5 WWE Superstars whose careers were saved by turning heel

2: The Rock

Rocky Maivia's WWE career was saved when he became The Rock.

The Brahma Bull. The Great One. The most electrifying man in Sports Entertainment.

The Rock has had plenty of nicknames in the WWE, but when he debuted, he was the clean-cut Rocky Maivia.

Taking his name from his father and grandfather, Maivia was quickly pushed, as the commentary team repeatedly referenced his wrestling heritage.

This didn't sit well with fans, as the product was developing to being much edgier, and fans didn't appreciate being told to like the young upstart.

With chants of 'Die Rocky Die' filling arenas, the company finally turned the young Superstar heel, christening him The Rock.

Joining the Nation of Domination, The Rock quickly rose through the ranks of WWE, becoming the then-youngest WWE Champion at Survivor Series 1998, and is now considered one of the most iconic Superstars of all time.