On the final episode of WWE SmackDown before SummerSlam, a promo from John Cena appeared to confirm WWE is moving forward without The Rock in its immediate plans. The segment saw Cena formally end his run as a villain, directly rejecting the vision of “The Final Boss” who had influenced his heel turn months prior.
Cena admitted his actions over the past five months were a mistake, a statement that functioned as both a character turning face and a narrative pivot for the company. While fans largely welcomed the return of his traditional persona, commentator Wade Barrett voiced his skepticism about the sincerity of the change. The promo’s content, however, strongly suggested that The Rock’s chapter in the current main event storyline has concluded.
This on-screen development aligns with multiple recent reports from wrestling media outlets. According to sources, The Rock is not planned for an appearance at this weekend’s SummerSlam. This information contradicts the long-held fan expectation that he would return to resolve the storyline that began with Cena’s character shift at Elimination Chamber in March.
Further reports indicate that WWE creative currently has no definitive plans for The Rock’s return in the near future, with a potential reappearance being pushed to the 2026 WrestleMania season at the earliest. This leaves the SummerSlam main event, a Street Fight between John Cena and Cody Rhodes, to stand on its own, effectively placing the “Final Boss” narrative on an indefinite hold.
WE ARE SO BACK!!!
— WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2025
Thank YOU, @JohnCena! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/HDBrf4LrrZ