More insider information about The Rock’s status for WrestleMania 41
In the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, new details regarding The Rock’s potential involvement in WrestleMania 41 have emerged. Currently, it seems that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is not set to participate in any matches at this year’s WrestleMania event, despite previous hints that he would target Cody Rhodes and his Undisputed WWE Championship upon his return to WWE. Last October, rumors circulated that The Rock might not be on the roster for WrestleMania 41, prompting him to dismiss these claims on Instagram with a blunt statement: “Don’t believe any of that bullshit.”
According to Dave Meltzer, it doesn’t appear likely that The Rock will be stepping into the ring at WrestleMania 41. He mentioned that there were criticisms regarding The Rock’s surprise appearance at WWE Bad Blood, where some felt that he overshadowed Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. Allegedly, an undisclosed source informed Meltzer at the time that The Rock had no plans to face Cody Rhodes or participate in any wrestling matches at WrestleMania. In an unexpected move, The Rock and his agent at WME, Brad Slater, had reportedly informed WWE in advance that The Rock would not be wrestling at WrestleMania 41, making his impromptu appearance at Bad Blood even more baffling.
A source close to Meltzer expressed disappointment with The Rock’s last-minute appearance at Bad Blood, stating, “The people who know this are not happy that he went in there and stole the end of the show just to do that when those people that ended the Atlanta show should’ve been the final thing. But Dwayne gets to do what Dwayne wants to do, and everyone has to live with that.” Meltzer added that The Rock cited his busy schedule with Hollywood projects as the reason for being unable to commit to WrestleMania 41.
While there is still a possibility for The Rock to change his mind, Meltzer suggested that those who were upset by his appearance at Bad Blood believed he needed to make a decision regarding WrestleMania by January, in light of the upcoming Royal Rumble. With the Royal Rumble now in the rearview mirror, it remains uncertain if The Rock will be part of WrestleMania 41.
In light of reports last October that The Rock might skip WrestleMania 41, Meltzer noted, “I kind of heard, ‘Oh my god! Dwayne’s mad that everyone’s reporting that he doesn’t want this out!'”. Speculation arose that The Rock might reconsider his decision to appear at the event due to frustration with the rumors. If his schedule permitted, Meltzer believed The Rock’s passion for wrestling would lead him back into the ring for WrestleMania 41.
Although The Rock made an appearance on Monday Night Raw earlier this year, interacting with Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, the tone of the encounter indicated that he was not gearing up for a match against either one at WrestleMania 41. Instead of instigating new storylines or rivalries, The Rock delivered a heartfelt promo, embraced Rhodes, and congratulated Reigns after his victory over Solo Sikoa in Tribal Combat.
WrestleMania 41 is slated to take place on April 19-20 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, with live coverage on Peacock. As of now, The Rock’s involvement in the event remains uncertain, leaving fans and spectators to wonder whether the wrestling icon will make a last-minute entrance into the ring.