WATCH: The Moment that changed The Rock’s entire Career in WWE

Many great factions may come and go, and believe me when I say that WWE has seen its fair share of them. However, there have been very few groups who have been as influential in WWE as the Nation of Domination.

Back in the heat of the Attitude Era, the Nation of Domination was one of the most extreme factions to grace WWE. If it existed today, it would probably also be one of the most controversial.

Touching upon the sensitivities of people, this faction became a heat magnet in no time.

Just when we thought it couldn’t get worst, one of the fans’ favorite Superstars joined forces with them.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, then known as Rocky Maivia, broke the hearts of millions of fans, as he decided to turn heel and join the Nation of Domination. 

The man that the crowd once cheered their hearts out for was now being extensively booed. The crowd hated Rocky so much, that they chanted “Die Rocky Die” repeatedly.

This heel role was by far one of the most successful in WWE History. Everyone wanted to see Rocky get his face punched in by Stone Cold.

It was during this famous heel run, that Rocky Maivia changed his name to The Rock, a name that rings in everyone’s heads as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time.

Turning heel was the best career decision for The Rock

Even though the fans absolutely despised The Rock, him joining the Nation of Domination was the best thing to happen to his career.

After joining the faction, we got gold content from The Rock. The segments started getting better and better. Soon, the Nation of Domination shaped the character of the Rock, which blended further and further to make him one of the best showmen to enter the WWE ring. 

Owen Hart and Mark Henry also joined the faction briefly. They contributed to the much more hip version of the faction. 

Under The Rock, The Nation of Domination lost its militant theme and became just ‘The Nation.’ It slowly transitioned into a much more freestyle and hip faction, which would eventually shape The Rock’s character.

Kama Mustafa transitioned into the infamous Godfather, while Mark Henry went on to form his career-defining “sexual chocolate” character.

Unfortunately, the Nation of Domination declined over time, and The Rock himself was kicked out of the group. This didn’t stop him.

The Rock would go on to have another great heel run under Vince McMahon a few years later. That would solidify his status as one of the best.

The crowd may have loathed him then, but when I see replays from his time in the Nation of Domination, it’s pure entertainment gold.