The latest episode of WWE SmackDown included some big updates for WWE WrestleMania along with seemingly kicking off an angle between The Rock and Cody Rhodes. That created a lot of social media discourse about both men, but there's one angle that needs to truly be explored. WWE does not need The Rock during WrestleMania season and perhaps his presence causes more negative impacts than positive.
Of course, The Rock is a box office figure. Even though his movies aren't the most critically-acclaimed, he is one of the most successful actors of this generation, especially from a revenue standpoint. Fans tune in with excitement whenever his presence on television is announced, and the February 21 episode of SmackDown is yet another example. But does his presence truly bring anything to the table from a long term standpoint?
The story about the build to WrestleMania 40 has long been documented. The initial plan was Cody Rhodes versus Roman Reigns to see Rhodes "Finish the Story." That moment was almost upstaged by The Rock until a large fan backlash led the WWE to make a rare creative shift.
Did The Rock's involvement create some intrigue heading into the showcase? Yes. But did it also cause unnecessary confusion and frustration that clearly played out on teleivion? Yes it did.
The Rock must stop inserting himself at every whim
Let's be honest. There are slim chances that The Rock will truly be involved in any big matches going forward. A big part of the reason he took part in WrestleMania 40 was due to the issues he's had recently being a box office draw. If his latest movies were a huge success, there's no chance he would have stepped into that match with Reigns against Rhodes and Seth Rollins.
He's already laying the ground work to not give WWE fans a payoff match between himself and Rhodes. Take what he said during the press conference after WWE SmackDown.
"In the world of pro wrestling, as we all know, everything will culminate to a match. Whatever happens, it will end up in the ring. What I really love about this rare air space that we’ve gotten to with the character of the Final Boss, it’s like this white whale unicorn in that with Final Boss and Cody Rhodes. It’s not about the WWE Title or having a match or punching, kicking or bleeding that is so part of our world. It never has to culminate to a match."
So basically folks, we aren't getting a match between Rhodes and The Rock, prepare yourselves now. This is yet another reminder that WWE is about sports entertainment, not professional wrestling. It's drama cosplaying as professional wrestling.
WrestleMania does not need The Rock
WrestleMania is supposed to be about the biggest angles of that year, sometimes longer, coming to an end with the world watching. They come to an end via a well-planned match and story that unfolds with millions watching around the world.
Think about some of the biggest moments in recent WrestleMania history. Rhodes taking the title from Reigns. Bianca Belair defeating Sasha Banks. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn defeating The Usos. Sami Zayn defeating GUNTHER. There are so many moments that brought fans to their feet because of the emotion told throughout the build and the match.
The Rock doesn't want to give you any of that. Instead, he's looking to build to something via social media videos, long entrances, and winding promos that force other members of the roster to see their time get cut. Usually the women's division. No one wants that in 2025. But it is what The Rock wants to give WWE fans. And it's not because of his love for the business, no. It's because he needs the business to remain relevant after several outside venture flops along the way.
Is it fun to have The Rock in professional wrestling? Of course, it is fun to see the drama that he brings. Does the WWE and specifically WrestleMania season need him? The answer to that question is a resounding "no."