The Rock Responds To WWE WrestleMania Critics
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Another day means another reason for The Rock to make noise and be in the headlines. The only problem is that it's for all the wrong reasons.
Earlier this week, The Rock appeared on The Pat McAfee Show to provide his perspective on the events of WWE WrestleMania 41, which saw John Cena defeat Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship in the main event of Night Two. The build-up to WrestleMania was significantly shaped by The Rock's return to WWE television in the lead-up to Elimination Chamber, where he confronted Rhodes with a cryptic proposition regarding his "soul."
Ultimately, at Elimination Chamber, Rhodes declined The Rock's offer. The pivotal moment of the event saw Cena execute a shocking heel turn, betraying Rhodes and aligning himself with The Rock, thus establishing the main event for WrestleMania 41 with Cena challenging for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Notably, The Rock was absent from WWE television in the weeks preceding WrestleMania 41 and did not make an appearance at the event itself. He revealed that his involvement began with a call from TKO CEO Ari Emanuel approximately one month before Elimination Chamber, seeking his participation to generate excitement for the event.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 07: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and John Cena fight during Night Two at Lincoln Financial Field on April 07, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 07: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and John Cena fight during Night Two at Lincoln Financial Field on April 07, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Elaborating on the strategic decision behind Cena's heel turn, The Rock disclosed that Triple H, WWE's Chief Content Officer, originated the idea. The Rock explained he intended to craft a compelling narrative to draw significant viewership to Elimination Chamber and lay the groundwork for a high-stakes WrestleMania main event.
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
Once Cena's heel turn and the subsequent Undisputed WWE Championship match against Rhodes were firmly established, The Rock felt his immediate purpose in the storyline was fulfilled, allowing the focus to shift to the dynamic between the champion and the challenger.
Following his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, The Rock directly addressed criticism from Sirius XM's Busted Open Radio host Dave LaGreca regarding his absence from WrestleMania.
In a social media response, The Rock wrote: "Hi Dave, the business is a complete work. Always has been, always will be. Every aspect of it. Every match. Every interview. Please join me, Cody, Cena, Brian and the rest of us for our creative discussions so you can expand your perspective. Until then, stop ranting, it's not healthy my friend. Enjoy the show. P.S., tell Bubba I have Grand Marnier and hush puppies for all of us."
The Rock responded to a video on Busted Open Radio's Instagram page of Dave LaGreca's rant about his comments the Pat McAfee show
This man is spiraling… pic.twitter.com/BbkGK90QYs — Public Enemies Podcast (@PublicEnemiesHQ) April 24, 2025
The Rock's response defends the nature of professional wrestling as a planned spectacle, but also spotlights the lack of awareness that he has of the situation. In no way, shape or form, does what he said make sense to WWE fans, and they've made that clear.
More WWE News:
For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
2 minutes ago
- New York Post
Triplemania showed path for WWE to unlock Dominik Mysterio's limitless potential
You can't help but watch Dominik Mysterio and wonder: When and how is WWE going to turn him babyface? It can't come soon enough. The process may have already begun — and if it hasn't, it needs to, with AAA being the easy first domino to do so. WWE could find itself in a bind there if it isn't willing to begin fully embracing Mysterio's growing popularity. The crowd in Mexico City was ready for anyone but current Mega champion El Hijo del Vikingo to leave with the title at Triplemania XXXIII on Saturday.
Newsweek
3 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Rescue Cat Meets New Kitten Sibling, What Happens Next Melts Hearts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A viral video showing the budding friendship between a rescue cat and their new kitten sibling has touched the hearts of hundreds of thousands of viewers online, offering a rare glimpse of feline bonding unfolding in real time. The pair's owner had captured former stray, named Menace, meeting the family's new, smaller kitten for the first time inside their home. At first, the adult cat keeps close watch over the newcomer, sniffing and shadowing the kitten with cautious curiosity. But it does not take long for that suspicion to melt into affection. The short clip had been shared to Instagram under @pawswithari on August 15 and has amassed more than 123,000 likes to date. "I was worried how our stray cat Menace will get along with a new kitten," read the overlaid text at the start of the video. Moments later, the scene shifts with a new caption: "Two hours later." By this point, the cats are pressed together in quiet comfort, with filmed Menace grooming the kitten as the pair snuggle side by side. The caption accompanying the post cemented the duo's new bond. "Now they sleep in the sink together," it read. The quick transformation—from wary introduction to mutual affection—has drawn comments from viewers emotionally struck by the scene. Several have praised the heartfelt clip, and Menace's quick acceptance of his new sibling. "This might be the most adorable video I've seen all week oh my gosh," one viewer said. "THIS is what the Internet was made for," another added. "I'm going to die of cuteness," a third viewer shared lightheartedly, while a fourth added: "Warning: dangerous levels of adorableness detected." "A match made in heaven," one viewer commented. "He's not the stepdad. He's the dad that stepped up," another joked. "It's funny how they determine who's in charge by who does the cleaning," a third said, referring to the moment caught on camera of Menace licking his new sibling. "Best animal ever." "The look of relaxed happiness of a small cat being groomed by a new friend," one comment added. "Oh, my heart, seeing Menace wash the baby. Loving this," another said, also pointing out the tender moment. Newsweek reached out to @pawswithari for more information via email. Stock image: Two cats cuddle up to each other on a white blanket. Stock image: Two cats cuddle up to each other on a white blanket. Getty Images Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
3 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Cat Realizes She's Going to Aunt's House, Reaction Melts Hearts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A cat's expressive realization mid-car ride that she is approaching a familiar home has melted the hearts of viewers online, after a video showing her reaction to arriving at her aunt's house was posted to TikTok. The video, shared by the cat's owner (@singlebrwnfemale) on August 11, has struck a chord with animal lovers across the platform, many of whom gushed over the cat's quick response in the comments. The clip has garnered more than 1.1 million views and over 183,000 likes to date. Viewers were able to see the black-and-white cat sitting quietly in the back seat of a car, initially appearing tired and indifferent. But the feline's demeanor shifted dramatically when she caught on to her destination. As the car pulled up to a familiar location, the cat's head lifted suddenly, and her eyes widened. She then lifted her head higher and glanced around with increasing alertness and curiosity. The moment, subtle yet unmistakably clear to viewers, seems to mark the point at which she recognizes where she is going. "Watch my cat's reaction as she realizes that we're visiting my sister's house," an overlaid text on the video read, while the caption accompanying the post added: "The cutest little meow in the end got me." From left: A cat sitting in the back seat of a car raises her head after realizing she is approaching her aunt's house. From left: A cat sitting in the back seat of a car raises her head after realizing she is approaching her aunt's house. @singlebrwnfemale The post has since tugged at the heartstrings of viewers on TikTok, with hundreds commenting on the feline's vivid expressions and the relatability of her reaction. While the cat does not speak, her face appears to say everything viewers need to know about her feelings toward the upcoming visit. "OMG [oh my God], I love her face, cutie," one viewer said, while another added: "She's ready my cats love my sister more than me." "Cats are so smart," a third viewer shared. "She looks up like wait a minute I recognize these streets," one commenter said. "Cats know EVERYTHING," another added. "I love people taking their cats places like we do with dogs, they seem so happy," one viewer commented. "You may take care of her but I'm afraid your sister is her favorite human," another wrote, to which the cat's owner responded: "I fear you might be right." "Looks like Aunty spoils her thoroughly," a third posted, in agreement. Newsweek reached out to @singlebrwnfemale for more information via TikTok. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
