Internal reactions have emerged regarding The Rock’s unexpected approach during his recent SmackDown appearance. According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, several members of WWE’s creative team, led by Triple H, have expressed concerns about the segment’s execution and messaging.
The Final Boss made his return to WWE programming on last week’s SmackDown, where he first delivered the anticipated announcement that WrestleMania will be held in New Orleans next year. Following this reveal, The Rock’s segment took an unexpected turn when he addressed Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
What particularly generated discussion backstage was The Rock’s decision to momentarily break from his established Final Boss character to offer praise toward Rhodes, before concluding with a cryptic proposition asking The American Nightmare to become “his champion” and requesting his “soul.” This tonal shift and ambiguous messaging reportedly left many viewers and internal personnel confused about the segment’s intention.
Meltzer noted that one source within WWE’s creative team offered a particularly pointed assessment, suggesting The Rock’s promo contained more character inconsistencies in a single segment than WWE legend The Big Show (now Paul Wight) demonstrated throughout his entire career – a reference to The Big Show’s numerous face and heel turns over the years.
The report further indicated that another creative team member felt the segment unintentionally diminished Rhodes’ position, as the cryptic nature of The Rock’s proposition created uncertainty around the champion’s standing rather than enhancing it.
While The Rock’s return generated significant attention, the execution and structure of the segment has reportedly become a topic of ongoing discussion within WWE’s creative environment as storylines continue developing toward upcoming premium live events.