The Rock made his return to WWE during the Day 1 episode of WWE RAW. He called his shot to face Roman Reigns at that time, and that WrestleMania dream match is now set, but it is also a nightmare for some. Ironically, most fans would rather see The American Nightmare instead of Rocky.
WWE’s Reactions To The Rock’s Reception
It was reported on Fightful Select that there is no official mandate on how to handle the anti-Rock sentiment in the fan base right now. At this time, they are taking it on a case-by-case kind of thing, but it is also interesting to note how they handle this situation.
The Rock’s daughter, Ava, is the General Manager on NXT, and the company decided to mute fan reactions when she was on screen. Just her presence brought boos from the NXT Arena crowd.
There was no official mandate on how to handle anti-Rock reactions. It was taken on a case by case basis with the lead producer making the calls. The crowd chants were muted for Ava Raine.
I was also able to confirm that there is no plan in place, memo, or official directive about how WWE will handle negative reactions about The Rock. They are apparently playing this situation by ear.
To add a bit to Fightful's report about how WWE is preparing for negative reactions to The Rock.
I was told that "No official plans or memos or directives" have been passed down about how to handle this situation.
— Aaron (@AaronVarble) February 7, 2024
The Rock’s Daughter Took Fire
The Rock’s daughter received death threats from fans. She was not shy about bringing this to the public. Apparently, that did not help things.
Ava deactivated her Twitter/X account a short time later, leaving the platform as heat from her father’s booking spilled into her notifications.
WWE Carrying On With WrestleMania Plans
Fans may be very upset at The Rock right now, and they are flooding his mentions on social media. That will not alter their plan, because Dwayne Johnson has been booed before.
The Rock’s $30 million deal to take a seat on the company’s Board of Directors was also connected with this match. I was explicitly told that only one thing can change the company’s direction, and that is The Rock changing his mind.
Last night, a tenured member of the creative team told me straight up: “We have not been told of any change. That doesn’t mean the plan hasn’t changed. Or won’t change. Or this is all a plan anyway. It just means we’re not being told.”
I keep asking about #TheRock's #WrestleMania? plans possibly changing, because that's all fans want at this point.
Last night, a tenured member of the creative team told me straight up: "We have not been told of any change. That doesn't mean the plan hasn't changed. Or won't…
— Aaron (@AaronVarble) February 7, 2024