The Complete History of the WWE Championship - Part 10

The Rock (February 25, 2001 - April 1, 2001)

The Rock: Became the first six-time WWE Champion in history

The most significant things about The Rock's sixth WWE Championship reign were twofold.

Firstly, The Rock's title victory over Kurt Angle at No Way Out 2001 was a record. Rock ended Hulk Hogan and Bret "Hitman" Hart's long standing record of five WWE Championship reigns. The Rock hit that mark in a speedy 27 months.

His title winning effort was a fine bout, but the second most memorable thing about Rock's record title run was the way it ended.

It was a reign that lasted a paltry five weeks, necessitated by Rock taking time off from WWE to film his first starring role in The Scorpion King. A movie part that would lead to Rock leaving the company for Hollywood permanently just two years later.

In his final title defence versus Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania X-7, The Rock fell victim to Austin's heel turn when the Rattlesnake aligned himself with Vince McMahon.

The Brahma Bull attempted to regain the belt the next night on Raw but was beaten down by Austin and new ally Triple H. McMahon then suspended Rock in the storyline for his "own safety."

However, it would not be too long before Rock would break the WWE Championship record once again.