During the season 3 premiere of WWE Rivals on A&E, the spotlight was on the early career of Dwayne Johnson, also known as 'The Rock,' and his rivalry with fellow WWE star Paul 'Triple H' Levesque. Retired WWE wrestlers shared insights into the sense of 'jealousy' that surrounded Johnson's rapid rise to the top of the professional wrestling world.
Johnson, with a wrestling lineage that includes his father Rocky Johnson and grandfather Peter Maivia, made a significant impact on his debut at the Survivor Series pay-per-view in 1996. His quick success, including winning the Intercontinental Championship just three months later, raised eyebrows and stirred jealousy among his peers.
Despite initial skepticism and backlash from both wrestlers backstage and fans in the crowd, Johnson's transformation into 'The Rock' character with his charismatic trash-talking endeared him to the WWE audience. By November 1998, he had clinched his first of 10 world championships, solidifying his status as a wrestling superstar.
Reflecting on the early days of their rivalry, Levesque acknowledged the inevitability of Johnson's ascent to stardom in WWE. He recalled being envious of Johnson's frequent title wins, recognizing his potential for greatness from the start.
The episode shed light on the competitive dynamic between Johnson and Levesque, emphasizing the genuine animosity that fueled their on-screen and off-screen rivalry. Despite the initial tensions, both wrestlers eventually found success and mutual respect in their respective careers.
WWE Rivals airs Sundays on A&E, offering fans a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes drama and rivalries that have shaped the world of professional wrestling.
