The Rock Explains His Absence At WrestleMania 41
After playing a pivotal role in one of the most dramatic angles leading into WrestleMania 41, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was nowhere to be seen on the show’s second night, leaving fans scratching their heads. Now, we finally have answers straight from the man himself.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show this afternoon, The Rock opened up about his decision to stay off the show and offered new insight into how his involvement came to be.
Why Rock Got Involved in the First Place
Johnson said that TKO CEO Ari Emanuel personally called him for help ahead of Elimination Chamber in February, as ticket sales were slow and WWE needed something headline-worthy to kick off the WrestleMania build.
In response, Rock came up with the "sell your soul" idea that helped ignite the angle involving Cody Rhodes, John Cena, and Travis Scott in Perth. Rock said he pitched the idea directly to Cody and wanted Rhodes to fully go through with it—essentially turning heel and aligning with the "Final Boss."
However, Rock noted he got pushback from within WWE. As previously reported by Dave Meltzer, both Triple H and Cody Rhodes were reportedly against turning Rhodes heel. Triple H then pitched turning Cena heel.
Why Rock Stepped Away
After that Elimination Chamber moment, Rock said he made a conscious decision to step back and let Cena and Rhodes take center stage.
"I think the Final Boss’ work is done. We’ve just pulled off the greatest angle in the history of pro wrestling."
Still, his absence on night two of WrestleMania 41 sparked speculation, especially after Travis Scott made a surprise entrance—prompting fans to assume Rock would follow.
Rock admitted he understood the confusion:
"I loved the finish of the match. I would’ve finessed things a little different on how they got there. But that’s just me creatively. There’s a lot of minds in the room."
He also said that bringing Travis Scott out that late might’ve set the wrong expectations for a surprise Rock appearance.
Schedule Conflicts and Creative Restraint
Johnson acknowledged there were discussions for him to stay involved, but he didn’t want to overpromise due to a hectic schedule.
"I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to commit to the dates they needed, and I didn’t want to be in a position where I’m saying yes but can’t deliver."
Rock Loved Night One's Shocking Twist
Rock did tune in from home and praised the night one main event that saw Paul Heyman turn on both Roman Reignsand CM Punk, aligning himself with Seth Rollins.
"I was at home on my couch with the fans... I know the finishes of what’s going to happen, but I want to not know how they get there. How they got there, I loved it."
Could Cody Still Turn?
Though the moment passed for now, Rock remains interested in a long-term heel turn for Cody Rhodes.
"Down the line, I like the idea of that. Give him a reason to turn—not based on titles, but his soul. That affects generations."
Before wrapping up, Rock teased that the Final Boss storyline may have resonated more than fans realize.
"The texts that I got, and from top guys... One in particular who I love—he’s my guy, I call him the Superman of the company—he’s like ‘listen, my soul’s for sale when it’s time.’"
While Rock might be gone for now, it’s clear he’s still playing chess behind the scenes—and the Final Boss could always return when the time is right.