Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s name is renowned far and wide as one of the biggest and most influential stars in the pro wrestling business. Therefore, it’s no surprise that he appeared on SmackDown this week and essentially secured the WrestleMania 40 main event spot. Interestingly enough, he was always going to compete at WrestleMania 40.

CM Punk suffered triceps injury at the Royal Rumble, which he confirmed on Monday Night RAW this past week. Many believed the plan was for him to face Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40 and due to his injury, other major WrestleMania 40 plans changed as well.

The Rock confronted Roman Reigns on SmackDown this week after Cody Rhodes confirmed he won’t face Reigns at WrestleMania 40. This decision was met with a lot of mixed reactions as well.

According to PWInsider, some believe that The Rock advocated for the move and likely would have done so regardless, given his significant $30 million stock payday, partly contingent on achieving specific milestones. It was suggested that one of those milestones was Johnson returning to the ring this year, and he pushed for the match to happen sooner than later, believing Reigns vs. The Rock to be a much more significant draw for the company.

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Therefore, it’s quite possible that regardless of injuries or other factors, a match between Cody and Reigns might not have taken place because The Rock was back in the picture, and key members of company management were inclined to align with Dwayne Johnson’s ideas.

”Others believe that Rock pushed for the move and likely would have no matter what, given his massive $30 million stock payday is, in part, contingent on him hitting certain milestones. Sources familiar with the situation believe one of those milestones was Johnson returning to the ring this year and that Johnson pushed for the match to happen sooner than later with the idea he felt Reigns vs. The Rock was the far bigger attraction for the company.

”So, it’s very possible that no matter who was injured or not, Cody vs. Reigns would not have taken place because The Rock was back in the game and the most important members of company management were going to acquiesce to Dwayne Johnson’s ideas.”

WWE’s reasoning behind The Rock’s WrestleMania 40 match has also been revealed. The Rock also wanted to save WrestleMania 40 with the Roman Reigns match. It remains to be seen how the match will be received by fans once WrestleMania 40 is upon us.

What do you think of this story concerning The Rock? Do you feel the match will be a success? Let us know in the comments section below!

Subhojeet Mukherjee

Subhojeet, a professional wrestling fan for over 20+ years, found his passion during the Monday Night Wars. With expertise honed over decades and a broad spectrum of interests including TV, movies, anime, novels, and music, he offers insightful analysis and coverage. Respected in the industry, Subhojeet keeps fans informed and engaged with his knowledge and perspective.

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