point: The Rock’s Banter with Big Show on Monday Night RAW
The Rock’s return to WWE’s Monday Night RAW in 2016 was a momentous occasion, marked by a blend of nostalgia and characteristic bravado. Amidst the backstage interactions and the roar of the crowd, The Rock’s encounter with The Big Show was particularly memorable. The Rock playfully lamented to Big Show about the 2000 Royal Rumble, hinting at what could have been a different path for his opponent.
“You know what’s crazy I run into you because just yesterday afternoon, I was watching the Royal Rumble that you and I were in… And it was both of us went over the top rope, and you fell on the floor but I held on and I won… You were telling everybody that my feet hit the floor… what’s crazy is I agree you should have won! That’s crazy,” The Rock confessed.
Adding a twist of humor and a pinch of salt to old wounds, he continued, “How different your life would have been if you’d won. You know what’s crazy is that the director of ‘The Mummy Returns’ watched that Royal Rumble and said- ‘Whoever wins this Royal Rumble, I’m gonna cast him as the Scorpion King.’ You should have been the Scorpion King, you could have been the one hunting Vin Diesel’s candy a*s down in ‘Fast & Furious’… You could have been breaking box office records man… But hey, such is life!”
This banter not only entertained fans but also highlighted a pivotal “what if” in entertainment history, intertwining WWE and Hollywood in a narrative that fans and viewers cherish.
The Impact of The Rock’s Transition from WWE to Hollywood
The Rock’s transition from the wrestling ring to the silver screen has been meteoric. Starting with his role as the Scorpion King, which he landed following his Royal Rumble victory, Johnson has built a blockbuster career in Hollywood. His roles in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise, along with his lead parts in movies like ‘San Andreas’ and ‘Jumanji’, have made him a household name globally.
This unique blend of athleticism, charm, and acting prowess has not only made The Rock a beloved figure in entertainment but also an example of how wrestlers can successfully transition to become mainstream movie stars. His journey underscores the significance of seizing opportunities, a theme that resonates deeply in his jest with The Big Show, reminding us all how a single moment can alter the trajectory of one’s career.
The Rock’s saga is a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of WWE and how it serves as a launching pad for broader successes in the realm of entertainment. As fans continue to rewatch these iconic moments, they celebrate not just The Rock’s victories but the enduring legacy he builds across multiple entertainment platforms.