Those within WWE are not pleased with The Rock’s recent return and how plans could be up in the air for a second consecutive year.
On February 21st, the Hollywood star once again made his return to WWE TV, this time on SmackDown. After first confirming to the New Orleans fans that WrestleMania was coming back to the city in 2026, The Final Boss called out Cody Rhodes to the ring.
After telling The American Nightmare that he never had a brother, Rock made his intentions clear and revealed that he did not want Rhodes’ Undisputed Championship but did want Rhodes to side with him and be his champion. Declaring he wanted Rhodes’ soul, Rock stated he would be at Elimination Chamber to hear the SmackDown star’s answer.
The segment left fans with more questions than answers with there still being no definitive answer as to whether or not The Great One would compete at Mania 41 later this year.
Speaking about the segment on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that some within the company were not happy about the return and how the rumoured match between Cody Rhodes and John Cena at WrestleMania 41 could be affected:
“I know that there’s definitely people not happy with the way they had a game plan and the game plan completely changed this last week. But it’s probably only changing for a couple of people. I guess we’ll find out Saturday if they change from Cody vs. Cena, and I don’t know where he [The Rock] fits in.”
The Rock’s Return Draws Big Rating
Although the segment with Rock and Rhodes left many confused when all was said and done, there was plenty of interest heading into The Final Boss once again returning to the company. With the ratings now in for SmackDown, The Rock helped boost interest in the show.
Following the appearance, The Rock issued a major tease.
In recent news, another change involving The Rock has reportedly sparked further WWE backstage frustration.
H/t to Cultaholic.