The Rock stirred the pot in a big way when he returned to the WWE fold during the Day 1 episode of RAW. Now, with WrestleMania on the horizon, there is some big talk of a dream match that may finally happen.
WWE’s Plan for The Rock
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer had a lot to say about WrestleMania 40, and the card that is currently taking shape in front of our eyes.
Regarding the delay to WrestleMania next year, Dave Meltzer did not see it as wise to let Dwayne Johnson age further for this match. The Rock appeared to be interested in having the match this year, and now may be the time. Although nothing had been officially signed yet, more details are expected after the Royal Rumble and on WWE’s television product.
As for holding the match in Australia, Meltzer expressed skepticism, finding it unlikely that The Rock would want to have a match that will air at 4 am in North America. On that note, I have personally asked around about this, and was told that The Rock is not booked for Australia.
Considering Saudi Arabia as a location, it seemed to be a stronger possibility than Australia. The potential for higher financial offers from the Saudis and The Rock’s role on the Board of Directors might have encouraged negotiations. However, based on past discussions and interviews, The Rock had seemed insistent on having the match at WrestleMania.
Exclusive Note On The Rock vs Roman Reigns
As I already reported, Roman Reigns is set to participate in WrestleMania, and the main event match has remained unchanged since early September when the decision was made. Interestingly, Roman Reigns’ WrestleMania 40 match had been determined well before that, and The Rock was never part of the creative discussions this time.
The addition of house show dates to Roman Reigns’ schedule came as a surprise when announced. Many within the company initially believed he wouldn’t wrestle again in 2023 after his Undisputed Universal Title defense against LA Knight in Saudi Arabia at WWE Crown Jewel.
Despite WWE having Roman Reigns’ WrestleMania match planned, it doesn’t guarantee a lack of changes. CM Punk’s return to the company is expected to prompt a creative shift in at least one WrestleMania match. The Men’s Royal Rumble match winner, which I confirmed was determined in September, remained unchanged as I confirmed again in late December. It is very important to remember at times like these that nothing is definitively “locked in” at this point.
According to a trusted source within WWE, “Even Roman’s main event can change if circumstances dictate. Will they dictate? Most likely not. But until it’s locked in, it’s not locked in.”
I was able to exclusively report that a triple threat match at WrestleMania for Roman’s title is not in the cards. The creative team was informed of that last week.
After Cody Rhodes’ 2024 Royal Rumble win, it is apparent that WWE may be going through with their original plans. There was no sign of The Rock in Tropicana Field for the Royal Rumble, making a notable absence for the People’s Champion as they begin the road to WrestleMania.
The Royal Rumble will likely see a huge development in this story. SE Scoops will have all the updates as we hit the road to WrestleMania 40.