The Evolution of The Rock in 6 stages

#6 Die Rocky Die to WWE Champion (1996-1999)

The Rock wins his first WWE Championship at Survivor Series 1998

The Rock's WWE career began when he made his debut in a traditional Survivor Series elimination match, as part of a team that consisted of Jake Roberts, Marc Mero and Barry Windham. Rock eliminated both Crush and Goldust to become the sole survivor.

The rocket was stuck to the young man's back and just three months later, he dethroned Hunter Hearst Helmsley (the future Triple H) to win the Intercontinental title.

However, these early successes bred resentment amongst the WWE fanbase who felt as if WWE were foisting the third generation superstar on them and reacted negatively, by chanting "Die, Rocky Die" and "Rocky sucks."

Rock recognised the problems with his bland face character and approached WWE Chairman, Vince McMahon with a proposal. He wanted to turn heel. McMahon complied and Rock turned heel on the fans and joined the Nation of Domination in late 1997.

The future WWE Champion began experimenting with his promo's and mannerisms and soon became one of the hottest acts in the company. When he became Intercontinental Champion for the second time in December 1997, he reigned until August 1998, by which time he was deemed ready for main events.

Three months later, a now face Rock became WWE Champion at Survivor Series 1998. However, he turned heel in winning the belt, revealing he had been in cahoots with the McMahon's and sold out to the Corporation.

Rock engaged in a classic four-month conflict over the title with Mankind, including classic, brutal bouts at Royal Rumble 1999 and St. Valentine's Day Massacre. The three-time WWE Champion lost the belt to Stone Cold in the headliner of Wrestlemania XV, but by then he was established as the second biggest star in the company behind the "Rattlesnake."

Rock was a bonafide headliner and pay per view draw. He also turned face again the following month and the character that everyone knows today was born.