The Rock’s no-show at WrestleMania 41 sparked internal questions among WWE talent despite his explanation on The Pat McAfee Show. While the Hollywood star claimed he avoided the event to let John Cena’s historic 17th championship moment shine, Fightful Select reports many within WWE expected his participation after his Elimination Chamber storyline with Cody Rhodes and Cena.
A number of talent took note of the fact that The Rock was not on TV at WrestleMania, didn’t do any promotion leading up to the event, or even tweet about the show.The card is at the mercy of Dwayne.
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While some viewed The Rock’s ticket-sales boost as beneficial, others found his media strategy inconsistent. “We all found it kind of weird he didn’t promote it,” admitted one wrestler, referencing The Rock’s social media blackout during Mania week. Another called it an “overcorrection” compared to last year’s backlash over his heavy involvement.
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The McAfee interview further muddied waters, with one talent challenging critics: “Was the McAfee interview a work, even though he specified he wasn’t in character?” The divide highlights ongoing tension between The Rock’s selective appearances and WWE’s reliance on part-time stars—leaving the locker room to speculate whether this silence signals a permanent exit or another swerve.
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