No one ever expected there to be a moment this spring when Dwayne Johnson would be outshined.
For more than two decades, Dwayne Johnson has been entertaining his fans. Bursting onto the scene as a professional wrestler under the moniker “The Rock” in the late 1990s, Johnson quickly transitioned into the world of acting, where he has become one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. Known for his action-packed performances and endearing charm, Johnson has cemented his status as a leading man in blockbuster films.
Throughout his career, Dwayne Johnson has showcased his ability to excel in a wide range of roles, from tough-as-nails action heroes to comedic characters with a heart of gold. His breakthrough role came in the action-packed franchise The Fast and the Furious (2001-present), where he portrayed the formidable Luke Hobbs. Johnson’s portrayal of Hobbs earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his status as a bona fide action star. Beyond the realm of action films, Johnson has also showcased his comedic chops in movies like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and its sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), proving his versatility as an actor.
As Dwayne Johnson made his return to wrestling after a decade away from the business, with his last match coming against John Cena in 2013, the internet has been abuzz with speculation about what might be next for him in the WWE. The Rock is set to team up with Roman Reigns to face Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania XL, but there might be more involved in that storyline than just the tag team match.
Though speculation abounds, and fans have spent countless hours and posts attempting to figure out what the storyline might be as we head closer to WrestleMania, the wrestling world paused this past Sunday when another beloved figure in pro wrestling had his final match. Of course, we’re talking about The Icon, Sting.
Sting, also known as Steve Borden, is a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling. Making his mark in the late 1980s and continuing his illustrious career well into the 2000s, Sting became synonymous with loyalty, integrity, and a distinctive presence in the ring. With his iconic bleached blonde flat-top hairstyle and trademark face paint, he captivated audiences worldwide. Then, in 1996, he began to reinvent himself and go with a more “darker” look. This, ultimately, culminated in the “crow” character that we know today.
Sting’s career highlights include multiple championship reigns across various wrestling promotions, and his battles with formidable opponents like Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and The nWo are etched into wrestling history.
On Sunday, Sting laced up his boots for the final time as he took the ring in AEW in a tag team match with his partner Darby Allin against The Young Bucks. The result saw him finish with a victory in a match that fans won’t soon forget. What was even more impressive was the fact that Sting finished his career in Greensboro, NC, the very place where his match with Ric Flair at Clash of the Champions in 1989 put him on the map.
Though Sting and Dwayne Johnson were never able to work together, many fans still wonder what it would’ve been like if Sting had joined the WWE in 2001 once WCW was bought out by Vince McMahon. Seeing Sting challenge the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and of course, The Undertaker, could’ve have been a sight to behold.
During WrestleMania season– especially one that includes the return of The Rock– no one expected to see the day when anyone talked about anything other than the WWE in wrestling circles, but Sting’s transcendent career was enough to make that come to fruition.
