Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, started his career in the WWE, though he did not have a smooth sailing beginning. Since his novice days in the profession, he has faced a lot of rivals who tried to dissuade him.
Bullying is quite rampant in the wrestling industry, and the ring has been witness to a lot of real-life fights instead of performances. Johnson was not exempted from harassment.
Bret Hart Reveals Shawn Michaels And Triple H Bullied The Rock
During an episode of Confessions of the Hitman, wrestling star Bret Hart revealed how Triple H and Shawn Michaels would bully Dwayne Johnson backstage during the 90s via Wrestling Headlines.
“I remember Shawn Michaels coming into the dressing room and dressing down poor Dwayne. Shawn came in and just dressed him down, and he chewed him out. And I believe, [HBK] told [The Rock] to never do a top rope dropkick ever again because that was his move. That’s what he was mad about.”
He shared how The Rock was totally beaten up after being confronted by Michaels due to his stature. The WWE Hall of Famer also revealed that the latter did not make a fuss over it because he knew the company valued him so much.
“And then, he slammed the door, and he walked out. The Rock was [deflated] because, in those days, Shawn had a lot of weight. He was a pretty important guy for the company.”
Even the famous Triple H hated Johnson that he and Michaels would team up to get him. The Rock was easily becoming a star back then, and they were feeling sort of spiteful and envious over his rising popularity.
“Triple H was the same. He was always out to get The Rock. Shawn was out to get him, and they just worked on him and worked on him, and worked on him. And I left. The Rock was still in the doghouse with those guys. They wanted him out as bad as they wanted me out.”
Hart concluded that The Rock found his big break a year later, and he also made a name for himself in the WWE. “I’m so glad he overcame their petty bullsh*t,” he added.
Shawn Michaels On His Missed Opportunity To Fight Dwayne Johnson
In an interview with Daily Mail, Shawn Michaels admitted he was a difficult person to work with until he had a change of heart in 2002. He also explained why he never faced The Rock during his lengthy WWE career:
“I was always open to it, but it didn’t work out. He became an incredibly busy man and famous guy and everything else, and I would imagine his priorities changed quite a bit, and the things he wanted to do I think he did, and I respect that.”
Their potential match would have been a momentous event in the WWE, but since their rivalry has already become too personal, it will only remain just a pipe dream.
