WWE: 10 Reasons John Cena and The Rock Are a Dream Team

The Rock and John Cena on the same team?

Nobody in his or her right mind could've imagined it just a few months ago, but as the road to Survivor Series 2011 draws near, the images of "Rocky" in wrestling attire become more and more lucid.

And so do the visuals of the returning superstar tagging his arch nemesis on the ring apron.

On November 20th, "The Great One" will join forces with the leader of "CeNation" to face the tandem of "Awesome Truth"—The Miz and R-Truth.

The coalition between The Rock and John Cena is so unprecedented and surreal, that it can only take place at the most historic arena in the world—Madison Square Garden.

Many of the younger fans of today are unaware of the implications of these two larger-than-life heroes uniting for a cause.

Until recently, the possibility was so far off from reality that it was relegated to reveries. Yet, the impossible has become real: The Rock and John Cena will be a tag team at this year's Survivor Series.

It is an alliance so rich with history and anticipation that it surpasses all other dream teams in the WWE's past.

They Are 2 Superstars from Different Eras

The "most electrifying man in sports entertainment" conquered the Attitude Era of the past, whereas his partner, John Cena, is unequivocally the No. 1 guy of the present, more kid-friendly era.

As a result, fans who grew up during The Rock's era identify and side with him, whereas modern-day followers endorse Cena. They're not wrestling against each other yet—that's at WrestleMania 28—but the polarized dynamic, as friends rather than foes for just one night, is already palpable.

Their partnership subsumes the last 15 years of history, since The Rock debuted at the 1996 Survivor Series, also in Madison Square Garden. Since Cena made his grand entrance into the WWE in 2002, their tenures have been juxtaposed, defined by the "WWE Universe" in which they have existed.

On November 20th, their "universes" will overlap.

Both Men Are Not Only Wrestlers, but Movie Stars

The marketability and appeal of John Cena and The Rock extend far beyond the wrestling ring.

In addition to being able to hold their own inside the ropes, they have both starred in various films.

For instance, The Scorpion King, The Game Plan, Race to Witch Mountain, Faster and Fast Five are just some of the blockbusters in which "The Great One" has had a role.

Similarly, John Cena has been The Marine, went 12 Rounds and, just recently, had a Reunion with friends.

The fact that both men are not only wrestlers, but film stars, makes their union all the more surreal.

The Rock and John Cena Have 17 WWE Championships Between Them

Any time a WWE superstar becomes the WWE champion, it signifies that he is the top dog in the company.

In addition, it usually means that the majority of TV time will be dedicated to him.

It doesn't stop there, as the champ will also have to deal with a plethora of media obligations, travel arrangements and the stress of representing the WWE 24/7.

The most important benefit of all is the mass exposure that comes with the belt. The Rock has won it on seven separate occasions, whereas John Cena has done so 10 times.

The visibility that comes with the gold-plated leather strap is second to none and, in this case, it has afforded the two superstars platforms whereupon they have been able to curry favor from their respective fans.

They're a Tag Team We Thought We'd Never See

In the last few years before The Rock's surprise return heading into WrestleMania 27, The Rock and John Cena had been trading verbal and written barbs on Facebook, Twitter and in interviews.

The originator of the "Five Knuckle Shuffle" railed against a man (The Rock) who he deemed unappreciative of the business (WWE) that had made him a household name. Cena often reiterated that, unlike Dwayne Johnson, he would never leave the WWE.

The Rock responded with assurances that just because he was fulfilling his goal of being an actor didn't mean he still didn't have professional wrestling coursing through his veins.

This real-life animosity between the two was injected into their storyline leading up to, and culminating the night after WrestleMania 27, when their one-on-one match at the 28th installment was announced.

We knew they were going to fight, but team up?

It's the Rock's First Match in Seven Long Years

The last time The Rock laced up his boots was at WrestleMania XX in a handicap tag match between Mick Foley and himself against Randy Orton, Ric Flair and Batista.

Since then, the African American/Samoan star had only appeared in the WWE a handful of times—as the host of the 2004 Diva Search, in a few pre-taped interviews and inducting others into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.

When the "Brahma Bull" made his return as a special enforcer in the main event of WrestleMania 27, our suspicions of him never wrestling again rang true.

Finally, on the following Raw when his epic clash with Cena was set in stone, we were resigned to waiting 365 days to see The Rock back in action.

Until the promotional one-sheets were released, nobody entertained the notion that The Rock would be back before the end of the year at Survivor Series.

The anticipation of seeing him team up with his rival is off the charts.

They're Popular with Different Segments of the Audience

The Rock has ingratiated himself to an era brimming with risque stunts, foul-mouthed tirades and scantily-clad divas.

On the other hand, John Cena has amassed his fanbase by touting the importance of "hustle, loyalty, respect" and cracking PG-rated jokes aimed at an audience of mainly children.

Consequently, it is no surprise that "The Great One's" fanbase of millions is largely comprised of men, whereas his counterpart's support comes from mostly women and children.

The two represent a generation gap punctuated by the fans' allegiance—whether it be purchasing merchandise, making noise in the arena and/or tuning in to see The Rock or John Cena on TV.

The ideals they stand for are in such stark contrast to one another that seeing them let bygones be bygones for one occasion is mind-blowing.

They're Both Bona Fide Legends Still in Their Prime

Very few legends can be put in the pantheon shared by The Rock and John Cena.

Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair are pathetic shells of their former personas.

Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold Steve Austin are retired.

Andre The Giant and Randy Savage have passed away.

The only other ones who ostensibly remain are The Undertaker, who is on his last legs, and Mick Foley, whose broken-down body can handle only one more match.

That leaves The Rock and Cena as the only two active legends, representing the past and present, who still have what it takes to live up to the pressure-packed expectations.

Although "The Great One" hasn't wrestled in seven years, he has by his own admission been reacquainting himself with the ring in the last year, according to the latest issue of WWE Magazine.

He has had rings set up in close proximity to film sets he's worked on, making it a mission to run the ropes and bump relentlessly during his free time in preparation for his wrestling return.

They're 2 of the Most Charismatic Superstars of All Time

Charisma in wrestling isn't just about the ability to regale and capture an audience with words via a microphone; it's also representative of the know-how to emote in the ring.

The Rock has bedazzled fans with catchphrases, underscored by impeccable comic timing, which invite the people into the domain of the "People's Champion."

Likewise, John Cena has moved women with his fiery and passionate prose and caught the attention of children with his easy-to-learn, trademark taunts like "You Can't See Me."

In the squared circle, they are both adept at ring psychology, knowing when to be vulnerable, make a comeback and start their finishing sequences. Additionally, their experience lends itself to adapting on the fly based upon the reactions of the live attendees.

As a result, fans have latched onto either individual, who are both relatable and identifiable for very disparate reasons.

They Are a Must-Watch "Match" Made in Hell

Let's face it: The Rock and John Cena should not be teaming up.

They are polar opposites who share a very unhealthy dislike for one another.

For instance, The Rock looks down at Cena's contrived character, who shamelessly panders to the "WWE Universe."

Conversely, John Cena thinks his ally at Survivor Series is being disingenuous about his love for the fans.

Back-and-forth insults have been declared in grand fashion with both men refusing to flinch lest he becomes exposed as meek.

They are two titans who have a date with destiny at next year's WrestleMania in what will perhaps be the most suspenseful—and lucrative—encounter in WWE history.

These are all the reasons and more why their abrupt decision to unite is riveting, as they are the last two who should doing so.

Yet, they will, in spite of their acrimonious history, which has everyone wondering how they'll pull it off.

We Thought the Rock's Wrestling Days Were Behind Him

Since his cameo in The Mummy Returns, The Rock dove headlong into Hollywood.

For seven years, The Rock was but a mere memory—a reminder of wrestling's halcyon days.

On talk shows, red carpet premieres and in interviews, Dwayne Johnson would regularly deflect questions about his wrestling past and, if asked, would give observers the impression that it was in his rear-view mirror.

Quite frankly, The Rock donning his famous elbow pad ran counter to all logic. How would film insurance companies approve him? What did The Rock have to gain by risking injury when he could be making oodles more money as an action star?

That being said, "The Great One" pleasantly surprised us all by not only returning to WWE TV to entertain, but deciding to put in the time, dedication and sacrifice necessary to give the fans what they really want—The Rock, wrestler.