‘The Rock Came From Prime’: Dwayne Johnson Acknowledges Deion Sanders’ Influence on His Iconic WWE Character

Most WWE fans today try to emulate their favorite WWE Superstars. From spitting water like Triple H to raising his eyebrows like Dwayne Johnson. Some character traits are so iconic that fans just love to emulate them. But even these legends were fans of someone at some point. Dwayne Johnson looked up to NFL legend Deion Sanders and credited him with much of his character.

Dwayne Johnson’s character from The Rock will be cherished for generations. Moreover, wrestling fans can thank Deion Sanders for being The Great One.

Dwayne Johnson says ‘The Rock’ is based on Deion Sanders

Attitude Era fans will remember that there was one character who always made them laugh with his witty jokes and banter. We’re talking about none other than “The Great” Dwayne Johnson. The Rock is known not only for his iconic lines, but also for making fun of everyone he comes into contact with.

From Triple H to Hulk Hogan and even The Undertaker, no one has been spared The Rock’s fiery tongue. The Rock always tried to make Undertaker break his character. One such effort actually led to him creating the most exciting move in sports entertainment, The People’s Elbow. Johnson is known for his charisma, but what fans admired most was his confidence in the early days. He called himself “The Great One” and over time the fans really started to believe it. This is Johnson’s power in his words and actions.

But in a recent interview Time Magazine Dwayne Johnson revealed how his character in The Rock was heavily influenced by NFL legend Deion Sanders. To the point where Johnson decided to speak in the third person, being The Rock, only because Sanders spoke the same way.

Johnson said: “Much of The Rock’s character and essence came from Prime. One of the characteristics of Rock’s character was his speech in the third person. Deion said some things in the third person.”

But The Rock’s character is so iconic that even current WWE Superstars can’t resist reprising it.

The Miz once tried to impersonate The Rock.

It was just before WrestleMania 28. The Rock and John Cena were set to battle it out in one of the biggest matches on the greatest stage of them all.

But Miz, as always, wanted to attract attention. So, on one episode of RAW, The Rock’s music started playing, and the fans were delighted. Only to be disappointed and also left laughing when he saw The Miz dressed as Johnson.

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Miz even went as far as going bald like The Great One. WWE commentator Michael Cole, upon seeing this, said it was the best thing he had ever seen in his career. Whether it’s flattery or ridicule, one thing is for sure. The Rock has deeply etched his charming personality into the hearts of wrestling fans. We now know that Deion Sanders played a huge role in shaping this character. How do you feel about the fact that Dwayne Johnson borrowed some of Deion Sanders’ traits in his wrestling career?