WWE Hall of Famer Contends The Rock’s Success Hinged on Steve Austin’s Injury

Kevin Nash recently made controversial comments regarding The Rock’s success in WWE, suggesting that it was partly due to other wrestlers’ injuries.

Reflecting on The Rock’s rise to stardom during the late 1990s, Nash highlighted SummerSlam 1997, particularly the infamous Tombstone Piledriver that sidelined Stone Cold Steve Austin.

During an episode of the Kliq This podcast, Nash remarked, “If Steve doesn’t get hurt, I don’t think Rock hits the fking heights that he does. Like everything happens for a reason, because, basically, I mean, not to be a dk, but Rock has came out and said that when he sees something that gets over, he takes it.”

Nash continued, suggesting that The Rock incorporated elements of Austin’s persona into his own character after Austin’s injury.

“When Steve went down with the neck injury, fking Dwayne took a lot of fking Steve’s s**t and incorporated it into what he did. And lo and behold, Steve comes back.”

Austin’s neck injury in August 1997 kept him out of action until Survivor Series in November of the same year. Coinciding with this injury, The Rock underwent a significant transformation, turning heel and shedding his “Rocky Maivia” persona, a name he still uses today, along with adopting several character traits that defined his wrestling career.

Despite their paths intersecting numerous times, such as at D-Generation X: In Your House in December 1997 where Austin retained the WWE Intercontinental Championship, their rivalry continued to evolve into a defining feud in WWE history.

What are your thoughts on Kevin Nash’s recent comments regarding The Rock’s success in WWE and its relation to Stone Cold Steve Austin’s injury? Do you agree with Nash’s perspective, or do you believe The Rock’s success was independent of Austin’s injury? Join the discussion and share your opinions in the comments below!