Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has given a fresh view on his WWE future after furiously hitting back at online rumours that he’ll be missing next year’s WrestleMania.
Johnson had been gone from WWE screens for six months following his epic run heading into Mania XL in Philadelphia earlier this year.
WWEThe Rock brought the house down with his comeback at Bad Blood[/caption]
He ended that exile with a stunning return at Bad Blood just over a week ago, arriving to survey the aftermath of the tag team main event between The Bloodline, Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns.
Many believed that was Rock signalling that he was back for another stretch in the wrestling world in the lead up to Survivor Series and, beyond that, WrestleMania ‘season’ which typically begins with the Royal Rumble in early 2025.
One online report looked like it had dampened the enthusiasm of the grappler turned Hollywood megastar appearing at the next WrestleMania, with the Wrestling Observer Newsletter stating with a reasonable amount of certainty that Johnson wouldn’t be able to make the epic show due to scheduling conflicts.
Dave Meltzer had said: “As of right now, Dwayne Johnson is not scheduled for the show.
“Obviously that could change and he’s going to do what he wants all the time. While nobody can say it publicly, some with old school mentalities didn’t like the idea that he stole the show and it‘s not building to a match.
Meltzer added via a source: “He’s not going to be able to do Mania. He already gave word that he wouldn’t be able to do that match [at WrestleMania against Rhodes and Reigns.]
“There was no specific reason given past we were told that different reasons were given to different people. What we do know is that Dwayne Johnson when it comes to this is either going to be all in, meaning a full training camp to get into the best wrestling and cosmetic shape he can get in, or not in.
“The story is simply his schedule got too heavy; he couldn’t commit to doing it right.’”
Naturally disappointed, fans began to pepper Johnson’s social media platforms with comments over the report, leaving the multi-time former world champion in no doubt as to his response.
Replying on Instagram to the question: “Are you really not working mania 41??? Say it ain’t so!” the veteran hit back: “Don’t believe any of that bulls***.”
The Rock played an integral part in the last WrestleMania alongside ReignsWWE
As if to underscore and emphasise that point further, The Rock would on Sunday update his official X account with a new post centred on his wrestling exploits.
Sharing again a video clip filmed from backstage of his music hitting at Bad Blood to a typically thunderous reception, the WWE star wrote: “Hard to describe this reaction in the arenas when this moment takes flight.
“This connection with the crowd is quite a beautiful experience. I know it sounds crazy, but if you’re in the arena experiencing it – this stuff gets emotional… I start to walk out there and man I’m covered in chills. Forever grateful.”
Signing the post off as ‘The Final Boss of WWE,’ Johnson then added: ‘2025’ at the end as, perhaps, a nod of things to come.
Las Vegas will host WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20, 2025.
