When the WWF changed to the WWE, the name finally acknowledged what wrestling fans knew all along: that wrestling is about great entertainment. And more so than how successful individual wrestlers have been in terms of wins and titles, the sport’s biggest names are remembered best for their effortless connection with the fans.

And in 1999, audiences were treated to one of the most charismatic — if unexpected — pairings in history, with the formation of the “Rock ‘n Sock Connection,” a tag team made up of two legends: The Rock — who has gone on to become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars — and Mick Foley, the multi-persona wrestling great behind such characters as Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love, who is now himself a successful actor and writer. Bruce Pritchard, the Executive Director of WWE, explained the pairing’s origins, giving initial credit to Foley (per Sportskeeda):

“It’s very similar to what we did with Steve [Austin] and Mick with the Mankind thing,” with the hope it would prove relatively long-lasting. “[B]both guys showed they had a chemistry working against each other, so the Rock n’ Sock connection began. [They were] always highly entertaining and always ready to step up to the plate.”

The Rock 'n Sock connection: an entertainment success

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