Rock-Cena "Once In A Lifetime" TV special
March 26, 2012
Originally Aired: USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

The one-hour documentary special opened with a voice-over man introducing The Rock and John Cena, broadening out their journeys from childhood to two of the top stars in WWE history. "Two men. Both still in their prime. This is an event that can only happen once in a lifetime. Rock vs. Cena," he said.

New York City - November 20, 2011. Rock, in his limo, talked about his run before they went through a series of clips of Rock on his recent international promotional tour for "Journey 2." Chris Jericho and Triple H talked briefly on-camera about Rock being a showman. They showed all of Rock's various media appearances and co-stars, producers, and writers talking up Rock's Hollywood career. Hunter said Rock is driven to do anything. Jericho said he admires anyone who goes after a dream.

March 6 outside Boston at 1:14 a.m. - John Cena at Kowloon following Boston Raw. Cena introduced himself and noted he's a small kid who grew up in Massachusetts and it's been one amazing ride for him. Cena was shown stepping off his personal bus to sign autographs for throngs of fans. They went through a series of Cena's media appearances, similar to Rock's appearances. Cena was shown interacting with top sports athletes during past appearances over the years. The video concluded with footage of every celebrity on-record doing Cena's You Can't See Me wave.

Coming Up: Cena and Rock review their up-bringings.

[Commercial Break]

Cena growing up: They showed West Newbury, Mass., where Cena's mom, Carol, talked about Cena wanting to grow up to be someone special. They showed various growing-up clips of Cena with his brothers, including the often-replayed clip of Cena placing one of his brothers in the Boston Crab. Cena, sitting on his couch sporting a Texas Longhorns logo t-shirt, said his mom got the wrong end of the stick handling all of them. John Cena, Sr. said they were always wrestling in the yard.

Cena was shown cutting a promo on a home video. Cena was described as very competitive and driven by his family. They showed clips of Cena playing college football, followed by a jump to his UPW/OVW days developing into a WWE star. Cena, Sr. said John realizes how precious life is thanks to his family. They showed Cena standing at the gorilla position watching events on a backstage monitor. Cena read the contents of his dog tags, showing his dedication to family. Big Show talked on-camera about Cena being the same kid who cut up cardboard boxes to create mock titles.

They cut to Rock's up-bringing and childhood photos. Rocky Johnson talked about the doctor telling him he has a fine son when he was born. Rock said he was an only child and showered with love. Rock was shown in various home videos talking about wanting to be like his dad, his grandfather, and Hulk Hogan. They showed an old 1970s clip of Rock on the front row watching Rocky Johnson in MSG. A childhood friend described Rock as a ladies man. They showed various clips of Rock breakdancing in short shorts and white track suits before he was shown dominating Little League baseball because he was so strong for his age.

Rock talked about living in Hawaii at the age of 14. Rock said he came home with his mom one afternoon and there was an eviction notice on the door. He said he'll never forget the look on his mom's face trying to look strong while fighting tears. He said he made sure that would never happen again to his family. They cut to a shot of Rock signing with Miami to play college football, which led Rock to developing his current swagger.

Coming Up: Miz talks Rock and Rock re-introduces Fruity Pebbles to the world.

[Commercial Break]

WM28: This Sunday.

A quote from Steve Jobs introduced the next portion of the documentary on Rock getting involved in social media to motivate, inspire, or entertain. Triple H said the deal used to be getting people to talk around the water cooler, but now it's getting something to trend. Cena said it's the first feud to be fueled by Twitter, calling it groundbreaking. Miz said the appeal of Rock is not knowing what he's going to say next.

David Otunga said he thinks the Fruity Pebbles bit is so great because it was so small, but turned into something bigger. A brand manager for Post Foods said he first heard about the Fruity Pebbles reference through social media, then it took off. Hunter said Rock can set the world on fire with a phrase, and Cena isn't far behind because he can take that and turn it into a global advertising campaign. They showed Cena at gorilla watching Rock's promo before showing footage of Post's production machine pumping out Fruity Pebbles boxes with Cena on the cover. Next was footage of various kids in Cena's target demo holding the Pebbles box and talking about why they like Cena.

Back to Fruity Pebbles, with Miz saying he would take a Cocoa Puffs reference so he can get on a cereal box. Rock said the best thing about the Fruity Pebbles bit is that his fans love it. Cena's mom said it's overwhelming seeing her son on the box.

Coming Up: Rock goes back to his roots. Punk talks about the WWE schedule being ridiculous.

[Commercial Break]

Rock was shown back in Hawaii visiting the graves for his deceased family members. Rock was shown returning to his roots in Samoa in 2004. Rock was shown dancing and being honored with Chief status. This led to a break down of Rock's tattoos from his Samoan heritage. Rock's ex-wife, Dany Garcia, was shown talking about Rock's tattoos. Rock sang to his grandfather to wrap up this segment.

Next, John Cena was shown backstage at a WWE show. Miz, Chris Jericho, Sheamus, and C.M. Punk talked about Cena working harder than everyone else and his schedule being ridiculous. Otunga said Cena attends every live show and works with the younger talent. Cena was shown working with the Divas in the ring before a show. Leakee and other developmental wrestlers were shown talking to Cena in the Hard Knocks gym. Jerry Lawler said Cena shows respect to everyone from the top guy to the last guy.

Triple H said when a guy like Cena is pulled in 800 different directions every second of every day, he always stops to meet up with the kids from Make-a-Wish. WWE aired highlights of Cena's various meetings through the years. Jericho said he understands how much it means to the kids. M-A-W CEO David Williams was shown thanking Cena, who then talked on his bus about wanting to make sure people know he meets with the kids for the right reasons.

Coming Up: Rock on the red carpet and they analyze why fans boo Cena.

[Commercial Break]

Rock talked about making the transition from WWE Superstar to Hollywood actor, calling it the most difficult decision of his life. He said his role in "Scorpion King" opened eyes, which led to even more movie roles. Clips of the forthcoming G.I. Joe movie were shown, focusing on Rock destroying folks. Rock was shown recapping a week where he wrapped G.I. Joe, flew to New York, did Survivor Series, and went right into "Snitch." They showed footage of Rock playing his role in Snitch. Rock said his dreams are lofty and he would like to win an Oscar. "Hopefully one day I get that nod," he said.

Rock was shown backstage at a TV show appearance signing autographs for fans. Rock was then shown interacting with wrestling fans. Triple H said Rock has a unique ability to talk to people. Jericho said he can work a crowd like no one else. The doc cut to footage of Rock at various international premieres for "Journey 2," with more footage of Vanessa Hudgens talking up Rock.

Phoenix, Ariz. January 23 - Cena on his bus. Cena said he congratulates Rock on all of his success, but he doesn't want to be that guy. He said he can deal with all of the b.s. from the fans because he's in a good place. Triple H said Cena is the franchise player for WWE and when he became The Guy, he became the N.Y. Yankees. Cena was shown on a radio interview saying some crowds want him strung up from the rafters and other fans celebrate like it's the Fourth of July. Shawn Michaels said he's seen people wearing Cena t-shirts while booing. He said he thinks it's a fad.

March 18 at NYC - Cena at Toys R Us signing a "Cena Sucks" t-shirt. They cut to Cena and Michael Hayes backstage at gorilla in Boston in November 2011, when Cena received his usual mixed reaction. Cena said he doesn't pander for admiration, and is just himself. Triple H said the people that hate Cena can't be convinced. But, the people that love him will go to bat for him. Lawler said Cena is committed to the fans. More clips of Cena signing at Toys R Us and for MAW kids were shown.

Coming Up: The other stars talk about Rock and Cena needing success like they need air.

[Commercial Break]

The final segment of the show started with a live shot inside Atlanta for the Raw cut-in. Tonight, they take a look at Triple H vs. The Undertaker, and Cena and Rock go face-to-face for one final confrontation.

Back to the documentary, Cena and Rock were shown going back and forth in separate settings talking about it being once in a lifetime. Jericho said WrestleMania is like no other night. Hunter rattled off the cliches and slogans. Sheamus chimed in. Michaels said it's epic. The documentary flashed back through all of the footage on Rock and Cena's journeys to this point. Lawler said they are the biggest stars in this industry, Big Show said they want the spotlight, and Hunter said they will put everything they have into getting that spotlight.

Michaels asked himself who needs to win more. Miz said Cena needs to win to validate who he is. Sheamus said Rock needs to prove he still has what it takes. Hunter said they are going to paint the ultimate masterpiece. Jericho said he thinks it's going to be one of the best matches of all-time because it's destined to be that.

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