In a strikingly nostalgic moment that harkened back to the wrestling landscape of the late 1990s, Monday Night RAW bore witness to a resounding chorus of “Rocky Sucks!” chants as WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins made his electrifying entrance. The unexpected resurgence of this iconic chant, originating from Dwayne Johnson’s early days in the WWE, served as a poignant reminder of the fervent emotions and raw energy that define the wrestling community.
Rollins, adorned in championship regalia, took to the ring amidst a sea of anticipation, intending to address Cody Rhodes regarding his pivotal decision concerning Roman Reigns. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted as the unmistakable refrain of “Rocky Sucks!” echoed throughout the arena, capturing the attention of fans and wrestlers alike. This chant, first heard during Johnson’s initial foray into the wrestling world, symbolized a bygone era of passionate fandom and outspoken criticism.
The significance of this blast from the past was not lost on veteran commentator Michael Cole, who acknowledged the unexpected turn of events with a sense of reverence and nostalgia. The chant, originating from Johnson’s rocky reception as “Rocky Maivia,” underscored the enduring impact of wrestling history on the present-day landscape, serving as a poignant reminder of the sport’s rich tapestry and evolution over time.
However, the nostalgic trip down memory lane was not merely a trip down nostalgia lane; it served as a stark reflection of the simmering discontent and frustration among fans regarding Cody Rhodes’ controversial decision to relinquish his spot in the WrestleMania 40 main event to Johnson. The move had sparked widespread criticism and backlash from the WWE Universe, igniting a firestorm of debate and dissent across social media platforms.
Fans, emboldened by their passion for the sport and their unwavering support for Rhodes, had taken to hijacking WWE’s digital spaces, flooding comment sections with their vehement opposition to Johnson’s involvement in the highly anticipated event. The resurgence of the “Rocky Sucks!” chants on RAW served as a vocal manifestation of this discontent, a rallying cry for fans to express their disillusionment and frustration with the perceived injustices within the wrestling hierarchy.
“Rocky sucks” chants:#WWERAW
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) February 6, 2024
Rollins, keenly attuned to the pulse of the audience, didn’t shy away from acknowledging the palpable heat directed towards the Hollywood star. As the chants reverberated through the arena, Rollins’ acknowledgment of the sentiment further underscored the depth of dissatisfaction among fans and the impact of Rhodes’ decision on the wrestling landscape.
In the aftermath of Monday Night RAW, the reverberations of the “Rocky Sucks!” chants continue to echo through the wrestling community, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of fan sentiment and the unwavering passion that defines the sport. As WrestleMania 40 looms on the horizon, the debate and dissent surrounding Johnson’s involvement only intensify, setting the stage for a showdown of epic proportions on the grandest stage of them all.
As fans and wrestlers alike grapple with the fallout from Rhodes’ controversial decision and the looming specter of Johnson’s involvement, the atmosphere on Monday Night RAW stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of wrestling history and the indelible mark it leaves on the present-day landscape.