Dwayne Johnson Was Seemingly “Dressed Down” by Shawn Michaels in His Rookie Year for Something Trivial, Per HBK’s Long-Time Rival

Nobody can deny that Dwayne Johnson was destined to be a top star in WWE. The Rock was one among the others who helped define the Attitude Era. While The Rock’s massive contribution is second to none, Shawn Michaels’, in his own right, was also a megastar of the Attitude Era. However, HBK wasn’t a fan of Johnson’s in-ring work. 

In fact, according to Shawn Michaels’ long-time rival, Bret Hart, The Rock was once chewed out by Shawn Michaels during the former’s rookie year. And the reason was something trivial. Back in those days, the times were different and backstage hazing was a common occurrence. 

Shawn Michaels lashed out at Dwayne Johnson for using a dropkick off the top rope

Dwayne Johnson had a lackluster run in WWE in his rookie year. However, the dawn of the Attitude Era gentrified Johnson’s entire personality. He was unmatched on the mic and the electricity he generated through his performance was incomparable. But, he had his detractors in the locker room during his time as a curtain jerker. 

While speaking on an edition of Confessions of the Hitman podcast, Bret Hart recalled watching Shawn Michaels severely reprimanding The Rock for using a dropkick from the top rope. According to Hart, HBK was “mad” about The Rock using the move, as it was a staple of the former’s move set. The Hitman also remembered The Rock contritely saying “he didn’t know” and apologizing. It’s worth noting that at the time, The Rock was the IC Champion and was in the process of scrambling his way to the main event picture. 

Bret Hart said, “Shawn came in and just dressed him down and he chewed him out. And I believe, he [HBK] told him[The Rock] to never do a top rope dropkick ever again because that was his move. That’s what he was mad about. And then, he slammed the door and he walked out. The Rock was [sad] you know because in those days, Shawn had a lot of weight.”

Hart then relayed that after Michaels left the locker room, he told The Rock that he could use the move. He said, “Nobody owns the dropkick off the top. You can do that. Owen does it all the time!”

In all fairness, owning a dropkick from the top rope is the same as owning a clothesline. And so, Michaels’ contention did not hold water according to Bret Hart. 

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Furthermore, Shawn Michaels wasn’t the only one who gave The Rock a tough time. 

Bret Hart believes that Triple H gave Johnson the same treatment 

Further, during the podcast, Bret Hart revealed that Triple H was no different from Shawn Michaels. According to him, The Game always tried to break The Rock. At the time, while Shawn Michaels was already well-established, Triple H was on the same level as The Rock. 

Hart said, “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.” Hart further lauded The Rock for overcoming everything he had thrown his way. Eventually, The Great One weathered the storm through patience and stoicism and became one of WWE’s greatest of all time. 

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What do you think about Shawn Michaels’ harsh treatment? Let us know in the comments.