In the world of professional wrestling, the ability to deliver a compelling promo can be just as important as in-ring skills. Recently, the WWE Universe witnessed a fascinating comparison of promo skills between one of the industry’s all-time greats, The Rock, and two of today’s top stars, Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes. This comparison, expertly highlighted by wrestling veteran Vince Russo on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Legion of RAW podcast, provides a unique lens through which to view the evolution of wrestling promos over the years.
The Rock’s Timeless Charisma
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, also known as the Brahma Bull, has long been celebrated for his unmatched charisma and ability to connect with the audience through his words. His promos are legendary, blending humor, intensity, and a natural flair for storytelling that captivates fans around the globe. The Rock’s recent comments on SmackDown, challenging both Rollins and Rhodes, showcased his enduring promo skills, setting a high bar for the current generation.
The Modern Era’s Response
Responding to The Rock’s challenge on WWE RAW, World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes demonstrated their verbal prowess, aiming to assert their own legacies while taking shots at the wrestling icon. Rollins, in a bold move, went as far as dubbing The People’s Champion “Diarrhea Dwayne,” a testament to the edgier approach sometimes taken by today’s stars. However, it was this very segment that Vince Russo critiqued for lacking the efficiency and cool factor of The Rock’s promo.
So happy to see @KevinHart4real he is my newest fav of celebs . He is best friends with dwayne johnson my fav actor and I can not wait for one day to meet dwayne and Kevin. I just do not know what day that is on seeing dwayne pic.twitter.com/KtvG9MwwHU
— Brittany Mate (@brittanymate92) March 7, 2024
A Contrast in Styles
Russo’s analysis sheds light on the evolution of promo styles within WWE. He expressed a clear preference for The Rock’s approach, suggesting that the segment involving Rollins and Rhodes fell short of capturing the same magic. “The differences in those two promos, I think, really shine a light on two very different times in wrestling,” Russo remarked, underscoring the shift in how wrestlers engage with the audience through their words.
The Essence of a Great Promo
While Rollins and Rhodes are undoubtedly skilled competitors with the ability to cut compelling promos, Russo’s commentary highlights a broader discussion within the wrestling community. What makes a promo truly memorable? Is it the raw emotion, the clever wordplay, or the performer’s connection with the audience? The Rock’s enduring popularity suggests that a blend of these elements, delivered with a unique charisma, sets the standard for greatness.
In the current era of WWE, where character work and microphone skills are as crucial as ever, the comparison between The Rock and modern superstars like Rollins and Rhodes offers valuable insights. As wrestling continues to evolve, so too will the art of the promo. Yet, as Vince Russo’s reflections suggest, there remains a timeless appeal to the way wrestlers like The Rock command the stage, a benchmark for aspiring stars in the quest to captivate the WWE Universe.
