Raw Superstar reveals Dwayne Johnson’s failed Rocky Maivia gimmick had massive influence on him in his childhood 

The highly anticipated Survivor Series 2023 is just a few days away. Regarded as one of the classic “Big Four” events, it will take place in Chicago this year. Much like the fans today, the WWE superstars grew up watching the historic event. Speaking of which, Johnny Gargano recently shed light on how Dwayne Johnson‘s failed Rocky Maivia gimmick was his favorite in childhood days.

Ahead of the Survivor Series, the official handle of USA Network uploaded a video of WWE superstars being quizzed about the historic premium live event. In the video, the superstars faced questions about their favorite Survivor Series moment. Monday Night Raw superstar Johnny Gargano revealed that Rocky Maivia, a.k.a., Dwayne Johnson’s 1996 Survivor Series debut, was his most memorable moment.

Furthermore, Gargano admitted to liking this particular Survivor Series, as he was a huge fan of Johnson’s Rocky Maivia gimmick. The 36-year-old added that he even had his mom make him customized Rocky Maivia-inspired entrance gear. In the early days of his career, The Rock used to appear wearing tassel-like ring gear.

Rocky Maivia's debut, Survivor Series 1996 for the simple fact that I was a big Rocky Maivia guy that night, so much so that I had my mom make me a version of Rocky Maivia's entrance gear. So I had the tassels. I had all that stuff. I was rockin' and rollin' Rocky Maivia.

Johnny Gargano about his favorite Survivor Series memory

The Raw superstar also acknowledged that Maivia enjoyed a considerable amount of success, despite the gimmick failing miserably. When Dwayne Johnson first debuted, he was a clear-cut babyface. The company continued to push the latter despite his lack of experience. As a result, the WWE fans turned on him. Maivia would eventually turn heel and became “The Rock.”

Johnny Gargano shares his honest feelings about CM Punk’s potential WWE comeback

The rumored return of CM Punk has become a hot topic in the pro wrestling world lately. Despite not being with any company, the Straight Edge superstar is a matter of daily discourse. Several WWE superstars have been asked their opinion regarding Punk, who is seen as a controversial figure, returning to WWE. One such star who recently weighed in on the former’s possible WWE return was Johnny Gargano.

While speaking to Tim on Battleground via Fightful, the Raw superstar was asked about the former AEW superstar possibly returning to WWE. Gargano had quite an interesting answer to the question. He admitted to being fine with the Second City Saint coming back to WWE. According to him, Punk’s addition to the roster would bring more eyeballs to the WWE product.

At the end of the day, whatever is going to get more eyes on WWE television, that's the best move possible. Whoever that may be, whoever they bring in, whatever eyes they bring in. I'm all for it.

Johnny Gargano on Tim Battleground

Speaking from a business standpoint, Gargano cited Logan Paul as an example. He stated that the latter winning the United States Championship has immensely benefited the company. Likewise, CM Punk in WWE is a win-win situation, per the Raw superstar. Thus far, WWE has denied all the rumors regarding Punk’s Survivor Series return.

In case you missed it:

• Drew McIntyre asks fans an intriguing question after revealing the reason behind his heel turn on Raw
• “They just want to ban us,” Nikki Bella lashes out at WWE after the company omitted her name from Barmageddon’s promotion on Raw

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