Top 10 Best Matches of The Rock’s WWE Career
The Rock at Royal Rumble 2013
10- The Rock vs. Triple H (Ladder Match, SummerSlam 1998)
This Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship was the true breakout performance for both stars. It showcased their escalating rivalry and elevated both men into future main event status. In a grueling, ladder-climbing war, Triple H narrowly defeated The Rock with the help of Chyna. The match officially signaled the rise of two future legends, establishing the blueprint for their multi-year feud.
9- The Rock vs. CM Punk (Royal Rumble 2013)
In this highly anticipated match for the WWE Championship, The Rock challenged CM Punk and his historic 434-day reign. Punk, with the assistance of The Shield, initially retained the title, but Vince McMahon restarted the match due to interference. The Rock seized the moment, connecting with a People's Elbow to pin Punk and win the WWE Championship for the eighth and final time, fulfilling his promise to the WWE Universe.
8- The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar (SummerSlam 2002)
This clash for the Undisputed WWE Championship was the definitive "passing of the torch" moment for the new "Ruthless Aggression" era. The Rock, on his way to Hollywood, battled the dominant rookie, Brock Lesnar, who was just five months into his WWE career. The electric main event ended with Lesnar defeating The Rock cleanly with a devastating F-5 to become the youngest WWE Champion in history at 25. This victory immediately cemented Lesnar as the company's next top star.
7- The Rock vs. Triple H (Iron Man Match, Judgment Day 2000)
A grueling, 60-minute Iron Man match for the WWF Championship that highlighted the incredible chemistry and endurance of two Attitude Era pillars. Both men traded falls and brutal moves throughout the contest, which saw a thrilling 5-5 tie as the clock wound down. The drama reached its peak in the final seconds when a returning The Undertaker interfered, costing The Rock the match via disqualification, giving Triple H the 6-5 victory.
6- The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin (WrestleMania XIX, 2003)
This third and final WrestleMania encounter was promoted as the end of their legendary trilogy. It was a classic contest that saw The Rock, operating as "Hollywood Rock," finally defeat his greatest rival. The Rock needed three consecutive Rock Bottoms to secure the victory. Poignantly, this would also be Stone Cold Steve Austin's final match before his 2003 retirement, a fitting conclusion to the biggest rivalry in WWE history.
5- The Rock vs. Mankind ("I Quit" Match, Royal Rumble 1999)
This brutal encounter for the WWF Championship solidified The Rock as a ruthless, top-tier heel. The match is infamous for its unparalleled violence, featuring a series of sickening, unprotected steel chair shots to Mankind's head while his wife and children watched on. The Rock ultimately won after playing a recording of Mankind's voice saying "I Quit." A dark, controversial, and unforgettable chapter in their rivalry.
4- The Rock vs. Kurt Angle vs. The Undertaker (Vengeance 2002)
This incredible Triple Threat Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship featured three of the company's top stars at their absolute peak. It was a non-stop, fast-paced clinic where all three men traded finishers and near-falls, stealing each other's signature moves. In the end, The Rock countered an Angle Slam from Kurt Angle and delivered a final Rock Bottom to win the championship for a then-record seventh time.
3- The Rock vs. John Cena (WrestleMania XXVIII, 2012)
Billed as "Once in a Lifetime," this was a colossal match that transcended wrestling, pitting the biggest star of the Attitude Era against the face of the modern era. The year-long build-up delivered a genuine spectacle in Miami. The emotional, back-and-forth main event ended with The Rock hitting the Rock Bottom for the pinfall victory. It became the most-bought non-WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view of all time.
2- The Rock vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (WrestleMania X-Seven, 2001)
This WWF Championship No Disqualification match marked the undisputed end of the Attitude Era. The intense, high-octane brawl between the two biggest stars ever reached a shocking climax. In a moment that stunned the Houston crowd, Stone Cold turned heel by aligning with his bitter enemy, Mr. McMahon, to defeat The Rock with a barrage of steel chair shots. The match is hailed as one of the greatest WrestleMania main event.
1- The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan ("Icon vs. Icon," WrestleMania X8, 2002)
A true generational dream match, this contest delivered pure spectacle. Though Hogan arrived as a heel in the nWo, the Toronto crowd wildly cheered the returning legend, creating one of the most electric atmospheres in history. The Rock and Hogan recognized the crowd's energy and called the match on the fly, transforming it into a moment where Hogan "Hulked Up" one last time before The Rock ultimately secured the victory.
