Recent reports of WWE talent expressing frustration over a perceived double standard on profanity in television and social media promos have sparked controversy within the wrestling community. The issue came to light after Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s use of explicit language, including phrases like “fuck your story,” directed at Cody Rhodes. Allegations of a discrepancy arose, especially following a memo from management emphasizing the importance of maintaining a PG-rated environment.
Speculation intensified when Cody Rhodes delivered a particularly risqué promo on the Mar. 18 episode of Raw, leading some to believe that leaked reports were an attempt to create additional heat for his WrestleMania XL program involving The Rock, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and others. Despite initial skepticism, the rumors resurfaced and gained traction after being reiterated in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
In today’s digital age, wrestling news spreads rapidly through various social media platforms, often leading to interactions between talent and fans. The Rock himself took to Twitter to address the allegations, vehemently denying the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s report with a succinct response: “This story is complete horseshit.”
The interpretation of the situation becomes murky as conflicting accounts emerge. While Dave Meltzer’s writing in the Newsletter may lack clarity at times, the essence of the talent’s concerns appears to revolve around The Rock’s adherence to company guidelines, rather than resentment over his deviation from them. According to the Newsletter, there is a sentiment among talent that, as a prominent figure in the company, The Rock should lead by example and comply with the TV-PG mandate set by TKO management.
This story is complete horseshit
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 23, 2024
The situation reflects a modern-day version of the Telephone Game, where information is passed along and potentially distorted in the process. The use of strong language by The Rock serves to dismiss the entire narrative, including any underlying truths or nuances. Notably, The Newsletter also references an anonymous source’s remark about the perceived continuation of Vince McMahon’s double standards, suggesting that this may have been a focal point of The Rock’s dismissal.
As the story unfolds, The Rock’s tweet has amplified its visibility, albeit temporarily, in the ever-evolving landscape of online discourse. Whether this exchange leads to further developments remains to be seen, but it underscores the complexities of navigating corporate standards and individual expression in the world of professional wrestling.
