Rock to Induct His Family at Wrestlemania 24
The Rock...has come back to Wrestlemania 24. Well, not exactly. He'll be involved in the weekend festivities to induct his father and grandfather into the WWE Hall of Fame.
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Family Business
Wrestling fans all around the world applauded the news that the Rock was going to be making an appearance during Wrestlemania weekend this year.
The Great One will be on hand at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony to induct both his father and his grandfather.
Along with Tony Atlas, Rocky Johnson became the first black tag team to win the World Tag Team Championship. He is the Rock's father.
Rocky Johnson also achieved a measure of success in the NWA, where he challenged Terry Funk and Harley Race for the coveted NWA World Heavyweight Championship during the late 1970s.
The Rock's grandfather is High Chief Peter Maivia. He was a promoter in Hawaii before becoming a big star in WWE.
Peter Maivia challenged Superstar Billy Graham for the WWE Heavyweight Championship (then known as the WWWF title). He also engaged in a memorable feud with former tag team partner, Bob Backlund.
Their family tree is filled with wrestling stars. Two of the brightest will be forever remembered at Wrestlemania 24 when Rocky Johnson and Peter Maivia finally become Hall of Fame wrestlers. |
Overshadowed
First and foremost, understand that Rocky Johnson and Peter Maivia are just as deserving as a lot of the guys that are already in the WWE Hall of Fame. They've done enough in wrestling to be remembered.
Of course, it doesn't hurt when you're related to one of the greatest entertainers in the history of the wrestling business.
Wrestling is a business. It always has been. It always will be. The WWE Hall of Fame is as much of a business decision as it is a way to honor the former greats of the industry.
There was word that WWE was going to hold off on inducting Rocky Johnson and Peter Maivia if they weren't able to secure the Rock to induct them. Despite having a lot of well known relatives, WWE only wanted one person to induct them. It's hard to blame them for wanting that. The Rock's appearance at the WWE Hall of Fame overshadows everything else.
In fact, his appearance will even overshadow Ric Flair's induction. When you realize how difficult of a task that is, you start to realize how big the Rock is to the wrestling industry. For him to be able to overshadow the induction of the legendary Ric Flair without really trying says a lot about his stature.
You could even say that the Rock is bigger than the industry now.
Closing Thoughts
It'll be great to see the Rock back at Wrestlemania. It'll be even better to see his family being honored. |
