Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had a lot to say about WrestleMania 41 during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, especially when it came to John Cena’s shocking heel turn and WWE Championship win.
According to The Rock, he already knew the match outcomes going into the weekend, but purposely didn’t learn how they’d play out. “I just wanted to watch like a fan,” he said, adding that he caught the show from his couch at home.
When it came to John Cena’s transformation, The Rock had major praise. “The way John, at the end of the night, raising the title, that was the bottom line, that was the north star,” Rock said. “And I think he’s going to have this insane run as a heel.”
He revealed that Cena’s turn wasn’t a solo decision. In fact, it came from a conversation with Triple H, following a discussion with Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel about ticket sales. “I talked to Triple H about it, and he suggested Cena turn heel,” Rock shared.
The Rock said the heel run is something new for Cena, with no template to follow. “There was no blueprint for heel John Cena, so he was creating it as he went along,” he explained. “He’s not a bad guy, he’s just telling the truth.”
As for The Rock’s own role as “The Final Boss,” he said Elimination Chamber marked the end of that arc. “We’ve established this thing with Cody’s soul. I don’t want to be involved in that,” he said. “Let all the spotlight go to John and Cody. I called them after Elimination Chamber and said, ‘The Final Boss’ work is done.’”
Rock explained why he stepped aside during WrestleMania: “We can insert the Final Boss into this finish, but why get involved in that finish when that should just be focused on John, a 17-time champion, and what 2025 looks like. That is the anchoring storyline.”
He also admitted he was caught off guard by Travis Scott’s surprise WrestleMania appearance, saying, “I was very surprised to see Travis Scott, but that made people wait for the Final Boss. I would have adjusted things.”
The Rock’s take confirms Cena’s heel run is just getting started—and there may be even more twists to come.
What do you think about The Rock stepping aside and John Cena turning heel? Did WWE make the right call? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.