Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has become a polarizing figure in the WWE space. Once a universal fan favorite, The Rock's meddling in creative plans forced WWE's hand to do something that once seemed impossible: turn him heel for WrestleMania XL.
What ensued was one of the most memorable WrestleMania main events of all time, re-establishing The Rock as a fan favorite who is built to entertain. That was until he wanted Cody Rhodes' soul, got John Cena to turn heel, and then completely ditched the story alongside Travis Scott leaving every wrestling fan scratching their head in confusion.
The Rock's name is once again surfacing in the dirt sheets with WrestleMania around the corner, although it doesn't appear he will randomly insert himself in this year's plans. In fact, if the latest report from Andrew Baydala is to be believed, The Rock definitely isn't wrestling at this year's 'Mania, and is instead mulling over a significant offer to wrestle the following year in Saudi Arabia.
According to Baydala, The Rock is mulling over the offer as he knows it would likely be his last match. Whether or not he actually shows up remains to be seen but one thing is for certain: this just essentially confirmed the Royal Rumble winner, and what one of the main events will be.
The Rock's rumored WrestleMania plans sets up Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42
If The Rock isn't wrestling this year in Las Vegas then there is only one match WWE can make: Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns. A third WrestleMania match between the two has already hit the rumor mill, and at this rate, it would be surprising if it didn't happen.
The story tells itself. Reigns, who already teased wanting a championship back with Rhodes and CM Punk, wins the Royal Rumble to challenge the champion of his choosing. And whether it's Punk or Bron Breakker, who is wrestling for the World Heavyweight Championship on January 5, Reigns has history with both champions.
This gives WWE a multi-week angle where Reigns has a real decision to make between the two titles. Does he want a chance at his belt back from Rhodes? Or will he look for revenge against Paul Heyman (or Punk, if he retains the title).
Reigns can choose Rhodes, leaving Punk to either defend his title at Elimination Chamber in Chicago or win a No. 1 contenders match at the same event to rematch Breakker.
The story between Reigns and Rhodes is an easy one to tell, and it actually parlays into The Rock's rumored appearance the following year. WWE can do what it did years ago and set up a WrestleMania match a year in the making. Following the outcome, whatever it may be, The Rock can come out and challenge either man. It can be Reigns, it can be Rhodes.
Heck, it can be an open challenge to them both. But getting all three men in the same ring to end this year's show, to set up next year's show, is how WWE creates a moment.
So while he may not wrestle this year, don't be surprised if The Rock shows up at this year's 'Mania to set up a retirement match a year in the making. And definitely don't be surprised when Rhodes and Reigns main event their third WrestleMania together.