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Has Dwayne Johnson Even Won the Royal Rumble? What’s The Rock’s Impact on One of WWE’s Big Four PLEs?

Published Jan 3, 2024 | 12:20 PM EST

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WWE shocked fans after announcing that a former WWE Champion would return. While fans were briefly disappointed to see Jinder Mahal come out instead of Dwayne Johnson on Day 1, this was quickly foiled when the People’s Champ made an appearance and promptly started working his gimmick. Now what’s interesting about his recent appearance is that The Rock hinted at possibly feuding with Roman Reigns. This has fans particularly on edge, as it could lead to a dream match forecasted years ago.

But with the Road to WrestleMania on the cards and Royal Rumble a few weeks away, will The Great One walk across 29 men to Roman Reigns? Has he done it before? Let’s explore The Great One’s history at Rumble.

The Rock’s history of Royal Rumble appearances

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Despite making his debut at Survivor Series in 1996, The Rock did not start his Rumble journey until 1998. However, it is to be noted that Rocky Maivia, a different gimmick by Dwayne Johnson was an entrant in the Royal Rumble where Dwayne Johnson finished inside the top 5.

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The Rumble at San Jose Arena is best remembered for three major reasons. Stone Cold’s second RR win, The Rock vs. Austin as the last men in the ring and the three faces of Mick Foley. Entering at #4, The Rock was the penultimate guy to be eliminated before eliminating 8 men including Farooq and Kama Mustafa.

The Rock did not enter the 1999 RR match as a performer, a Rumble known for Chyna’s appearance, but he was present to aid Vince McMahon’s victory over Stone Cold Steve Austin. However, The Rock was back to Rumble in 2000 as the top baby face, eventually securing his first win after controversially eliminating Big Show.

Read more: After Dwayne Johnson’s Massive Return, Another of Roman Reigns’ Relative Set for a Rumored WWE Return

The Rock’s final appearance as an entrant was in 2001 when he entered at #13 and finished in the top 3. But he made another special appearance in 2015 after Roman Reigns won his first Royal Rumble. However, not even a special appearance by the Great One could save our Tribal Chief from the People’s boos. But things are different now, a bit more personal.

A family affair: The Rock challenges Roman Reigns

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The Rock is once again looking to step into the Big Dog’s yard, not as a friend but as a foe. After appearing on RAW’s special Day 1 show, he hinted at challenging The Tribal Chief for the all-important Head of the Table position.

But for that, he may have to go through another round of Royal Rumble, repeat his achievement from 2000, and then challenge the modern-day G.O.A.T. Well, The Rock has done it before, so it doesn’t seem unlikely that he can do it again. But the fact that it has been over 20 years since his last Rumble match and as Reigns is family, could lead to more complications for the WWE legend.

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What do you think will happen? Is The Rock actually going to take on Reigns, and if he does, who will win the bout?

Watch this story: Every WWE Superstar Who Attacked Vince McMahon

Written by:

Himangshu Sinha

726Articles

One take at a time

Have you ever tried imitating the gestures and catchphrases of your favorite pro wrestlers? Those people eh? Well, I am those people! Hi, I am Himangshu Sinha, a WWE writer at EssentiallySports who is realizing his dream of writing about his favorite pro wrestlers. As a WWE fan, I acknowledge my Tribal Chief the most. I admire Gunther and LA Knight.
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Edited by:

Donna Eva