The Rock has offered up his reaction to rumors of a potential WWE sale going around.
Since the return of Vince McMahon to the WWE’s Board Of Directors, reports have been circulating suggesting that McMahon’s return is centered around the intention to help facilitate a trade of the company.
No deal has been made official just yet, however, during a recent interview with on CNBC’s “Squawk In The Street” show, WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson offered his thoughts on the matter.
“Well, I can tell you this, I can tell you it’s an exciting brand. It’s a brand that I’ve been fortunate enough to have tremendous success in over the decades. We’ve seen tremendous success over the years. I think it’s a very attractive company.
“I’m excited, and I wish Vince [McMahon] and that company all the best. I think with the world of professional wrestling and the world of WWE it’s so unique. The fan base is very large and very passionate, and there’s nothing like the WWE.
“I think with the new owners if there are new owners, and acquirers that are going to come in, I think they have to share that same passion that Vince has for the company and for the world of pro wrestling, which isn’t always easy to do.
– The Rock
“With a company like this, it’s been so incredibly successful over the years, a sale and acquisition could be very complicated, but there’s that unique added anchor to this I believe to this that Vince feels where you gotta find the right buyer who still has that passion and love for this very unique world.”
Former professional wrestler @TheRock responds to reports of a possible sale of @WWE : "There's nothing like the $WWE…if there are new owners and acquirers that come in, they have to share that same passion that [executive chairman Vince McMahon] has for the company." pic.twitter.com/XGNQeNGh82
While it has been several years since The Rock last competed inside the WWE’s ring, it’s heavily believed that WWE is attempting to secure him for a massive bout at WrestleMania 39 later this year.
The idea being having The Rock face off against current Unified WWE Champion Roman Reigns at “The Show Of Shows.” However, it has yet to be confirmed whether or not that match will actually come to fruition when it’s all said and done.
Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia are hoping that the third time’s the charm ahead of the launch of their version of the XFL.
Johnson and Garcia purchased the league from former WWE CEO Vince McMahon in 2020 after his second attempt at a football league was thwarted by Covid-19.
McMahon’s first foray into the world of professional football kicked off in 2000 but low ratings led to the league not getting a second season.
Kick-Off
The new XFL will kick off on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 3 pm Eastern a statement from the league has confirmed.
That game will see the Vegas Vipers face the Arlington Renegades at Choctaw Stadium in the first of four matches for the opening weekend.
That evening will see the Orlando Guardians face the Houston Roughnecks at the TDECU Stadium, and will be aired on ESPN and FX.
The next day will see the St. Louis Battlehawks Vs. the San Antonio Brahmas (3 pm. ABC) and the Seattle Sea Dragons against the D.C. Defenders (8 pm. ESPN.)
XFL 2023
The XFL will feature a total 43 games: 40 regular season games, two playoffs and one championship game.
The games will be split across four channels, with ABC airing seven, ESPN and ESPN22 getting 22 games each, and FX airing 15.
All XFL games will be streamed on ESPN+ and simulcasted in 142 countries around the world.
The eight XFL teams are split into two divisions: XFL North (D.C. Defenders, Seattle Sea Dragons, St. Louis Battlehawks, Vegas Vipers) and XFL South (Arlington Renegades, Houston Roughnecks, Orlando Guardians, San Antonio Brahmas.)
Is Roman Reigns’ tenure as the most dominant star in WWE going to come to an end this year?
Reigns has for years been WWE’s top performer, which earned him considerable backlash from fans who didn’t appreciate the Big Dog being forced on them.
In 2020, Reigns returned from a four-month absence as his current Tribal Chief character, earning acclaim from fans and those in the industry for his transformation.
Hollywood
Since capturing the Universal Championship at WWE Payback in August 2020, Reigns has been virtually untouchable in the ring.
Last year, Reigns signed a new deal with WWE, one that has resulted in fewer matches and fewer appearances by the Head of the Table.
Giving his 2023 predictions during his Strictly Business podcast, Eric Bischoff suggested that Reigns may walk away from the ring this year, then pursue a career in acting.
“[I predict] Roman Reigns is crossing over into mainstream entertainment. You know, I haven’t had my finger on you know Roman’s career or his trajectory so far, but [with his cousin The Rock] it kind of makes a little bit of sense doesn’t it?
You know in Hollywood it’s not about how good you are necessarily, It’s how good you are and who you know. I think Roman has put his toe in the water and now he’s got a little bit of a taste of Hollywood.
“Roman has put his toe in the water and now he’s got a little bit of a taste of Hollywood.”
Eric Bischoff.
I think Roman Reigns’s long Title reign will come to an end this year and I think the best thing that you could do would be for him to step away for a few months.”
In 2019, Reigns appeared alongside his cousin in ‘Hobbs and Shaw’ a spin-off of the Fast and Furious franchise.
Dethroning the Tribal Chief
Reigns has been Universal Champion for the past 857 days, and captured the WWE Championship last April at WrestleMania 38.
After Bischoff’s co-host Jon Alba said he believes the long-rumored WrestleMania match between Reigns and The Rock isn’t happening, Bischoff gave his pick for who should be WWE’s next Undisputed Universal Champion.
“I just saw a picture on social media of a WWE truck, a production truck, wrapped with a WrestleMania rap that featured Cody Rhodes. I think Cody’s going to be the guy this year and as he should be in my opinion.”
“I think Cody’s going to be the guy this year and as he should be in my opinion.”
Eric Bischoff.
Bischoff reiterated that Reigns would be smart to walk away the ring at 37 years old with plenty of time to try new projects.
“If I’m Roman and I know my bank account’s good. My Investment Portfolio is good and I’m still young enough and healthy enough especially given his circumstances, I’m going to get out while the getting’s good brother and step into the next phase of my life.”
In addition to Hobbs and Shaw, Reigns appeared in The Wong Missy (2020,) and provided his voice for the animated wrestling movie Rumble (2021.)
Dave Batista has become a star in both wrestling and in Hollywood, but the inspiration for his movie career didn’t come from The Rock.
After leaving WWE in 2010, the Animal turned to acting and would star in multiple straight-to-DVD projects.
In 2014, Batista’s big break would come as Drax the Destroyer, one of the Guardians of the Galaxy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
A Respected Actor
After his breakout role as Drax, other major franchises would work with Animal, including the James Bond series (Spectre, 2015) and Blade Runner (Blade Runner 2049, 2017).
Of course, The Rock is arguably the most successful wrestler to make their name in acting, but that didn’t aspire the Animal, as he told GQ Magazine.
“I never wanted to be the next Rock. I just want to be a good f***ing actor. A respected actor.”
Dave Batista.
Batista’s latest project, Glass Onion, a sequel to Knives Out (2019) landed on Netflix last month after a limited theatrical release.
The Greatest?
While The Rock has plenty of blockbusters to his name, the Brahma Bull has also had his fair share of flops.
Sitting down with The Atlantic last month, Glass Onion’s director Rian Johnson was in complete agreement when asked if Batista is the greatest wrestler to become an actor.
“I absolutely 100 percent agree [that Batista is the greatest wrestler-to-actor ever.] And I think somebody like Paul Thomas Anderson is going to give him a real part and is going to look like a genius.
Rian Johnson.
Johnson’s respect for Batista is a two-way street, with the former WWE World Champion sharing positive posts about the director on social media, and gifting him a World Heavyweight Championship on the set of Glass Onion.
WWE is still locking in its long-term plans for the first few months of 2023 and that includes which matches will serve as the main event of both nights of WrestleMania 39 in April.
It’s been noted in various reports that WWE wants to have its WrestleMania plans for top matches locked down by mid-January. That includes commitments from top stars such as John Cena, The Rock, and Steve Austin regarding whether they plan to be part of the year’s biggest event.
Cena is committed and just needs to finalize his schedule, as he will be filming a movie in February and March.
The Big Match
Just over three months out from WWE’s biggest event of the year, the top matches hinge on The Rock’s availability. As of this writing, he’s still not committed.
WWE typically finalizes the WrestleMania main events in mid-January, so this will come down to the wire. According to our friends at WrestlingNews.co, here’s what we’re looking at:
WrestleMania Saturday: Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre or Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship.
WrestleMania Sunday: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes or TBD for the Universal Championship
If The Rock does work WrestleMania, it will be Rollins vs. Rhodes headlining Saturday night and Rock vs. Reigns on last Sunday night.
If The Rock does not work WrestleMania, it will be Rollins vs. Rhodes at Night 1 and Reigns vs. an opponent TBD at Night 2.
As of this writing, it’s not clear how the company will split the WWE Championship and Universal Championship before WrestleMania 39, but WWE wants to have a top title for each brand heading into the summer.
Time is ticking on WWE’s plans for the main events of WWE WrestleMania 39 as the company wants to have these plans locked in by mid-January. The company will need two headline attractions for the main event of each night.
They will need to also figure out the plans for the men’s and women’s world title matches by January 28th, as that is when the WWE Royal Rumble premium live event goes down.
The women’s roster will need two title challengers for its two world champions: Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair and SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey. On the men’s side, things are a little more complicated.
As previously reported, WWE is hoping to have Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns face The Rock at WrestleMania 39, but it comes down to The Rock’s busy Hollywood schedule.
WWE has targeted this show because it takes place in Hollywood and will get more mainstream attention. Reigns has been championing himself as the head of the Anoa’i family for his entire run as The Tribal Chief. The stars are aligning for a battle between the two stars, but the match has yet to be confirmed.
Where Things Stand
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Reigns vs. Rock is neither “off the boards” nor “a lock” for WrestleMania. The uncertainty of the match means that there have to be “back-up plans put in place,” although it’s unclear if those plans have been made yet.
The report emphasizes that The Rock has to “make up his mind,” likely “just before the Rumble.” Should he not go forward with the match, fans have speculated Cody Rhodes is stepping up to challenge Reigns for the title at the show.
It’s safe to say that 2022 has been one of the wildest years in the history of WWE.
From mass releases to the shock retirement of Vince McMahon, this is a year that none of us will ever, ever forget.
But with 2022 drawing to a close, attention turns to 2023, and a whole new year of matches to look forward to.
Here are five of the most anticipated matches of WWE in the new year.
5: Brock Lesnar Vs. GUNTHER
It has been reported that GUNTHER Vs. Brock Lesnar is in the works for WrestleMania 39.
Can you say PHYSICAL?!
In 2022, there are few names in WWE who have made an impact quite like our reigning Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER.
Debuting on the main roster earlier this year, the Austrian powerhouse wasted no time in winning his title from Ricochet, a title he has held for over 200 days.
It was reported recently that right now, WWE’s plan for WrestleMania 39 is for GUNTHER to face Brock Lesnar, in what could be the most hard hitting match we’ve seen in decades.
GUNTHER’s in-ring strength has never been in doubt, while Lesnar is a once in a lifetime athlete who’s 2022 has shown he still has a love for wrestling.
Whether the title is on the line or not, GUNTHER Vs. Lesnar has all the markings of an instant classic, and a match fans are eager to see.
4: Bray Wyatt’s First Match Back
Bray Wyatt returned with a ton of buzz, but WWE needs to pull the trigger with a match soon.
At Extreme Rules, WWE’s excellent White Rabbit build paid off with the return of Bray Wyatt, fifteen months after his controversial release from the company.
Since then, Wyatt has feuded with LA Knight, though his attentions seem to be more focused on the presence of the mysterious Uncle Howdy.
For all of Wyatt’s talk and promos though, Bray is yet to wrestle, something that has not gone unnoticed by fans.
It has been rumored that Wyatt will face Knight in a ‘Pitch Black’ match at the Royal Rumble, though whatever the rules are for said match is unclear.
I guess you could say that with the Pitch Black match, we’re ‘in the dark!’ (I crack myself up.)
While Bray returned with all the momentum in the world, it does feel like some of the shine has come off, and WWE needs to pull the trigger on a match for him soon.
Wyatt’s first match back is hotly anticipated, if nothing else than fans want to see what he can do in the ring as this new character, and we can only imagine his match will come in 2023.
3: Edge’s Final Match
Edge will have the chance to end his career on his own terms next year.
It’s hard to believe that next month will be the third anniversary of Edge’s startling return to wrestling.
In April 2011, fans (and Edge himself) had resigned themselves to the fact that his career was over, tragically cut short by neck issues.
This year has seen Edge compete six times, a slight dip from the ten matches in 2021, but next year may see his final match.
After competing in his native Toronto earlier this year, Edge strongly implied that he will be retiring the next time WWE comes to Canada, which is expected for mid-2023.
If so, then we are not long away from Edge’s final match, and hopefully WWE will give it the build and gravitas it deserves.
Edge’s return to wrestling has been nothing short of miraculous, but the Rated-R Superstar now has the chance to end his in-ring career again, this time on his own terms.
2: Roman Reigns Vs. Cody Rhodes
From the moment Cody Rhodes returned, there has been speculation on a match with Roman Reigns. (via WWE)
From the moment Cody Rhodes’ platform was raised at WrestleMania 38, this was a match fans anticipated.
The idea of Rhodes Vs. Reigns was cemented the following night when the American Nightmare spoke about his WWE return, and his desire to become World Champion.
Sure, Rhodes’ injury may have delayed those plans, but it is clear that Cody is destined to hold gold soon.
With rumors of Rhodes returning as part of the Men’s Rumble match, a match he is a favorite among many to win, a match with Reigns seems a matter of when, not if.
But this match will resonate for another reason. It will be WWE’s top star against someone for years considered the face of AEW.
The fact that Cody is in WWE now at all remains mind-blowing, and him facing Reigns has the substance to be an all-time great story, even if there’s one more for the Tribal Chief that fans are anticipating even more…
1: The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns
The Rock & Roman Reigns could be the biggest match WWE has held in a decade.
The People’s Champion Vs. The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
The Brahma Bull Vs. The Tribal Chief.
The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns.
Not since The Rock Vs. John Cena in 2012 has there been this level of excitement for a match, one that WWE has yet to confirm.
Both Reigns and Rock have teased for years that a match between them could happen, but never has it seemed more likely.
From Reigns being at his very best, to Rock’s movie filming schedule being suspiciously free for the first quarter of the year, all the signs are pointing to this match finally happening.
The Rock, now 50 years old, is not the spring chicken he once was, and if not next year, than this match, nor any other match with him, may never happen.
If WWE wants The Rock Vs. Reigns, then 2023 is the time, in what would be the biggest fight we’ve seen in years.
Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson has confirmed that Black Adam will not be featured going forward, at least in “the first chapter” of a new direction for DC’s storytelling under new Studio Heads James Gunn and Peter Safran, now in control of all of DC Studios.
They control the comic book company’s film, TV, animated, and gaming storylines and direction going forward. This character was a passion project for him for years as the original plan in September 2014 was for him to introduce him as the villain in the Shazam! film series.
The former WWE Champion lobbied for Black Adam to be introduced in his own film, allowing for two separate franchises to be launched instead.
The Rock got his wish for a standalone “Black Adam” movie a few months ago when the film was released in theaters and now streaming on HBO Max, but there have been a lot of changes at DC Studios.
The Rock’s Statement
“My passionate friends, I wanted to give you a long-awaited Black Adam update regarding the character’s future in the new DC Universe.
James Gunn and I connected, and Black Adam will not be in their first chapter of storytelling. However, DC and Seven Bucks have agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways Black Adam can be utilized in future DC multiverse chapters.
James and I have known each other for years and have always rooted for each other to succeed. It’s no different now, and I will always root for DC (and Marvel) to win and WIN BIG.
You guys know me, and I have very thick skin – and you can always count on me to be direct with my words. There had been rumors that The Rock’s movie wasn’t as profitable as it appeared on the surface, something he later dismissed. These decisions made by James and DC leadership represent their vision of DCU through their creative lens.
After 15 years of relentless hard work to finally make Black Adam, I’m very proud of the film we delivered for fans worldwide. I will always look back on the fan reaction to Black Adam with tremendous gratitude, humility and love.
We did great. To my very passionate and vocal Black Adam/Super Hero genre fans – I love you, THANK YOU, and I will ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOU and do my best to deliver and entertain you. What a helluva month – now we all need some Teremana! Have a productive week and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you and your families! “
There had been rumors that The Rock’s movie wasn’t as profitable as it appeared on the surface, something he later dismissed.
Neither John Cena nor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson are guaranteed for next year’s WrestleMania 39 Premium Live Event in April.
WrestleMania 39 will take place on April 1, and April 2, at the SoFi Stadium, in Los Angeles, California.
The event will be the fourth WrestleMania in a row to take place across two nights, a tradition that began with WrestleMania 36.
Not a Sure Thing
With WrestleMania being WWE’s biggest event of the year, it’s no surprise that the promotion wants its biggest stars.
It has been reported that both Cena and The Rock are expected to compete at next year’s show.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained how The Rock is far from guaranteed due to his commitments to the XFL.
“Am I saying he’s not going to do it? No, I’m not saying that at all. And if he’s doing it, wow, you have him, Austin, and Cena all on the same show – or the same weekend because they’ll split them up, obviously.”
Dave Meltzer.
The XFL will kick off in early 2023 and will be the third iteration of the football league, and the first to not involve Vince McMahon.
It has been rumored that The Rock will face his cousin Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39.
John Cena
Like The Rock, John Cena has plenty of big commitments in 2023, and as Meltzer explained, he isn’t guaranteed for WrestleMania 39.
“Cena’s not 100% either, by the way. He’s got a movie in February and March, so he’s not going to be able to do a lot of TVs. I don’t know…he will do the show if he’s available, but it’s the same thing. He may have other things going on. I was told… I guess the best way to put it is Cena is a ‘probable’, and Dwayne is a ‘possible’ maybe a probable, I don’t know, but neither is a sure thing.”
Dave Meltzer.
John Cena will team with Kevin Owens to face Reigns and Sami Zayn on the final SmackDown of 2022.
The Miz is one of those WWE superstars that doesn’t just stay confined to the wrestling business. He was a reality star even before stepping foot in WWE. The former world champion has continued to make a name outside of the wrestling business even after becoming a WWE superstar and bringing new eyes to the product with different ventures. One such venture where he has found great success is his acting career and it appears that some advice from The Rock helped him with it.
The A Lister recently appeared on Off The Beat with Brian Baumgartner. He talked about things such as his time before WWE, how he got started in wrestling and more. Discussing his start in the movie business, The Miz recalled how he asked The Rock for advice right before his very first shoot:
“I texted him and said, ‘Hey man, I’m about to start my first movie, getting ready to do my first scene. Is there any advice you can give me'” recalled The Miz, “He called me.
He was like, ‘Dude, the best thing that I could tell you and help you out with is just be natural, and it’s gonna sound so easy and so weird, but once you get there, there’s gonna be three or four cameras, you’re gonna have to hit a spot that you can’t look at, you can’t look at the spot. You have to be normal and natural. It’s action and you have to just make it feel [real].’ It was great advice. Because sometimes you see in acting, you’ll see a robotic kind of portrayal. I didn’t want to do that.”
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson could be mere weeks away from his return to WWE as part of the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.
The 2023 Royal Rumble will take place on January 28, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas and will kickstart the road to WrestleMania 39.
The 36th Rumble Premium Live Event, next year will be the sixth year that the show has featured a men’s and women’s Rumble match.
If You Can Smell…
For months, rumors of The Rock’s return to WWE have circulated, with many believing he will challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
Both men have teased the highly-anticipated collision, which has also been referenced on NBC’s Young Rock.
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that discussions within WWE have called for The Rock to not only compete in the Men’s Rumble match but to also win.
Meltzer stressed that rumors exist within WWE, and while this could be the plan, as “far as those who would be in a position to know,” nothing has been confirmed as the plan.
A win would see The Rock earn an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match against Reigns at WrestleMania, but it’s noted that WWE would make a Mania match happen even if The Rock doesn’t make the Rumble.
Sources who spoke to the Observer said that plans for the WrestleMania main event will need to be locked down by mid-January so a decision from Johnson will be needed by then.
The report adds that a “pie-in-the-sky” idea is for The Rock to be a surprise as the #30 entrant.
Last Match
The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns, whether for a championship or not, is worthy of the WrestleMania main event, but could also mark Johnson’s final match.
Meltzer reports that the belief in the past has been that The Rock wants Reigns to be his last opponent, given they are related.
This is a match that has been talked about for years, and it’s reported that The Rock has hoped for his last match to be in Los Angeles, the home of WrestleMania 39.
Despite being the son of famed wrestler Rocky Johnson, life was far from easy for young Dwayne.
Rock’s production studio ‘Seven Bucks Productions’ derives its name from the seven dollars Rock had to his name in 1995, following his release from the Canadian Football League.
Speaking to Muscle and Fitness in 2014, the Great One said he was arrested “eight or nine times” in his teens for theft and fighting.
Johnson’s unfortunate past and stealing are covered in season 1 of NBC’s Young Rock.
Charitable Acts
With millions (and millions!) of dollars to his name, The Rock doesn’t shy away from spreading his wealth.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had a legendary wrestling career, but he never got to step in the ring against his dream opponent.
The 10-time world champion shared the ring with some of the industry’s biggest stars, including Steve Austin, Bret Hart, John Cena, The Undertaker, Kurt Angle and countless others. For everything he accomplished in the ring, there’s one Hall of Famer he wishes he could have wrestled.
On Sunday, The Rock posted a photo on Instagram from his famed ‘Iron Paradise’ gym wearing a pair of flashy sunglasses. The shades may remind longtime fans of one Superstar in particular who was the ‘cream of the crop’ during his day.
The Rock & Macho Man Randy Savage
The Rock says the late “Macho Man” Randy Savage was always his dream match. He would have been honored to share the squared circle with him, but it never came to be.
Johnson was an full-time WWE Superstar from 1996-2004. Savage left WWE and was active in WCW through 2000, but their paths never crossed on television.
Back around 2000-2001, Randy Savage did an interview where he praised The Rock as a ‘general’ of the WWE locker room. “[He’s] a cool dude because of the fact that when he comes into the dressing room, he shakes everybody’s hand, he looks everybody in the eye, he doesn’t stir it up in the dressing room.”
The Rock has paid tribute to Randy Savage before, featuring him on his hit series, Young Rock. As seen below, the Great One remains a big fan of the Macho Man, who is widely considered one of the greatest all-around pro wrestlers in history.
Kazuchika Okada is one of the biggest stars in the history of New Japan Pro Wrestling but has never wrestled in WWE. In a dream match scenario, it doesn’t get much bigger than a match between Okada and The Rock.
At a recent press event for “Black Adam” in Japan, Okada worked on the Japanese dubbed version of the film “Black Adam,” which stars the former WWE Champion.
The top NJPW star attended a press event to promote the film that will be released in Japan on December 2nd. During it, the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion was asked if there was any interest in getting in the ring with the film’s leading man.
Kazuchika Okada vs. The Rock
“It looks like he can fight. He looks like he can do it [Okada joked about the Black Adam figure]. I think we can have a match… Well, as a fellow pro wrestler, I’d like to have a match with him [Dwayne Johnson].”
The Rock hasn’t wrestled in 8 years, with the last time being a quick six-second squash win against Erick Rowan). Okada is set to challenge for Jay White’s IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at January’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17.
Since opening on October 21, the film has grossed $351,573,563, with $150,573,563 coming domestically and $201,000,000 internationally.
With a truly-historic 2022 coming to an end, the wrestling world is looking ahead to 2023, and what will happen over the next 12 months.
With January approaching, WrestleMania season is drawing near, and with WrestleMania comes the Hall of Fame.
Many of wrestling’s biggest stars have already received the nod, but not everyone and these are some of the huge names yet to go in.
5: The Great Muta
The Great Muta will retire from wrestling in 2023, but will he soon become a WWE Hall of Famer?
Right now, the Great Muta is on his retirement tour, after a truly iconic career in wrestling.
Considered by many to be one of, if not the greatest Japanese wrestler of all time, Muta has held gold with AJPW, NJPW, WCW, and Pro Wrestling NOAH, among others.
Away from titles, Muta has been an inspiration for so many wrestlers, yet a WWE Hall of Fame induction continues to allude the legend.
On January 1, Muta will compete against WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura, in a rare example of WWE allowing one of their stars to compete elsewhere.
Could a Hall of Fame induction have been part of the deal for Nakamura? Perhaps, but whether that happens or not, Muta is worthy of the induction.
4: Owen Hart
The Blackheart, Owen Hart will likely never be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame due to his tragic death in 1999.
It’s nothing short of a crime that for many wrestling fans (and non-fans alike) Owen Hart will be best known for his final moments.
Hart’s tragic passing at the Over the Edge 1999 event has forever cast a shadow on a career certainly worthy of the Hall of Fame.
In this instance, it is Owen’s widow, Martha Hart, who has rejected calls from WWE (and fans) to induct her husband, holding the company responsible for his death.
While Martha has been more open to wrestling this year, even appearing for AEW at their Double or Nothing Pay-Per-View, a relationship with WWE remains non-existent, so don’t expect to see the Rocket receive the nod next year.
3: Batista
The Animal was announced for the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020, but later pulled out because of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
When Batista broke into the wrestling business, it came at a time of his life when many would be considering winding up their careers.
Undeterred, the Animal not only became a wrestler but a six-time WWE World Champion, along with a handful of Tag title reigns.
Unlike many on this list, we know that Batista will be inducted, as he was announced in 2020, but pulled out due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It’s understandable, the Animal was worthy of headlining the ceremony, and the 2020/2021 dual induction would not have been right.
With The Undertaker headlining this year’s Hall of Fame, expect Batista to receive the long-awaited honors next year.
2: The Rock
The Brahma Bull electrified fans for years, but why is he not in WWE’s Hall of Fame.
The Bramha Bull. The People’s Champion. The Great One. The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment.
Whatever you call him, Dwayne Johnson should be called a WWE Hall of Famer.
Frankly, it’s baffling he’s not already been given the nod, and we can only imagine one reason for why either he’s said no, or WWE has refused to put him in.
Either Rock, WWE, or both, believe he’s not done in the ring.
It’s hardly a secret that WWE wants the Great One back, with many predicting the long-awaited match with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39.
Will that match happen? At this time it’s difficult to say, but one thing we know for sure is that Dwayne Johnson is Hall of Fame bound.
1: Vince McMahon
McMahon changed the wrestling world, but his exit from WWE earlier this year could cause problems for an induction.
When fans think of the biggest star in wrestling, they may conjure names like Hulk Hogan, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, John Cena or even Roman Reigns.
Well none of these names would have reached the heights they soared to without Vince McMahon.
Of course, a McMahon induction is problematic, thanks in part to his controversial exit from WWE in July over allegations of misconduct.
As wrestling fans have made clear, they don’t forget. Just ask Hulk Hogan and the chilly reception he received at WrestleMania 37 in his home state of Florida.
There is perhaps no bigger name in wrestling who is more deserving than any induction than Vince McMahon, but whether it will ever happen is another matter entirely.
On this day in WWE 25-year-ago, Rocky Maivia confronted Stone Cold Steve Austin. It was the first encounter between the two legends, but it was also the first time Dwayne ever referred to himself as “The Rock”. Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock went on to have a legendary rivalry in WWE. Stone Cold defeated The Rock at WrestleMania 15 and 17.
The Rock got his revenge and defeated Stone Cold at WrestleMania 19. It was The Rattlesnake’s final match before he returned and defeated Kevin Owens at this year’s WrestleMania.
During the promo on WWE RAW, he scolded the crowd and said the following to Stone Cold Steve Austin:
If you’ve got enough manhood to accept my challenge, then your bottom line will read ‘has-been, compliments of The Rock’.
Ric Flair not Convinced The Rock will Return to WWE for WrestleMania
The Nature Boy recently hung up his boots (at least for now) at Ric Flair’s Last Match on July 31st. He teamed with his son-in-law, disgruntled AEW star Andrade El Idolo to defeat Jay Lethal and new AEW signee Jeff Jarrett during SummerSlam weekend.
Speaking on the latest edition of his To Be The Man podcast, Flair discussed the rumored matchup between The Rock and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 at SoFi Stadium in Hollywood. While most fans believe that it would make sense for The Great One to battle The Tribal Chief at WWE’s biggest event, Ric wasn’t so sure.
The 73-year-old stated that it wouldn’t make sense for The Rock to defeat Roman because he’s not a full-time wrestler anymore. The Nature Boy added that he’s not sure if The Rock would want to return only to lose again.
I don’t think it’s a given that the Rock is going to do it. As much as he might respect Roman, I’m sure they do, all those guys. It’s a brotherhood like no other. I don’t think The Rock would come back and do a favor.
Why would he? Tomorrow morning, what, he goes back to his acting career with a loss? I don’t think so. I don’t see that happening.
We are currently on the road to WWE Survivor Series, which takes place in less than 3 weeks on Saturday, November 26, 2022. Attention will then turn to January’s Royal Rumble event, but planning is already well-underway for WrestleMania 39.
Looking back over a year ago, there’s been speculation that the main event of next year’s WrestleMania will be Roman Reigns vs. The Rock. Each man has spoken publicly about this hypothetical match-up, as has WWE’s Chief Content Officer and Head of Creative, Triple H.
Related: The Rock vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania
The Rock vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania would do blockbuster business for WWE, but there is a big complication that could prevent it from happening. The Rock is the biggest star in the Hollywood. He’s also a successful entrepreneur, with multiple ongoing ventures including Project Rock Apparel, Teremana Tequila and the XFL, just to name a few.
The match could happen, but the odds are probably less than 50/50 at this point. Rock’s schedule is the biggest issue, but WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair thinks there’s another factor that could hold things up.
Flair Comments on Rock vs. Reigns at WrestleMania
On the latest episode of his To Be The Man podcast, Flair says there are major creative considerations to take into account. If The Rock does return for a retirement against Reigns, it makes sense that the part-time special attraction would ‘do business’ one last time.
Flair says that it would not make sense for The Rock to win the championship from Reigns, because he’ll never be a full-time wrestler again. He’s also not so sure The Rock wants to come back only to lose.
“I don’t think it’s a given that the Rock is going to do it. As much as he might respect Roman, I’m sure they do, all those guys. It’s a brotherhood like no other. I don’t think The Rock would come back and do a favor. Why would he? Tomorrow morning, what, he goes back to his acting career with a loss? I don’t think so. I don’t see that happening.”
– Ric Flair
The Other Option
There are ways around this predicament, including Reigns dropping the title before WrestleMania. If The Rock does not return next year, Flair likes the idea of Cody Rhodes facing Reigns at the biggest show of a the year, a match that many fans see as the most likely alternative to Rock vs. Reigns.
“I’ve said before, if The Rock happens, that’s great. If it doesn’t, I would like it to be Cody Rhodes… I thought those matches that Cody had with Seth Rollins were off the hook. Seth really did a good job getting him over.”
Rhodes has been sidelined since suffering a pectoral tear earlier this year. His most recent match took place at Hell in a Cell on June 5th. Since then, he’s undergone surgery to repair the injury. Earlier this month, Rhodes said his physical therapy is “fn’ awful. He’s a tough guy, but admits he regularly screams and even sheds a tear during the sessions.
Who is the real ‘Head of the Table?’ The Rock or Roman Reigns?
Both men come from the esteemed Anoa’I wrestling family and are arguably the two most successful wrestlers from the dynasty.
The Head of The Table
Roman Reigns has spent the past two years claiming to be Head of the Table, but The Rock recently laid claim to that moniker.
Speaking to The Rundown last month, The Rock made it clear who he considered the be the pinnacle member of their family.
“Who is head of the table? Without saying any names, you’re looking into his eyes right now
Dwayne Johnson.
WWE Superstar Solo Sikoa isn’t impressed by the Brahma Bull’s comments, and made it clear to Republic World who he feels is in charge (via eWrestlingNews.)
“He is not here in WWE so I don’t know what table he is talking about, there are other tables in the family. I don’t know if he got a pick specifically on which table he is talking about.
“I know Roman is head of our table, that’s the table I said. But you know when the time presents itself man, rock and roll, that’ll be something cool to see down the road.”
Solo Sikoa.
The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns – Will it Happen?
With both The Rock and Reigns claiming to be Head of the Table, many assume a match between the two will happen.
It is believed that The Rock could challenge his cousin at WrestleMania 39 given that the show will take place in Los Angeles.
The Rock is one of the busiest stars in Hollywood, but his filming schedule is suspiciously free for the first quarter of 2023.
With that said, Brian Gewirtz recently reminded fans that The Rock is kicking off his XFL league in early 2023, which will also keep him busy.
Will The Rock return to the ring to face his cousin Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39?
That is the question everyone has been asking, and there’s no shortage of fans hoping to see it happen.
Both men have teased a match in the past, and the Los Angeles setting for WrestleMania would certainly make sense given the Brahma Bull’s success in Hollywood.
Acknowledge Him
Both The Rock and Reigns are part of the legendary Anoa’I wrestling family, with relations including Yokozuna, Umaga, Rikishi, The Usos and many more.
In 2018, Lance Anoa’I made his debut for Major League Wrestling, where he competes to this day, but has his prediction for the dream match as he told Sportskeeda.
“I would pick Roman. I feel that he has the youth, the strength, and the time to dedicate to fans of the wrestling federation.”
Lance Anoa’I.
While Lance hasn’t made his name in WWE like his relations, he did appear on Raw in 2019 as part of Reigns’ feud at the time with Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre.
Whatever it Takes
WWE has not publicly confirmed a Reigns Vs. Rock match, though the Brahma Bull’s Hollywood schedule is noticeably free for the first quarter of 2023.
Speaking about the match, Lance is confident WWE will do all it can to make the bout happen.
“That rumor or that dream match or whatever you want to call it has been in the ears of everybody for a long time. Whether it will come to [fruition] or not, who knows but knowing WWE, they’ll probably do whatever it takes to make it happen.”
While WWE no doubt wants the match, The Rock may be hesitant, as an injury suffered at WrestleMania 29 forced the filming of Hercules to be delayed, costing a lot of money.
Will The Rock return to WWE in early 2023 to have the long-awaited WrestleMania showdown with Roman Reigns?
That has been the question a ton of fans have been asking, and one that certainly seems possible.
Both Rock and Reigns have teased the match, and it was during an episode of Young Rock that it was teased a match that big could only happen at WrestleMania.
Not Returning?
Earlier this year, it was reported that The Rock’s usually full filming schedule is free for the first quarter of 2023.
Many have taken this as a sign that the Brahma Bull will return to WWE and have a program with the reigning Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Speaking to SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall, ex-WWE Head Writer and close friend of The Rock Brian Gewirtz gave another possible suggestion.
“I saw an internet report at one point saying ‘Oh The Rock’s not shooting any movies in February.’ I don’t know if he is or not but he is launching with Dany [Garcia] a gigantic football league so that might take some time too.”
Gewirtz was with WWE for years and now works as part of The Rock’s ‘Seven Bucks Productions.
5 Opponents for Roman Reigns after WWE Crown Jewel
The XFL
The “gigantic football league” Gewirtz is referring to is the XFL, which is looking to kick-off in early 2023.
The league, originally the creation of Vince McMahon, was purchased by The Rock and business partner Dany Garcia in 2020.
This will be the third attempt at the league after the first in 2000 lasted just one season due to low ratings.
The second attempt in 2020 was forced to end early due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Former WWE writer Brian Gewirtz has offered some insight into an on-screen segment that saw The Rock impersonate then WWF Champion Triple H.
In mid- February of 2000, Triple H and D-Generation X targeted the likes of Kane and Mick Foley, forcibly shoving them into their DX-Express travel bus on an episode of RAW. Later in the evening, the New Age Outlaws defended their WWF World Tag Team Championships against The Rock and The Big Show. However, The Rock ended up challenging for the titles alone.
Before the bout could conclude, The Big Show appeared to confront The Rock before the two traded punches. Billy Gunn and Road Dogg (The New Age Outlaws) would then join the Big Show in fending off The Rock. Soon after, “The World’s Largest Athlete” took hold of Rock, dragging and throwing him into the baggage compartment of the DX-Express. The Rock would eventually escape, surprising The Big Show with a slate of wood to the back of his head.
The following week, DX, along with Stephanie McMahon, gathered in the ring to brag about leaving Foley and Kane stranded. The Rock, however, was unamused with their celebration. In cutting off Triple H, “The People’s Champ” emerged to cut a promo, mocking the way “The Game” spoke.
Pitching The Idea
In speaking on NotSam Wrestling, former WWE head-writer Brian Gewirtz recently opened up about the meeting for the idea, which saw him in the same room with Triple H during the pitch.
“I think that was in 2000, and the stage being set for that with us coming up with the idea for the promo, me pitching to him doing the Triple H voice and then pitching it to Vince, which normally would be easy. But when we went into Vince’s office, which at the time this is pretty incredible to consider, the writing team was so small that the writers shared an office with Vince. The writers didn’t get their own little office until 2002.”
“We would share our office with Vince, so we would go in and at that time Triple H and all of DX and Stephanie [McMahon] were all there, and Rock was setting up the promo and he’s like, ‘Oh, you’re going to love it, Hunter.’ I go in and [Rock says], ‘You know, Triple H, every time you open your mouth, you sound exactly like this.’ Then he stops and goes, ‘Brian, go ahead, do the voice.’”
As he was put on the spot with eight people, including the match producers, in the room, Gewirtz tried to avoid mimicking Triple H. “‘Well, you have to do it in TV. We should hear how you do it,'” he told The Rock. “He’s like, ‘But I’m learning from you when you do it.’”
WWE Chairmen Vince McMahon then proceeded to interject, saying ‘Damn it, Bryan, do the damn voice.'”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s new film ‘Black Adam’ is off to a strong start at the box office.
The film is expected to open with $60M-$62M over the weekend, making it the best domestic debut for The Rock outside of The Mummy Returns in 2001. As reported by Deadline, ‘Black Adam’ opened with a strong $26.8M on Friday and was The Rock’s best opening day for a film he’s the solo star of.
The reviews have been mixed for the film. The critic score on Rotten Tomatoes currently sits at 41% while the audience score is much more positive at 89% enjoyed the film. ‘Black Adam’ currently has a 7.2 rating on IMDb with over 28,000 reviews from fans.
The Rock on if a Presidential Run is Still on the Table
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson isn’t just a beloved wrestler and the biggest movie star on the planet, he’s also a potential presidential candidate in the eyes of some fans. The Rock recently shot down rumors of him running for public office in 2024.
However, The Great One claimed that he may consider it down the line in a recent interview with Jake Tapper on CNN. He noted that his main priority right now is to be a father to his daughters but wouldn’t rule out a possible run in the future.
Right now for my daughters, it is important that I’m home, and that stability is important for me to be there. That is the most important thing to me.
By the way, that is a tough thing I think to reconcile, I’m blown away by that. The fact that I’m even having this conversation with you.
The fact that I’ve been approached by the most influential in the world of politics, which I think you (Jake Tapper) know very well. It was really moving but right now the most important job I have is to be their father.
Although The Rock is a busy man with his acting career, running his businesses and relaunching the XFL next year, he has considered what being part of WWE would look like.
While speaking with BNN Bloomberg to promote the Black Adam film, The Rock was asked if he would be interested in making a strategic investment into WWE or taking on a corporate role in the company.
The Rock noted that he and WWE co-CEO Nick Khan has discussed that but isn’t sure if a board seat is in his future.
“Nick [Khan] and I have talked about that, and we always enjoy that over a bottle of Teremana [Johnson’s tequila brand]. I love the wrestling business. I grew up in it. My grandfather [and] my dad started here in Canada, where [his father] was born. So, I’m not quite too sure if a board seat is in my future, but possibly other things are in my future, for sure.”
The Rock on Potential WWE Sale
(WWE)
The topic of a potential WWE sale came up and he thinks if Vince McMahon did ever decide to sell the company, then it needs to be purchased by someone who loves pro wrestling.
“I’ve known Vince for a very, very long time and he’s a businessman. I think the key if there were a sale of the WWE is to make sure that whoever acquires that brand in that property, you’ve got to love the wrestling business. Of course, you can love the asset, and you can love everything that comes with it, but you got to love the professional wrestling business … because if not, then you could kind of see the writing on the wall; four or five years down the road, what will happen?”
The Rock has been friends with Khan and Khan’s sister, Nahnatchka, who is the creator of his “Young Rock” series on NBC, since they were children.
The Rock has offered up his thoughts on the recent backstage changes that have gone on within WWE.
During a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, The Rock was asked about the recent changes that have gone on within WWE backstage. He called it an “interesting shift” that the company is going through, praising their ability to pivot.
“What an interesting shift that the company has gone through this year, unexpected in many ways, but when unexpectations happen in that kind of way, that form or fashion, especially in that business, you gotta have the ability and the agility to pivot, which they have.”
“With Roman, I think he’s doing a pretty good job, and the boys too, the Usos too.”
Recently, the creative leadership within WWE has taken a major turn. Amidst sexual misconduct allegations against longtime WWE CEO Vince McMahon, “The Chairman Of The Board” was forced to step down from the position, allowing Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan to step up as co-CEOs.
(@TheRock)
Shortly after, investigations into the allegations began, and McMahon retired from WWE altogether. This left the creative reigns to former WWE Champion and McMahon’s son-in-law Triple H.
Since the change, the general reception from fans and backstage talent has been mostly positive.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson isn’t just rumored to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles, The Great One’s name has also been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate.
The Rock shot down running for president in 2024 and cited that being a father to his children is his number one priority at the moment. His new film Black Adam is set to be released on October 21st.
In a recent interview with Jake Tapper on CNN, the 50-year-old said that he was humbled by people asking him to run for office.
In terms of the presidency, I’ll tell you this Jake. It all is a convergence of things that are surreal and inspiring. And what I mean by that is, as we get into the midterms, and even a couple of years ago, this idea and the question continues to pop up on whether or not I would run for president.
Would I seriously consider it, I have seriously considered it. You have to. When you start looking at some of these polls, and the numbers creep up to 46-50% of people would vote for me should I run. I’ve been really moved by that.
I have heard now from both sides of the aisle, the most influential people in politics, asking and hoping that I would run. Again, it is so moving and surreal, but I don’t know anything about politics. I will say that I am a patriot, I love our country, and I love everybody in it.
Jake Tapper then asked The Rock if he would consider running for president down the line, perhaps when his children go off to college. He asked if he was closing the door on a presidential run down the line and The Rock revealed that was not the case.
No not at all, I wouldn’t do that. Thank you for asking and clarifying that. Right now for my daughters, it is important that I’m home, and that stability is important for me to be there. That is the most important thing to me.
By the way, that is a tough thing I think to reconcile, I’m blown away by that. The fact that I’m even having this conversation with you.
The fact that I’ve been approached by the most influential in the world of politics, which I think you (Jake Tapper) know very well. It was really moving but right now the most important job I have is to be their father.
If you use any quotes from this article, please give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.
