The Rock once mistook former WWE champion for Make-A-Wish kid (Exclusive)

The Rock is one of the biggest stars in the history of WWE. The People's Champion has continued to make appearances for the promotion after bidding adieu to the industry as a full-timer in 2003. One of these appearances led to a meeting with a former champion, whom Rocky mistook for a Make-A-Wish kid.

The superstar is none other than Hornswoggle. The former WWE Cruiserweight Champion was asked to tell the story of how The Rock mistook him for a special kid by Gerald Brisco on a recent episode of the What Were They Thinking? podcast, on Backstage Pass.

"He does his promo. He comes back. I go, 'Hey'. Reach out my hand as far I can, not very far. And I'm in a suit cause we were during the business casual era. I'm in a suit with my gearbag, backstage. I reached out my hand, 'Hey, good to meet you. My name is Dylan. Thanks for coming back.' He looks at me, he reaches out his hand. He doesn't shake my hand, he pats me on the shoulder (and says): 'Did you have a good time tonight, buddy?' and walks off." [48:18 onwards]

Hornswoggle said The Rock actually learned of his identity from The Big Show, who told Rocky about Dylan's WWE identity during a RAW show. According to Hornswoggle, Rock told Show he didn't know who Hornswoggle was because he didn't watch the show.

"My buddy, The Big Show, actually then went to Rock at RAW and said: 'You thought Hornswoggle was a Make-A-Wish kid?' And Rock goes: 'I don't f*cking watch the show. I don't know (laughs).'" [49:17 onwards]

The Rock is expected to appear on WWE RAW's Netflix debut next month. It remains to be seen what Triple H has in store for the fans once the red brand moves to the streaming giant.

Check out the complete What Were They Thinking? podcast only on Backstage Pass.