In the glitzy world of WWE, where drama is scripted but emotions run high, the return of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to the squared circle has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Since reemerging on WWE television screens, The Rock has not only stirred the pot of fan opinions but has also sparked discontent among his fellow stars backstage.
The focal point of the discontent revolves around The Rock’s perceived special treatment and his conduct, both within the ring and on social media platforms. His involvement in the ongoing storyline between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, particularly in the context of potentially concluding Rhodes’ narrative arc at WrestleMania 40, has left fans divided and raised eyebrows behind the scenes.
Reports stemming from SEScoops have shed light on a recent memo circulated among WWE talent, signed by prominent figures including Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Nick Khan, and Vice President of Talent Dan Ventrelle. The memo serves as a stark reminder for all talent to adhere rigorously to PG television and social media guidelines. This memo was issued in direct response to The Rock’s social media promos, which have drawn scrutiny due to their liberal use of profanity, notably in the ongoing feud between The Bloodline and Cody Rhodes alongside World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.
One of The Rock’s recent videos, in particular, drew considerable criticism as it featured explicit language mocking Cody Rhodes’ emotional promo on “WWE Raw.” The video began with The Rock exclaiming, “Are you f****** me?” Such language has not only irked fellow wrestlers but reportedly also ruffled the feathers of television executives within the WWE hierarchy.
A message from the hottest heel pro wrestling has seen since the 80’s.
Mama Rhodes, you’re now in the Rock’s crosshairs.
Your son’s blood will be on the Rock’s belt, that I will personally deliver to you at WrestleMania.
I’m gonna put a whuppin’ on that boy, in front of his… pic.twitter.com/DdgaxYrLXa
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 15, 2024
At the core of the issue lies a perceived double standard, with some WWE performers questioning why The Rock seems exempt from the same rules that apply to everyone else. Despite his status as a Hollywood heavyweight and a wrestling icon, there’s a prevailing sentiment among the roster that The Rock should be held to the same standards of professionalism and decorum.
As discontent simmers backstage, The Rock finds himself under the spotlight once again as he gears up to team with Roman Reigns in the main event of night one at WrestleMania 40 against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. The stakes are high, and the controversy surrounding The Rock’s conduct has only added fuel to the fire.
Amidst the turmoil, questions linger about the future direction of WWE and how the organization will navigate the delicate balance between maintaining its family-friendly image and catering to the expectations of its diverse fan base.
In the electrifying world of professional wrestling, where alliances are forged and rivalries run deep, The Rock’s return has proven to be a double-edged sword, captivating audiences while leaving a trail of discontent in its wake. As WrestleMania looms large on the horizon, all eyes are on The Great One to see how he’ll navigate the choppy waters of controversy and reclaim his throne atop the WWE hierarchy.