5 up-and-coming WWE Superstars that The Rock put over

The Rock was an incredibly selfless professional wrestler
The Rock was an incredibly selfless professional wrestler

#3 Mick Foley

Mick Foley's first WWE Championship win was nothing short of magical
Mick Foley's first WWE Championship win was nothing short of magical

The Attitude Era was defined by Superstars who revolutionized the presentation of characters in professional wrestling, completely redefining the traditional babyface-heel dynamic. However, no one connected with the fans more than Mick Foley, the traditional underdog whose story has been told from time immemorial.

After WrestleMania 14, Foley, in his Dude Love avatar, joined forces with the villainous Mr McMahon, emerging as the first challenger for "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. After a number of unsuccessful attempts at capturing professional wrestling's most prestigious prize, the Long Island native managed to reach the finals of the WWE Championship tournament at Survivor Series 1998.

The only thing standing between Foley and his boyhood dream was The Rock, a blue-chip prospect who had the world at his feet and was the Hardcore Legend's antithesis in many ways.

Unfortunately, the master of the Mandible Claw was betrayed by Mr McMahon, who called for the bell as soon as The Brahma Bull placed Foley in a Sharpshooter. The Chairman of the Board had found his Corporate Champion and was more than happy to jettison Saint Mick.

However, the obstinate Foley was unyielding in his pursuit of the crown, finally defeating The Rock on the December 29, 1998, episode of Raw to win the WWE Championship. This was not only one of the most iconic moments in professional wrestling history but also a turning point in the Monday Night Wars.

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