Eddie Guerrero’s Legacy: Viva La Raza’s Greatest Matches
Known best as “Latino Heat” and for his mantra “Viva La Raza,” Eddie Guerrero is one of the most loved, influential professional wrestlers in the history of the sport. With his current level of charisma, he was great in-ring and connected with an audience enough to make him a standout performer in every promotion he worked for. From Mexico and Japan at the very beginning of his career, through legendary runs in WCW and WWE, Eddie Guerrero made unforgettable matches and moments. Herein lies a look into the legacy left behind by Eddie Guerrero through some of his greatest matches, which truly manifest the README talent and passion brought into the squared circle. Early Career and Rise to Stardom New Japan Pro-Wrestling and the Black Tiger CharacterEddie Guerrero really started to make a name for himself in wrestling during the mid-1980s by participating in the Lucha Libre circuit of Mexico. It was his work, years later, in New Japan Pro-Wrestling that would secure some credence internationally. As masked wrestler Black Tiger, Eddie brought a style full of flying and technical grappling. One of Eddie’s most remembered NJPW matches was against Wild Pegasus (Chris Benoit) in the final of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament in 1996. The match—displaying technical brilliance and high-flying moves—cemented the legacy of both men as top junior heavyweights. His time in NJPW really helped Eddie make a cornerstone for where he would move on from here. Extreme Championship Wrestling ECWIn the mid-1990s, Eddie Guerrero moved on to ECW. With this promotion, he quickly became one of its top workers. To this day, his matches against Dean Malenko are widely praised for their degree of work and storytelling. Their final match, a Two-out-of-Three Falls deal at the ECW Arena in 1995, is considered among the best ECW matches ever.That bout cemented Eddie as someone who would merge technical wrestling with high-flying spots in order to earn the accolades from fans and peers alike. WCW: Cruiserweight Division and Beyond Cruiserweight Classic: Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.Eddie Guerrero’s move to World Championship Wrestling in the mid-1990s established him as central to the promotion’s budding Cruiserweight Division. One of his most famous matches from the era was against Rey Mysterio Jr. at Halloween Havoc 1997. This match—by itself for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship—is widely regarded as among the best matches WCW produced and one of the greatest cruiserweight matches ever. It was the epitome of a well-rounded bout with high-flying action, technical wrestling, and storytelling. Eddie played the part of the aggressive heel to perfection, targeting Rey’s mask and using underhanded tactics galore; in return, Rey, the underdog babyface, did his part by showing a variety of athleticism and resilience. The fast pace and innovation of the spots kept the audience enthralled; ultimately, Rey’s win cemented this as an instant classic right then. United States Championship Feud with Diamond Dallas PageApart from construed successes in the Cruiserweight Division, Eddie Guerrero had two of his more memorable feuds come in WCW’s heavyweight divisions. One of his most famous feuds was against Diamond Dallas Page, who had the United States Championship in 1997; therefore, really showing Eddie’s versatility to compete with larger opponents. These matches were intense and hard-hitting, pitting Eddie’s cunning and technical facility onto DDP’s brawling style and resilience. Probably one of his best, most remembered matches was the one against DDP for the United States title at Starrcade 1996. It really showed the many different combinations of technical wrestling and brawling that Eddie could bend into. On the end, Eddie lost the match, but he was so talented and versatile throughout; it really sealed the point of how great he performed during the feud until now. WWE Rise of Latino Heat Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Eddie Guerrero vs. Rob Van Dam The move to WWE, then WWF, in 2000 was the most successful period in Guerrero’s career. One of the very first great matches he had in WWE was against Rob Van Dam in a Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship on one of the episodes of Raw in 2002. It was a very athletics-laden, ultra-innovative match with both competitors using the ladder in a variety of creative and perilous ways. Eddie’s heel persona, “Latino Heat,” was in full effect, as he used underhanded tactics and had no qualms about risking life and limb to win. High spots include Eddie’s Frog Splash from the top of the ladder and a Van Daminator by Van Dam. This didn’t just finally establish Eddie as one of WWE’s elite performers, but it helped set him up for future championship pursuits. No Way Out 2004: Eddie Guerrero vs. Brock LesnarProbably the most defining moment in Eddie Guerrero’s career occurred at No Way Out 2004, where he challenged Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship. The following is not only one of Eddie’s very best matches but among the most emotionally binding moments in wrestling history. The underdog, taken on by an unstoppable Brock Lesnar, came up with a real testament to his resolve and sense of fight filled into this match. The match itself was simply a master class of storytelling, with Eddie countering Lesnar’s overwhelming power and brute force with his speed, agility, and technical skills. The climax of the match saw Eddie hit a Frog Splash on Lesnar after countering an F-5 to secure the win and his first WWE Championship. The place erupted, with Eddie’s emotional reaction to winning the title still resonating with fans. WrestleMania XX: Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt AngleSome really memorable matches were the result of Eddie Guerrero’s Wrestle Championship run. Following this, definitely, was his match against Kurt Angle at WrestleMania XX. It became specialty technical with two of the finest in-ring performers of their respective generation. Eddie and Angle turned in a wrestling clinic, weaving together mat-based grapplery, high-impact moves, and intricate storytelling brought throughout. This finally would be what I remember best, below the ingenious finale of this match. By loosening his
The Hardy Boyz: Extreme Moments and Unforgettable Feuds
The Hardy Boyz, which includes real-life brothers Matt and Jeff Hardy, have forever etched their mark in professional wrestling. Their aerial acrobatics, near-death stunts, and trendy tag team wrestling have stamped the business. Matt and Jeff have had some extreme moments in wrestling history during their illustrious careers, working up some unforgettable feuds against the best teams and wrestlers in the business. This article looks at some of the extreme moments and unforgettable feuds that define The Hardy Boyz legacy. Early Beginnings and Rise to Prominence Omega Wrestling and WWE DebutMatt and Jeff Hardy initiated their wrestling career in the early 1990s. As a way to express themselves and show passion for the sport, they created their promotion known as Omega Championship Wrestling. It was through this unique, innovative, and high-risk style that quick recognition brought them into the labor pool, eventually earning them a deal with World Wrestling Entertainment (then WWF) in the late 1990s, where they came in as enhancement talent but worked their way into regular spots. Breakthrough in the Tag Team Division The Hardy Boyz came into the WWE’s tag team division during the late 1990s, and with them was Michael Hayes as their manager. A key feud with Edge and Christian, another surfacing tag team, became a staple of WWE’s tag team division.Their ladder match against Edge and Christian at No Mercy 1999 was their breakout, content that showed just how far the Hardy Boyz would push the idea of mayhem and risk their bodies for entertainment. Extreme MomentsTLC Matches Another career-defining attribute for The Hardy Boyz has been Tables, Ladders, and Chairs, or TLC, matches. Arguably the first TLC match ever between The Hardy Boyz, Edge and Christian, and The Dudley Boyz at SummerSlam 2000 really reset that extreme wrestling bar. It was such an absolute messy display of a match with truly breathtaking stunts and high-risk moves that left the audience gasping. Jeff Hardy’s Swanton Bomb from a 20-foot ladder onto Bubba Ray Dudley is still to this day among the most memorable moments in WWE history—matches that cemented this team as larger than life while occasionally redefining precisely what exactly fans could come to anticipate from tag-team wrestling. Swanton Bomb Off of a Ladder at WrestleMania X-SevenWrestleMania X-Seven, in many regards, has been mentioned time and again as one of the greatest WrestleManias ever, and its legend includes, undoubtedly, the TLC with The Hardy Boyz, Edge and Christian, and The Dudley Boyz. Jeff Hardy hitting a Swanton Bomb off a tall ladder onto a prone Rhyno and Spike Dudley that is lying on tables outside the ring is one of those moments that would be regarded as an instance when ‘this is awesome’ is spoken. It really sums up Jeff Hardy’s lack of fear in wrestling and his propensity for jeopardizing his body for the Please. The Broken UniverseIn 2016, Matt Hardy bestowed upon the world the “Broken” character, which accrued a cult following in very short order that revealed in its weirdness and ridiculousness. The “Broken Universe” storyline—the sadly unforgettable “Final Deletion” match—was simply some next-level creativity and extreme storytelling. This angle opened a road for both Hardys to further explore new dimensions of their characters and really push things as far as wrestling narratives go. Unforgettable Feuds Dudley BoyzNext to this, the rivalry between The Hardy Boyz and The Dudley Boyz stands as one of the greatest tag team wrestling rivalries. As a Tables-loving hardcore team, The Dudley Boyz were the perfect kind of opponents for the likes of The Hardy Boyz. Their matches in TLC, in particular with the classics at WrestleMania 2000 and WrestleMania X-Seven, stand to this very day among the greatest tag team matches ever held. The rivalry was rated highly by both teams for the brutal and innovative matches, mutually propelling each other’s strengths. The power and brawling of the Dudleys were an excellent match for the high-flying and risk-taking of the Hardy Boyz; hence, their feud together was dynamic and engaging. Edge and ChristianThe feud between Hardy Boyz and Edge and Christian is arguably one of the greatest rivalries ever seen in WWE. This tag team had a chemistry that got a hold of many Washington-classics between the two. Even to this day, their ladder and TLC matches are the gold standard of tag team wrestling. The rivalry was more than just the action in the ring, as it also held some really great storytelling and character development. Edge and Christian’s cockiness and arrogance played so well against The Hardy Boyz’s underdog spirit and determination, blending together to create a story the fans could get behind. These would put a stake on these teams’ matches, an incredible display of athletic ability, and moments remembered forever. The Brothers of Destruction.In 2001, The Hardy Boyz found themselves embroiled in the feud against The Brothers of Destruction: the unstoppable team of The Undertaker and Kane. This rivalry put The Hardy Boyz through their paces, facing them off with two giants among innumerable forces that had ever competed in WWE. These matches against these teams were a real style clash, with the high-flying tactics of The Hardy Boyz quite the opposite of the power and pure intimidation of The Brothers of Destruction. But even in this one-way battle, The Hardy Boyz would not back down, which won them a lot of respect from the fans and their foes. This definitely cemented their reputation as one of the most fearless and resilient teams within WWE. The New DayIn 2017, The Hardy Boyz returned to the WWE at WrestleMania 33 by coming out for a Fatal 4-Way ladder match for the Raw Tag Team Championships. Their surprise return and win were two of the spots in that event. Following their return, The Hardy Boyz have been part of some notable feuds with teams such as The New Day, one of the most popular and successful tag teams from WWE’s modern era. These teams’ matches have been a celebration of
Randy Orton’s Apex Predator Moments: Top 10 Viper Victories
Randy Orton, “The Viper,” and “The Apex Predator” dealt their own destinies, selected under deviousness, mercilessness, and the unquestionable in-ring acumen that has sustained over two decades. In a 20-year career, Orton was repeatedly the cornerstone of WWE’s success, single-handedly delivering some of the most memorable matches and moments in the history of wrestling. The big question was, how these wins of Randy Orton changed the course of WWE and people’s life. Orton’s SummerSlam victory solidified the work that he did in the ring as part of the faction known as Evolution, formed by Triple H, Ric Flair, and Batista. Evolution was one of the major setups that shaped Orton’s nurture. It gave him the opportunity to work and learn from some of the bests on the circuit. That win celebrated his rite of passage since, stepping out of the mentors’ shadows, Orton pinned his drive home, establishing a force to reckon with inside WWE. The match was a technical masterpiece as Orton and Benoit put on a wrestling clinic. Orton went on to win the match after he hit Benoit with the RKO—cementing the one move that would go on to become iconic in WWE years down the line. The rest became history at this important milestone fight for Orton on the building blocks of all future main eventers. This match wasn’t only important for the reunification of the titles but was important for the storyline part of it: Orton was “The Authority’s” champion. Through that win and subsequent title reign, Orton becomes the face of the company and goes on to engage in multiple feuds, which were arranged in prominent matches later on. Because of this, Orton’s plan for the match was to use weapons as possible encase such tables, ladder, and chairs to be able to do the most damage to Cena. This led up to the very ending in which Orton had Cena hand-cuffed onto the ropes, leaving Orton to the asylum to climb the ladder and retrieve both championship belts unopposed. That win reinforced just how smart and resourceful Orton is and has been throughout his career. Orton’s win was the one moment that — considering the storyline was about The Legacy, a faction involving Orton, Ted Dibiase Jr., and Cody Rhodes — always has been remembered by fans. The people’s founding leadership helped Orton through eliminating the necessary participants that could deprive him of the victory in the Rumble match. This victory put Orton eventually to a main event match with Triple H at Wrestlemania 25, a furtherance of his status as WWE’s top talents. It was largely a master class by Orton in timing and strategy, as he bided his time, taking no unnecessary risks while waiting for his opportunity to strike. Finally, Orton won by eliminating his former mentor and bitter rival, Triple H. This victory guaranteed a high place for Orton and literally laid the foundation for one of the most personal and intense WWE rivalries in history. The match was brutal and emotional, to say the least, with both the superstars giving everything in that ring to gain supremacy into the match. Orton’s aggressive nature and psychological warfare finally got the better of Triple H, ultimately sealing his dominance in the cerebral and dangerous superstar department. This win slightly confirmed a fact that Randy Orton did step up in extreme high-time pressure situations and delivered when it mattered the most. This really stern feud was spearheaded with not-so-casual promos and physical brawls between Randy Orton and Triple H, the culmination of their mirthless hatred for each other coming at the biggest pay-per-view event of the year. Orton was at his best, such as when he handily attacked Triple H’s injured leg and used every way possible to make the environment of a wrestling ring work to his own advantage. The victory at this stage represented a real shot of adrenaline into the career of Orton, proving that he could defeat one of WWE’s most decorated champions on the grandest stage of them all. It was an important victory for Orton in the sense that it will validate him or be able to supervise and lead over most of the highlighted talented figures of the WWE. This was a match of deadly mixture among technical potencies and fatalistic moves filled with mind games from both sides, where he emerged with the sinister means of sheer guile. His ability to beat The Undertaker further placed Orton as one of the major players in the WWE today. The build to the match had seen Orton playing mind games with The Undertaker, employing tactics that would become his trademark. A psychological, physical war would take place in the ring when both the Superstars were taking one another to their limits. Orton’s victory had come after he had countered The Undertaker’s finisher Tombstone Piledriver with an RKO, completing a sudden move that had left the audience in shock and his reputation restated as an original strategist. Orton’s win was extremely dramatic because of the main atrocity quality of the other competitors. Cena and Triple H were a match between them in the establishment, having both high calibers with appreciable main-event exposure, hence giving a very good statement about the win for Orton. Overcoming such formidable foes proved Orton’s capability at the big occasion of WWE, hence carrying his legacy altogether to the high-order champions’ seat. It had all the action in the world, and every superstar did one’s job: Orton, trying to work it to his favor, waiting for the right moment. The finish came as Orton gave a Punt Kick to a well-beaten Triple H and pleased himself by finally pinning down Cena to retain the title. This finish would stand out in the end as a defining moment which proved that he can handle the pressure, producing results when it really matters. The timing and precision demanded by that RKO were amazing and the ease with which Orton executed the move was
The Women’s Revolution: Key Matches And Milestones
The Women’s Revolution in WWE has been one characterized by growth, breaking through barriers, and changing the role of the woman in professional wrestling. With such groundbreaking matches and huge milestones marking its way through history, this movement catapulted women’s wrestling to new heights. This article will look through those defining key matches and milestones that make up the Women’s Revolution, celebrating the success stories of women who have paved the way for future generations. A New Beginning: The Four HorsewomenThe Women’s Revolution really began when the Four Horsewomen—Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, and Bayley—finally made an entrance into the scene. Legend has it that these four women originally began with WWE’s developmental brand NXT before making a gigantic stamp in WWE by way of great wrestling skills and exciting storylines. Charlotte vs. Natalya: NXT TakeOver, May 29, 2014One of the initial defining moments for this Women’s Revolution had to be the match between Charlotte and Natalya for the NXT Women’s Championship at NXT TakeOver. It was a very technical wrestling match with loads of the emotional elements of storytelling, won by Charlotte. Weight from such WWE legends as Ric Flair and Bret Hart added to the evening’s exercises in respect for a tradition in women’s wrestling and its future. Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch vs. Bayley, NXT TakeOver: Rival, February 11, 2015In a Fatal 4-Way for the NXT Women’s Championship, the Four Horsewomen went at it. This was one of those action-stipulated, high-octane stipulations that really showed off just how deep with talent the women’s division in NXT was. Sasha Banks would come out on top of this stipulation to win the championship and cement her place as someone very special in WWE. Sasha Banks vs. Bayley, NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, August 22, 2015Possibly the most signature match during the early Women’s Revolution was an NXT Women’s Championship match between Sasha Banks and Bayley at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn. Many consider this one of the best women’s matches in WWE history. The point being, it really was an emotionally charged moment—Bayley’s win sealed that scene right there, along with the post-match embrace by the Four Horsewomen, a picture of a new beginning for women in wrestling. Breaking Barriers on the Main RosterSoon after, this Women’s Revolution trickled down to WWE’s main roster, where they began giving female Superstars privileged positions and opportunities. Stephanie McMahon – The Announcement – July 13, 2015It was on an episode of Monday Night Raw that Stephanie McMahon broke the news about Charlotte, Sasha Banks, and Becky Lynch coming over to the main roster, which really started the ball rolling for the Women’s Revolution in WWE primary programming. Therefore, this was invested with huge importance for a change in direction by the company toward women’s wrestling. The new era would be competitive and respectful to female performers. WrestleMania 32, April 3, 2016WrestleMania 32 was big in real прик Reiha, for t-he Women’s Revolution especially did ensue with a huge moment: Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch in a Triple Threat match for the newly introduced WWE Women’s Championship, which would be, is now known as the Raw Women’s Championship. The addition of this match replaced the Divas Championship and showed a shift away from the “Divas” era into more competitive and respected female wrestlers. Charlotte won the match, thus becoming the first WWE Women’s Champion in the modern era.Hell in a Cell (October 30, 2016) For the very first time in WWE history, the final gimmick on a pay-per-view event was sacrificed to a Hell in a Cell match between women. Sasha Banks defended the Raw Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair in an appalling, historic fight to prove what level of physicality and beating could be put on by the females inside a ring, thus breaking one gender barrier apart and setting another standpoint regarding women grappling. Asuka’s Rise and the Rise of the NXT Women’s DivisionWhile the Four Horsewomen were breaking sweat on the main roster, NXT remained a breeding ground for top female talent, with Asuka coming out to be a dominant force. Asuka versus Bayley, NXT TakeOver: Dallas, April 1, 2016 Asuka captured the NXT Women’s Championship from Bayley at NXT TakeOver: Dallas, leading to one of the most dominant reigns of the championship in WWE history. Not having lost a single time and bell-ringing in style put Asuka midfield as that standout performer, an enormous figure for the Women’s Revolution. Asuka’s Undefeated StreakAsuka went on to establish an undefeated streak from NXT to the main roster, building the momentousness of her dominance and skill. This lasted for more than two years until the most recent WrestleMania 34, when she met Charlotte Flair in the ring for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. This was yet another milestone that set up the biggest stage with two of WWE’s top female Superstars. Mae Young ClassicAnother huge step in this Women’s Revolution was the Mae Young Classic, an all-women’s tournament paying respect to WWE Hall of Famer Mae Young. Said event would be headlined by talent from all around the world to give a showcasing of depths and diversity for women’s wrestling. The inaugural Mae Young Classic 2017The first Mae Young Classic in 2017 had 32 competing women representing a multitude of nationalities and backgrounds. In essence, it was more like a festival of women’s wrestling—talent that hadn’t been experienced by the world as of yet. Kairi Sane won the tournament over Shayna Baszler in the final match. The Second Mae Young Classic 2018If anything, the second Mae Young Classic in 2018 was an improvement over the very first. It maintained many returning competitors with new blood, all boiling down to the match-up between Toni Storm and Io Shirai for the finals. The win of Toni Storm showed even more: stating the real meaning of women’s wrestling—international with a deep pool of talent. First-Ever Women’s Royal Rumble (January 28, 2018)Another groundbreaking moment in the women’s revolution was when the very first Women’s Royal
The Best of NXT TakeOver: Matches That Stole the Show
Ever since the very start, NXT TakeOvers became a synonym for high-quality wrestling and storytelling, with the matches establishing themselves among the best that WWE has to offer. Pure wrestling, supported by character work and strong stories, had given rise to numerous ongoing memories, keeping fans up on their toes all the time. The article baits the best NXT TakeOver matches that have indeed stolen the show, with its bouts shaping ethos and creating an indelible mark within the wrestling business. The Birth of NXT TakeOverBefore delving into the matches, some context is needed concerning the importance of NXT TakeOver events. The first NXT TakeOver event happened on May 29, 2014, and it was a realization of the vision of WWE in building a developmental brand that can stand alone as a major attraction. In fact, NXT quickly became known for high-quality wrestling, with its showcase being on new talent. It is through TakeOver events that these stars were really given that grand plateau to perform, head-to-head with the main roster shows, due in large part to their sheer intensity and passion. Cesaro vs. Sami Zayn – NXT Arrival (February 27, 2014)A bit further back, one of the very first matches that really set the bar for what NXT TakeOver would grow into was Sami Zayn against Cesaro, at Arrivals. A match with brains, a boatload of violence, and remarkable athleticism, carrying on an intense rivalry: a clinic at how wrestling is done by Zayn and Cesaro in usage of flying and technical prowess. The emotional and physical intensity of that one took fans on a ride and put NXT on the map for match-of-the-year candidates. Charlotte vs. Natalya—NXT TakeOver May 29thAnother classic from NXT TakeOver was the match between Charlotte and Natalya for the vacant NXT Women’s Championship. This was really one of those defining moments in Women’s Evolution that proved to everyone just how athletic and talented female professional wrestlers could be. Each competitor gave a great performance with good technical wrestling and some empathy storytelling. The presence of Ric Flair and Bret Hart in their respective corners added to the match’s prestige, and Charlotte’s victory marked the beginning of her ascent as one of WWE’s top stars. Sasha Banks vs. Bayley, NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, August 22, 2015Perhaps one of the biggest matches in NXT history, Sasha Banks vs. Bayley is considered by many fans and outlets to be the turning point for women’s wrestling. Quite possibly one of the biggest matches to ever take place in NXT history, this was being built as an underdog moment for Bayley. The match between them was a thriller; I mean, a masterpiece of storytelling, athleticism, and emotion. Sasha and Bayley displayed moments that the fans would consider a five-star segment and an amazing chemistry with wrestling ability. The post-match celebration with the Four Horsemen shows the victory Bayley scored unquestionably kicks off a dimension in women’s wrestling. Finn Bálor vs. Kevin Owens at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, August 22, 2015The same night, another force was increased when Finn Bálor defended his NXT Championship against Kevin Owens in a Ladder Match. It was a very brutal, slobber-knocker match, very befitting of WWE’s two hardest hitters in NXT. Both Bálor and Owens took really huge risks, put their bodies on the line, used the ladder as a weapon and a prop for taking those big bumps. The victory for Bálor here will rubber-stamp and send him as one of the top champions in NXT, while what Owens did will continue to solidify him as one of the most interesting characters in all of wrestling. Shinsuke Nakamura versus Sami Zayn, NXT TakeOver: Dallas, April 1,Shinsuke Nakamura’s NXT debut match against Sami Zayn at NXT TakeOver: Dallas was very much a dream match in itself. In fact, there was actually nothing much to ask for in such a contest. This was the right dish prepared with the exact ingredients: solid hits combined with great technical work and show. His unreplicable charisma and in-ring style make the one-on-one performance matched with Zayn’s fiery passion and resilience. The energy was palpable within the crowd, and this was run at a stellar pace. For Nakamura, it marked the first step on the road to NXT for him, after his win, Zayn got a grand farewell from the audience. DIY vs The Revival – NXT TakeOver: Toronto – November 19, 2016The NXT Tag Team Championship match between DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) and The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson) at NXT TakeOver: Toronto has often been referred to as the greatest tag team match in WWE history. This 2-out-of-3 Falls match was really a classic one in tag team wrestling, when both teams put up a real clinic of psychology, teamwork, and storytelling. The high-flying and technical prowess were perfect contrasts from the old-school antics of Revival. DIY overcame, put an emotional victory on the backburner, and cemented a legacy on the night. Asuka vs. Ember Moon – NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III (August 19, 2017)It was a night to remember as Asuka’s record-setting reign as NXT Women’s Champion faced its toughest challenge at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III against Ember Moon. The result was the exquisite brutality of Asuka’s striking mixed with the overt greatness of Ember Moon’s athleticism and never-say-die attitude. Both women turned in an extremely hard-hitting, energetic contest that had fans at a fever pitch throughout. Despite considerable effort from Ember, Asuka held onto the title and kept her undefeated streak alive. This is one of those encounters where the bar was not only high, but the setting was high. Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas – NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia, January 27This tug-of-war brought the best out in Johnny Gargano while he fought the lifetime match with Andrade “Cien” Almas at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia. The match was a technical marvel that blended high-flying moves perfectly with stiff strikes and well-spun storytelling. It was Gargano’s underdog spirit combined against Almas with new levels of aggression
The Legacy of Triple H: From DX to Executive Roles
Triple H is the ring name for Paul Michael Levesque, the beloved wrestler who has become more synonymous with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) than wrestling itself. Starting out as the fresh arrogant talent of WWE, being a part of the rebellious faction DX, he later transitioned to top-tier then key executive under the WWE brand. The following article transports you through the twisted odyssey of the controversial in-ring performer who turned into the visionary executive shaping the future of WWE. Early Career and Emergence Hunter Hearst Helmsley: The Blueblood AristocratTriple H made his debut in the WWE in 1995 as Hunter Hearst Helmsley, a gimmick harnessed in 1995 to use him as a character that was supposedly an aristocrat of high society. The character was supposedly an elitist heel, thus being given a formal demeanor and accent like that of aristocracy. He was, of course, lumbered with this gimmick, although the in-ring skills that Levesque possessed soon began to become very evident. His technical skills and ring psychology set him apart as a performer at that time, even though the character didn’t particularly connect with the audience at that point in time. Joining The Kliq It was at this point, in joining The Kliq, a backstage band that included Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash (Diesel), Scott Hall (Razor Ramon), and Sean Waltman (X-Pac), that Triple H’s career path really took off. It had been The Kliq that had long held sway over WWE, and their guidance most of the time helped Triple H navigate through the cutthroat world of professional wrestling. One of the most infamous events involving The Kliq was something that is popularly referred to as the “Curtain Call”, which took place at Madison Square Garden in 1996, where the group broke kayfabe by having a hug fest in the ring despite their characters’ rivalries. Gradedefine describes kayfabe as the portrayal of events within the industry as real. It received huge backlash and had its share of repercussions backstage, particularly for Triple H, who took the brunt of it all and stayed demoted within the company for a while after this. D-Generation X: RedefiningFor all the setbacks, it was in September 1997 that Triple H’s career revival took place. Together with Shawn Michaels, he branded the formation of D-Generation X (DX). DX was a groundbreaking faction that showed the renegade spirit of WWE’s Attitude Era. Known for their irreverent humor, edgy promos, and pushing-of-the-envelope antics, DX soon became a cultural phenomenon. Triple H thrived in DX, exhibiting his charisma and wit, proving to be one of the most beloved in WWE at that time. Evolution: Let the Game Rise to PowerFollowing the injury-enforced temporary retirement of Michaels, Triple H assumed DX leadership and fared well in wrestling activities as a single debater. He later rebuilt himself to be “The Game,” which boiled down to the essence that he was the best professional wrestler of that period. This would be a much stronger version in his character – very outspoken and intense on wanting to be nothing but the very best in this business. In 2003 Triple H led a faction named Evolution, which consisted of Ric Flair, Randy Orton, Batista. The concept of evolution was to make a stable the present in Triple H, the past in Ric Flair, and the future with Randy Orton and Batista. They ruled WWE. By holding the World Heavyweight Championship in Triple H arms in the early decade of the 2000s, he cemented his legacy in history. Evolution helps both Orton and Batista further to establish as the main eventer which leads to more positive remarks about Triple H as a star maker. Ring Work: Iconic Bouts and Titles A League with Its Share of Classics, InevTriple H really had a lot of classic feuds during his career, combined with no less classic matches, indelible performances that ultimately shaped wrestling entertainments. His rivalry with The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels stands out because of it. Between those two, they have produced some of the most cherished matches and moments of WWE. Triple H vs. The Rock—battles which defined most of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their ladder match at SummerSlam 1998 and their wars with both the Intercontinental and WWE Championships really proved that these two did have magic together. Triple H vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin: This one had factions of vicious meetings, but one of its gems was their Three Stages of Hell match at No Way Out 2001 — regarded as one of the best matches of both their careers. Triple H vs. The Undertaker: The term legend fit these two in their matches at WrestleMania X-Seven, XXVII, and XXVIII, although their Hell in a Cell “End of an Era” match at WrestleMania XXVIII is one of the best in the history of the grand spectacle. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels: Their friendship and the ensuing fallouts produced a lot of timeless classics, such as their unsanctioned match at SummerSlam 2002, epic war inside that first-ever Elimination Chamber match, and forcing a Last Man Standing match at Royal Rumble 2004. Championship ReignsIn his career as a wrestler, Triple H captured 14 World Championships: by far one of the best champions that the WWE would contain in its content. For over more than a decade, he held these top championships and made important title reigns for both the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship. It was Triple H, therefore, who learned how to adapt his character and make it relevant with time, hence reaping all that he did both in longevity and success.Move into Executive Positions The Building of the NXTOne of Triple H’s biggest contributions to WWE came once he started transitioning from full-time performer to executive. In 2010, Triple H spearheaded the creation of NXT, which served as the company’s “training ground” up to very recently. A reality-based competition show at first, it slowly transformed itself into a full wrestling promotion
Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels: The Ultimate Rivalry Explored
The feud between Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Shawn Michaels is one of the most legendary feuds in professional wrestling history. Their late 1980s-through-1990s era feud epitomized all that the WWE—then WWF—was changing: larger-than-life characters giving way to technically proficient athletes. It is a rivalry most memorable for what it birthed inside the ring, along with real-life animosity fueling it. This article will look at the history, great moments, and long-lasting impact of the Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels feud, with much exploration into what made this rivalry so engaging. Early Careers and Parallel PathsPopularly known as “Hitman” because of Part of the legendary Hart family, Bret Hart was indeed initiated into the world of wrestling in his father Stu Hart’s promotion: Stampede Wrestling in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. With his wrestling background and being theoretically one of the better technical wrestlers, very quickly Bret was making a name for himself in the ring as a master technician. Hart mainly started in the WWF during the mid-’80s, where he enjoyed judicious success in the tag team division with The Hart Foundation colleague Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. The team would be spoken of with high regard for their good in-ring work and chemistry, and Bret’s high level of skill as a performer began to shine. Shawn Michaels: The Showstopper Meanwhile, Shawn Michaels was also cutting his teeth in the wrestling business in Texas under Jose Lothario. Michaels began teaming up with Marty Jannetty as a highly powered flying tag team named The Rockers. As soon as The Rockers had joined the growing ranks of WWF in the late-’80s, they spiraled in fame very quickly.Yet, it wasn’t until Michaels turned on Jannetty in 1992, breaking up The Rockers, that his singles career truly hit the big-time. Michaels’ charisma, athleticism, and “Heartbreak Kid” persona were truly the difference-makers. Beginnings of FeudIn fact, it was where a potential future match between the two was first discussed back in the early 1990s for singles success. Wrestling as an industry was making a shift from more cartoon-like, colorful characters in the 1980s wrestling era towards promoting better athleticism and in-ring performances, which both Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels perfectly represented. Survivor Series 1992One of their first confrontations that set Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels on a collision course was at Survivor Series 1992, where Bret Hart, at that time World Wrestling Federation champion, put his title on the line against Shawn Michaels, the reigning Intercontinental Champion. The match was all about contrasting styles: Hart’s technical mastery versus Michaels’ agility on the ground and in the air. Bret, of course, emerged the winner of the match, but the clash presaged far greater things. The Iron Man Match: WrestleMania XII Their rivalry hit its peak when in 1996, at WrestleMania XII, Hart and Michaels faced each other in a 60-minutes Iron Man match with the WWF Championship at stake. This match is considered one of the greatest matches ever in wrestling for their incredible stamina, skill, and storytelling in the ring buffers. After the initial 60 minutes, the result of the match ended in a 0-0 draw, taking it to sudden death overtime. Finally, after that famous “Boyhood Dream” moment, Michaels would win the match, taking his new position of WWF Champion as he would sink to his knees with his hands in the air in emotional fashion. Now, this match puts Michaels over as a main-event star, also establishing the greatness of seldom possible future rivalries he will and could be in. The Montreal Screwjob: Survivor Series 1997 Context and Real Life TensionsThe most infamous chapter in this rivalry was, to go without saying, at the Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997 when real-life animosities between both men had hit the boiling point. Hart was on the verge of leaving the WWF for WCW, and huge backstage tension occurred concerning his WWF Championship and who it was going to end up with. Hart was set to put over Michaels in Montreal at Survivor Series for the title. Hart, however, had it in his contract to have creative control, which means he would not lose the belt in his home country. Recognizing he did not want Hart to leave with the belt, Vince McMahon went before and created the “Montreal Screwjob.”. The ScrewjobIn the match, when Michaels put on Hart’s own Sharpshooter submission move, referee Earl Hebner, under orders from McMahon, rang the bell to signify the match’s ending. Even though Hart himself never actually submitted, Michaels was declared the winner with McMahon officially handing him the new WWF Championship in this famously controversial and completely unscripted finish. The post-show was quite tumultuous, as Hart raged, spit on McMahon, and destroyed equipment. The Screwjob was not the conclusion of Hart’s career within WWF but rather a long-reaching fall-off that took place among all those involved, leaving the wrestling industry in a state of change. Post-Screwjob Fallout and Legacy Hart’s Departure and Michaels’ AscendancyHistory would continually reflect back on the Montreal Screwjob match that saw Bret Hart leave for WCW and never quite match the glory that he basked in with the WWF. Michaesl, on the other hand, would go on to become one of the biggest stars of his time—not of wrestling, but of WWF history—a character even more heel-driven due to the controversy in the Montreal Screwjob. This period solidified the evil Mr. McMahon heel role on-screen and transformed into the catalyst character in the transition toward the Attitude Era of the WWF. Impact on WrestlingIn a nutshell, this was a major happening in terms of the Montreal Screwjob in professional wrestling. It blurred the lines so much between scripted entertainment and real-life drama, or sport, that a feel of unpredictability came, which started from that very moment. Some have also stated that the show was one of the major pushing forces that converted the Attitude Era into something magnificent: a time when WWF let things be raunchy and controversial, among other elements, thus gaining the upper
Stone Cold Steve Austin: The Rattlesnake’s Most Iconic Moments
Stone Cold Steve Austin, born Steven James Anderson (later Steven Williams), is one of the most influential and charismatic people in the history of professional wrestling. He is infamous for his rebellious personality that basically defined the WWE’s (then WWF) prime time of the Attitude Era, noted for its edgy, boundary-pushing content. His synonymous catchphrases, loud beer chugging, and fierce rivalries have indeed left their mark on the industry. This article analyzes in deep length the moments that Stone Cold Steve Austin had, and exemplifies the career that shaped professional wrestling of the modern world.Early Career and Rise to Stardom To understand some of the most legendary moments of Austin’s tenure, one has to understand the journey that Austin took to reach the top of the mountain of the profession. Austin entered into the professional wrestling business in 1989, after being trained by Chris Adams in Dallas, Texas. He wrestled under the ring name of “Steve Williams” before adopting the ring name of “Steve Austin” in the World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He showed flickering promise, but his employers in WCW never gave him entry to his unlimited limits and he was thus kicked out in 1995. Austin went on to work for Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) just after leaving WCW but used these promotions to refine his gimmick of a moody, rebellious wrestler. Upon joining WWF in late 1995, he took refining “Stone Cold” far more seriously. Origin Of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin: The BirthThe Stone Cold persona was officially birthed back in 1996. The transformation of Austin’s character began during the King of the Ring tournament. After defeating Jake “The Snake” Roberts in the final, Austin cut his now-famous “Austin 3:16” promo where he belittled Roberts’ religious beliefs and said: “Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!” This all cemented his character, which subsequently shifted merchandise, with “Austin 3:16” topping merchandise sales in the history of wrestling. The Austin-McMahon FeudOne of the biggest ever storylines till date in WWE history is the hate actions between Stone Cold Steve Austin and the then WWE chairman, Vince McMahon. Their feud typified the WWE’s Attitude Era and became one of its trademark angles. Austin’s First Stunner to McMahonOn September 22, 1997, Austin gave McMahon a Stone Cold Stunner during an episode of “Raw.” Now selling the events of that time, one might realize how striking this became as living proof that Vince McMahon was not one to be left within a ring competition. The Stunner was what really set off this perpetual grudge match in which Austin repeatedly flips the bird in the face of McMahon, standing as a symbol of fans’ anti-establishment sentiment. The Zamboni Incident On September 28, 1998, during the show “Raw,” Austin drove a Zamboni down to ringside, jumped off the Zamboni, and ran into the ring to attack McMahon. This stunt is supposed to help fans realize exactly how disrespectful any form of authority is to Austin and how far he’ll go just to get his hands on McMahon. Beer Truck IncidentMaybe the most memorable moment of the Austin-McMahon attitude was actually March 22, 1999. On this “Raw” episode, Austin simply drove a beer truck right into the arena and started drenching McMahon, Shane McMahon, and The Rock in beer. The image of Austin showering his rivals with beer became really one of the iconic images that expressed the “rebellion” character of his identity. Championship Reigns and Memorable MatchesAustin had a career punctuated with many champion wins and epic matches. His in-ring ability to be a perfectionist and, at the same time, tell a story from whistle to whistle on television made him a backbone for the presentation. “First Blood Fatal 4-Way” – WrestleManiaOne of the mega matches associated with Austin has been his bout at WrestleMania 13 against Bret “The Hitman” Hart in a submission match. It consisted of dramatic storytelling and savage intensity. The picture of a bloodied Austin refusing to submit to Bret Hart’s devastating finisher—the Sharpshooter—holds a valuable place in wrestling history.This was a defining match for Austin’s career, really setting his reputation as a hard, never-say-die competitor in stone, aligning him into the fan-favorite “tweener” (a character who is not fully a face, not a heel). WrestleMania 14: Conquering Shawn Michaels to Win the TitleAt WrestleMania 14, Austin faced Mike Tyson’s special enforcer in-ring with Shawn Michaels in a WWE Championship contest. Hugely significant not just because of the win for Austin—marking his first win of the WWE Championship—but also because of the mainstream interest in the event provoked by Tyson’s presence. This is the victory that placed Stone Cold at the top of the mountain in the WWE, leading the promotion through its most successful time frame of the Attitude Era. The Great Rock Feud and the Three Great WrestleManiaThe rivalry between Austin and The Rock is legendary and one of the best wrestling feuds in its history. Holy wars went down at three WrestleManias—15, 17, and 19, each telling another unique episode in their blood feud. WrestleMania 15: He got his revenge from The Rock and gained back the WWE Championship for the second time, proving much better. WrestleMania 17: In one of greatest matches in the history of WrestleMania, Austin defeated The Rock, with this event cementing him as the real villain by aligning with Vince McMahon. WrestleMania 19: In a match that would turn out to be Austin’s last at WrestleMania, The Rock took out Austin, thereby ending one of the greatest storied rivalries in the history of wrestling. Infamous that match was because of the emotional sign of respect between the two legends. It’s true that Austin’s career was filled with moments and catchphrases that became ingrained in popular culture. His ability to sincerely relate to the people around him through his words and actions made him a true icon. “What?” ChantThe “What?” chant is considered one of Austin’s most lasting legacies. The “chant,” culled from a 2001 promo, stays such a brilliant, almost elemental
The Evolution of John Cena: Hustle, Loyalty, Respect In and Out of the Ring
John Cena is not an alien to the household in contemporary wrestling and mainstream entertainment. It’s an utterly exciting narrative about his commitment, evolution, and staunch adherence to his ideals that takes him from his WWE debut to the global Main Event Superstar he is today. The next article will take you through the journey of John Cena’s evolution: how his mantra—”Hustle, Loyalty, Respect”—impacted his career and personal life and how he became such a dear figure to many in-ring and out. Early Life and Wrestling BeginningsJohn Felix Anthony Cena Jr. was born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts. He belonged to an Italian and English heritage family, and his family was distinguished in the respect that he was early in his school life into sports. He played football for a private prep school called Cushing Academy; after that,he gained admission to Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. There at the college level, he caught the attention of the viewers by becoming an NCAA Division III All-American center on the college football team.After he graduated with a degree in exercise physiology, body movement, he dived into the world of bodybuilding. However, his real calling was when he opted to go into professional wrestling. Cena learned a lot from joining Ultimate Pro Wrestling UPW way back in 1999 under trainer Rick Bassman. It was here that he adopted his first in-ring persona: The Prototype, a semi-robotic character highlighting his huge physique and athletic prowess. WWE Debut and the Rise of the Doctor of ThuganomicsIn 2001, Cena got his big break when he signed with World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) for a developmental deal. He was then assigned to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), for other seasoning. It was WWE’s developmental territory. He finally made his official WWE debut on June 27, 2002, during an episode of “SmackDown!” when he responded to Kurt Angle’s open challenge. Immediately following the match, it appealed to the fans as much as to WWE officials. His character was initially a generic, clean-cut babyface with not much depth, until late 2002; then his career path changed after he took on the persona of the Doctor of Thuganomics. This was a cocky, loudmouthed wrestler who would freestyle rap his promos, insulting his opponents with clever rhymes. The Doctor of Thuganomics actually spoke to the unfiltered wrestling fans and gave Cena the leeway to flex his charisma and creativity. During this time period, Cena won his first major championship, the United States Championship, in 2004. He continued to rise in popularity, where he would eventually begin making the transition from the mid-card talent who worked his way up to the main event star. At the end of 2004, Cena had already secured his place amongst the WWE’s top superstars. The Face of WWE: Hustle, Loyalty, RespectThis next phase of his career, which expanded to yet another dimension, came in 2005 when he won his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21 by beating John “Bradshaw” Layfield, better known as JBL. This further cemented his reign to officially make Cena the face of WWE. His top star flicked narcissism into a whole new character that reflected his values: “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect.” This character really was, for all intents and purposes, essentially calling a modern-day superhero touting hard work, dedication, and never giving up. “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” was what Cena preached, and it hit home with them, primarily kids and teenagers. The really huge catchphrases would be “Never Give Up” and “You Can’t See Me.” Merchandise bearing his name, from shirts to wristbands and hats, became top sellers in WWE history. He sported his signature hand posture, after all, what is called the “You Can’t See Me” wave—a definite trademark for his enigma of a character. Of late, Cena has been right in the middle of some very prominent rivalries and matches throughout his career. His most memorable feuds were wars with superstars Edge, Randy Orton, Batista, The Rock, and CM Punk. Such rivalries really set Cena apart as one of the top stars in the company and produced numerous moments that will never be forgotten in WWE history. Transition into Mainstream EntertainmentAt the time, when Cena was ruling in the wrestling world, he began to work in mainstream entertainment. In 2006, he starred in his first feature film, “The Marine,” produced by WWE Studios. The movie returned a moderate box office take that sent Cena on his acting career. He would go on to star in a host of other WWE Studios films, until “12 Rounds” in ’09 and “Legendary” in ’10. Cena’s move into Hollywood built up in the mid-2010s. He began to pick up an increasingly wide variety of mainstream movies, showing that he actually could be versatile. Notable cinematography work by the actor includes: “Trainwreck” 2015 — Cena succeeded as Steven, a fitness-obsessed boyfriend, in this Judd Apatow comedy. It really showcased his comedic timing and proved he had a knack for stuff outside the realm of action. “Daddy’s Home” (2015) and “Daddy’s Home 2” (2017): Cena appeared in the former by making his noteworthy cameo and reprised an expanded role as Roger, rival stepdad, in the latter. His dynamic with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg was truly on fire to flip up each of these movies’ humors. “Blockers” (2018): in that comedy, Cena played Mitchell, the overprotective father wanting at all costs to prevent his daughter from losing her virginity on prom night. Represented critical acclaim, became a box office hit, further boosting the reputation of actor John Cena as a talented comedian. “Bumblebee” (2018) Cena played Agent Burns, a military officer, in this spin-off to the “Transformers” series of films. Box office performance was quite good, and it really proved that Cena can do action roles for major franchises. “F9: Fast & Furious 9” (2021)—Cena joined the “Fast & Furious” franchise, playing Jakob Toretto, the estranged brother of Vin Diesel’s character, Dominic Toretto. Not only has he been featured in a key bundle of
The Rock’s Hollywood Journey: From WWE Champion To Global Superstar
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson moving from being a professional wrestler to one of the most bankable and well-liked movie stars in all of Hollywood shows discipline, charisma, and unstoppable work ethic toward versatility. So in many ways, what’s fascinating about Johnson’s journey—the evolution from squared circle to silver screen—is that it’s less of a career transition than it is a cultural phenomenon that reconfigures the entertainment landscape. This paper tracks his meteoric rise in Hollywood and actually examines the key milestones, challenges, and successes that have defined the path of The Rock in becoming a global superstar. Early Life and Wrestling BeginningsThe actor Dwayne Johnson was born on May 2, 1972, in Hayward, California, to a family with a rich wrestling heritage. He was born to Rocky Johnson, one of the premier African American wrestlers in the business, and his maternal grandfather was a Samoan wrestler by the name of Peter Maivia, long regarded as one of the finest wrestlers from that country. Growing up in such an environment, Johnson was exposed to the world of wrestling from an early age. Yet he began his career with football, although Johnson was a second-generation wrestler: he attended the University of Miami and became one of the 1991 national champions. Injuries of Johnson ejected him from football career, and he began to think about an actor-wrestler’s career. In 1996, he was acquired by the WWF but first appeared in the box under the pseudonym Rocky Maivia in honor of his father and grandfather’s nicknames. How The Rock Rose to Fame in WWEThe beginning of Johnson’s career in the WWE didn’t run smoothly. When Johnson was introduced to the stable audience as Rocky Maivia, he was coming across too white hat and was more or less booed out of the building. What started to change things for Johnson was his heel turn as he became The Rock, the extremely charismatic and brash character referring to himself in the third person. The Rock would become one of the greatest and fan-favorite wrestlers at a speed unparalleled in WWE history. His catchphrases, charisma, and in-ring skills simply electrified audiences around the world. He went on to win multiple championships, headline major events, and embroiled himself in iconic rivalries with fellow superstars like Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H and also tangled with others like the Undertaker. By the late 1990s through the early 2000s, The Rock had become one of the marquee headline acts during WWE’s “Attitude Era,” the professional wrestling company’s highest peak in attention and popularity. Transition to HollywoodWhile still a WWE wrestler, The Rock started to test the waters in Hollywood. His first film role was as the Scorpion King in 2001’s “The Mummy Returns”. The popular character spawned a feature film of its own, “The Scorpion King” (2002), starring The Rock in the title role of the Scorpion King. A smash hit, that movie had huge box office receipts. Knowing the ability to be a movie star, Johnson started to steer clear of full time wrestling and embarked on his acting profession. Not that it was easy though, The Rock had great stereotypes to deal with- the biggest one: wrestlers can never be genuine actors; he really had to prove his acting merit in the competitive acting industry. Establish a Career in FilmmakingThe breakout film roles for Johnson in the early period encompassed mixed genres and reception. He had leading roles in action movies such as “The Rundown” in 2003 and “Walking Tall” in 2004, not to mention his comedic roles in “Be Cool” in 2005 and “The Game Plan” in 2007. While these films cemented his position as a bankable movie lead star, it wasn’t until the 2010s that time really saw Johnson’s film career take off. And in 2011, he joined the cast of the “Fast & Furious” franchise as Luke Hobbs, a tough federal agent. It really infused something fresh into the series, and his performance was greatly appreciated by fans all over. These highly acclaimed roles in “Fast & Furious” considerably boosted Johnson’s Hollywood profile, leading to even better action/horror/romantic comedies and more box office blowouts. The Box Office Dominance of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ JohnsonThroughout the last decade of 2010, Johnson starred in a good number of hit movies that landed him in the blockbuster star of Hollywood. Among them are: “Fast & Furious” Franchise (2011-Present): Johnson delivered a stellar performance as Luke Hobbs. He featured in a few episodes of the movie, such as “Fast Five” (2011), “Fast & Furious 6” (2013), and “Furious 7” (2015) and “The Fate of the Furious” (2017). He had a spin-off movie that was all about him: “Hobbs & Shaw,” starring in 2019 opposite Jason Statham. “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” (2012): With Dwayne Johnson, this is basically a family adventure; it was more commercial and projected his finesse as an actor. “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” (2013): Johnson played the role of this sequel—a slam to his fast-growing reputation as an action hero. San Andreas (2015): This was a disaster movie, with Johnson cast in the lead role as a rescue helicopter pilot. Released by Warner Bros., it proved a commercial success and grossed more than $474 million worldwide. Moana (2016)—Johnson lent the voice for the character, Maui, in this Disney animated film. Moana broke the bank at the box office and received immense critical acclaim, but again, most of the praise was showered on Johnson. “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (2017) and “Jumanji: The Next Level” (2019): The actor starred in these adventure comedies alongside Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. Both movies performed very well at the box office and collected over $962 million globally. “Rampage” (2018)—a science fiction giant-monster movie based on the video game series; similarly, it was fronted by Johnson and motivated cinema-goers to turn out in full force. “Skyscraper” (2018) – An action thriller starring Dwayne Johnson as a former FBI agent, now left with the mission of saving his family from