WWE: Does The Rock even need to evolve as a character?

It's an argument we had last year and one that has stretched into this year as well. The Rock returns to WWE, spouts off a few silly new catchphrases, and quite a few fans -- myself included -- lament the fact that he refuses to evolve past what he was more than 10 years ago.

But is that really the case? Or are we just looking at it in the wrong way?

Jeff Lutz over at ProWrestling.net penned an article that presents a compelling argument against that line of thinking. An excerpt:

As a 40 year-old part-time star, The Rock is under no obligation to re-invent himself yet again. He's an updated version of previous characters - his insults are fresh, his social-media presence is ubiquitous and the charisma that made him a global icon remains. WWE didn't pay for The Rock version 2.0 or 6.0 or whatever this would be. It's unfair of fans to expect The Rock to change just because he can. As we've seen in pay-per-view buyrates and television ratings, business is best when The Rock can be The Rock.

His insults may not be clever but they are fresh and there's no questioning the charisma he's always had. It's also easy to focus on the fact that he brought up CM Punk's balls, Paul Heyman's dick and tits, and Cookie Puss, rather than acknowledge everything else he brings to the table.

When he needs to get serious, he does. When it's time to brawl, he brawls. He is the end result of everything he ever was before.

This may be the most intriguing argument I've yet seen in favor of The Rock retaining the style fans came to love him for during his first few runs with WWE. I'm not sure I'm ready to change my viewpoint entirely on the matter but I'll definitely be looking at Rock in a different light when he takes to the ring later tonight (Jan. 21) on Monday Night Raw.

What do you think, Cagesiders?