Dwayne Johnson Reminisces About His Debut Days After “Incredible” Rare Photo Resurfaces Online

From Rocky Maivia to The Rock to The People’s Champion, Dwayne Johnson has left his mark on WWE and the world of pro wrestling. Since his debut in 1996, avid pro wrestling fans of all age groups are well versed in his history. But before he was able to embrace the spotlight, he had to work in the dark. The star was part of a couple of dark matches in his initial days. 

However, when a fan shared an image of one of his dark matches, Johnson couldn’t help but go on a nostalgia trip into the good old days.

The Rock’s Dark Days

Dark matches are usually conducted to warm up the crowd. They also help in testing new talents, though these matches are not televised. During his initial days, Johnson was tested in three dark matches. One such match was with Chris Candido aka Skip. Recently a fan on X (formerly Twitter) shared an image of the recorded match saying how he was enjoying the dark match. To this, the 51-year-old star made sure to reply by saying, “Incredible you’re able to see this inside footage. Wow, This was my second match ever. 24hrs earlier I had my first match ever in Corpus Christi. God Bless Chris Candido” reminiscing about the past.

After failing to kickstart a career in American football, Johnson decided to walk in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He took some training from his father so that he could start participating in wrestling circuits. By 1996, WWF (now WWE) started showing interest in the young star and wanted to test him before signing him on. Apart from a dark match against Chris Candido, he competed against Brooklyn Brawler and Owen Hart. His performance indeed impressed the people there and he was signed for a development contract and sent to Jerry Lawler’s USWA.

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Even though he was able to make a mark at the trials, his initial days at the ring were difficult, to say the least.

Trying to embrace the light

In the starting couple of years, the star was losing almost more than 50% of his matches. But things changed for him in the year 2000, when he won more than 60% of that year’s matches. And since then, there was no turning back for the star. He quickly rose to fame due to his wrestling and his mic skills. There was a time when almost every line that came from him was turned into a catchphrase.

Apart from that, the star has won multiple titles. He was a two-time Intercontinental Champion and had his reign for more than 300 days. He was eight times WWE Champion and his total reign as the WWE Championship title holder lasted for more than a year. He was a two-time WCW Champion and this reign lasted for more than three months. With that being said, his return has proved to be record-breaking for the promotion. Now that the star will be staying here for a long time, fans are eager to see what’s in store for him in this new run at the promotion.

What do you think about Johnson’s illustrious career so far?

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