#1. The Rock vs. John Cena at WrestleMania 28
By now, most fans are aware that pro wrestling is scripted. However, when there is hype and a sense of genuine realism to the storyline, WWE feels very real. The saga between The Rock and John Cena transcended sports entertainment and penetrated mainstream media.
This was not only due to their sheer starpower, but also the backstage conflict and differences both men shared. Rocky and Cena were never the best of friends, and The Champ had been openly critical of The Great One’s decision to leave WWE for Hollywood. The beauty of their rivalry was the way in which these dynamics played into their narrative heading into WrestleMania 28.
At WrestleMania 28, they met in a “Once in a Lifetime” bout. From top to bottom, this was a true spectacle. The entrances felt like a concert, the crowd was red hot, and the action had a Hollywood fight sequence feel. Fans expected Cena to win. Thus, the sight of The Great One pinning Cena and closing the show caught everyone off guard.
The “Once in a Lifetime” match was memorable and can never be replicated. It is also remembered for setting in motion Cena’s redemption arc, which culminated the following year at WrestleMania 29.
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