Most WWE fans today try to mimic their favorite WWE superstars. From spitting out water like Triple H to raising their eyebrows like Dwayne Johnson. Certain character traits are so iconic that fans just love to imitate them. But even these legends, at one point in time, were fans of someone. Dwayne Johnson looked up to NFL legend Deion Sanders and attributes a lot of his character to him.

Dwayne Johnson’s character of The Rock is one that will be cherished for generations together. Moreover, wrestling fans can thank Deion Sanders for The Great One’s persona.

Dwayne Johnson says The Rock is based on Deion Sanders

Attitude Era fans will remember very well that there was one character who always got them giggling with his wisecrack jokes and banter. We are talking about none other than ‘The Great One’ Dwayne Johnson. The Rock is not just known for his iconic catchphrases but also for making fun of everyone he came in contact with.

Right from Triple H to Hulk Hogan to even The Undertaker, no one was spared from The Rock’s fiery tongue. The Rock always tried hard to make The Undertaker break his character. One such attempt actually led to him creating the most electrifying move in sports entertainment, The People’s Elbow. Johnson is known for his charisma, but more than anything, fans admired him for his confidence in the early days. He called himself ‘The Great One’ and with time, fans actually started believing that. That’s the power Johnson has in his words and actions.

But in a recent interview with Time magazine, Dwayne Johnson revealed how his character of The Rock was heavily influenced by NFL legend Deion Sanders. To the exact point that Johnson chose to speak in third person while being The Rock, just because Sanders spoke the same way.

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Johnson said, “So much of the character and the entity of The Rock came from Prime. One of the characteristics of the character of The Rock was talking in the third person. Deion would say certain things in the third person”

But The Rock’s character is so iconic that even current WWE superstars can’t stop themselves from replicating it.

The Miz once tried his hand at impersonating The Rock

This happened just before WrestleMania 28. The Rock and John Cena were supposed to square off in one of the biggest matches at the Grandest Stage of Them All.

But The Miz as always, wanted some of that spotlight. So on one episode of RAW, The Rock’s music started playing and fans got super hyped up. Only to be disappointed and also left rolling with laughter to see The Miz dressed as Johnson.

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The Miz even went to the extent of looking bald just like The Great One. WWE commentator Michael Cole on seeing this said that this is the greatest thing that he has ever seen in his career. Be it flattery or mockery, one thing is for sure. The Rock has etched his endearing persona deep into the hearts of wrestling fans. Now we know that Deion Sanders had a massive role to play in shaping that character. What do you make of the fact that Dwayne Johnson borrowed some of Deion Sanders’ traits in his wrestling career?