The Flex Says...part 1 of 13

June 15, 1996 from USWA television.

In honor of Dwayne Johnson being elected to the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame here is a rare look at Rock's pre-WWF work in Memphis.

In the mid to late 90's McMahon would often send prospects down to the Memphis promotion for "seasoning." In fact many of the "Atitude" era stars began in Memphis. Besides the Rock, Kurt Angle, Albert, Crash Holly, Sean Stasiak and a host of others came through the Memphis territory. It really was the precurser for today's farm system with Ohio Valley and Florida.

Right from the beginning, Johnson was considered a hot prospect for the WWF. In Memphis he adopted the name of Flex Kavana and worked mostly tag-matches. This is a squash match from the WMC studio.

Please to enjoy

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• wrestling
• uswa
• memphis
• flex
• kavana
• rock
• kip
• morris

[TitusVentura]

Yup, it was the wwf development territory at the time, guys like kane, Brian christopher, jeff jarrett, B G James, Viscera, and a few others got there start there just like the rock!

[socalkev]

lol IF YA SMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEL WHAT THE FLEX IS COOKING

[drumteddy]

I remember ignoring him to go get Brian Christoper and Bill Dundee's autograph. fail

[oneUNITED7SS]

Can you IMAGINE if he comes out as Flex Kavana at WM28?

[TheElectrifyingMoet]

he was so massive.

[RSXemperor]

@Rayla840 Nope. They didn't even acknowledge him as having played for the Miami Hurricanes.

[lacasitademadera]

the people´s chamion cena sucks ans his stupid fans

[ECWnWWF]

The Rock, as Flex Kavana..faced "The Rocket" Owen Hart on August 10, 1996 in Columbus, OH.....

[Fizzy6]

i was 12 when i first watched this

[TheManiacOnWheelsUSA]

Harvey Whippleman is the referee.

[Rayla840]

I heard about him as Flex Kavana. But do you know if they ackowledged him as Rocky Johnson's son while there?