Dwayne Johnson’s Reaction to Backstage Heat Before WrestleMania 40 Revealed
In a surprising twist, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s return to WWE has stirred significant controversy among fans and wrestlers alike. Johnson’s involvement in WrestleMania XL, which many anticipated would pit him against Roman Reigns, has instead ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly from those who believed Cody Rhodes deserved the spotlight after his Royal Rumble victory.
The Unexpected Turn of Events
When Dwayne Johnson made his much-anticipated return to WWE, the expectation was a showdown with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL. However, the storyline took an unexpected turn when Cody Rhodes, fresh off his Royal Rumble win, relinquished his hard-earned spot to Johnson. This decision did not sit well with fans, many of whom felt that Rhodes was unfairly sidelined. The situation became more contentious when it was revealed that Johnson’s return was orchestrated by WWE’s creative team, a move that generated considerable backstage heat.
The Rock’s Unwelcome Reception
The backlash began when fans witnessed Rhodes hand over his WrestleMania spot to Johnson on an episode of SmackDown. The excitement surrounding a potential Rock vs. Reigns match quickly turned to frustration and anger. Despite Johnson’s heel turn and Rhodes eventually getting his title shot, the damage was done. The Rock was positioned as “The Final Boss” for WrestleMania XL, a move that not only displeased fans but also caused friction backstage. Wrestlers questioned why Johnson was given such prominence without the usual buildup.
Brian Gewirtz Sheds Light on the Situation
On the latest episode of the “Busted Open” podcast, Brian Gewirtz, who represents Johnson in WWE’s creative process, addressed the controversy. He stated, “I think he was bothered by the narrative that started emerging of him kind of waltzing in saying, ah, f##k everything.” Gewirtz clarified that the narrative of Johnson “saving” WrestleMania was a fabrication. “There was this narrative that, like Rock, has vowed that he’s going to save WrestleMania. Those words never escaped his mouth,” Gewirtz emphasized.
Brian Gewirtz will be in the mix as the voice representing The Rock in WWE’s Creative process going forward.
There are some who believe Gewirtz will be around physically at least for major shows going forward, could even be there as a “Plan B” if Endeavor ever needs to pivot… pic.twitter.com/3arHiWtNjC
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) February 3, 2024
Commitment Beyond the Spotlight
Despite the negativity, Gewirtz highlighted Johnson’s dedication to the business. “That’s why he rearranged both, you know, his movie schedule, his personal schedule is blah, blah, blah to make sure that January through, you know, early April was cleared,” he explained. Johnson’s intention was not to be a part-time attraction but to be a significant part of the storyline, appearing on every episode of SmackDown and as needed on RAW.
Johnson’s decision to immerse himself fully in WWE during this period was a testament to his love for the business. Gewirtz noted that Johnson’s aim was to deliver a storyline that would resonate deeply with fans, even if it meant facing backlash for his privileged storyline position.
A Complex Reaction
Johnson’s reaction to the backstage heat and fan backlash reveals a layered understanding of his role and responsibilities. His willingness to adjust his busy schedule for WWE underscores his commitment, despite the narrative that he was merely using his star power to overshadow other talents.
This situation highlights the complex dynamics within WWE, where creative decisions can significantly impact both fan perceptions and backstage morale. While Johnson’s return was intended to generate excitement, it instead became a contentious point, illustrating the delicate balance WWE must maintain in its storytelling.
The Future of Johnson in WWE
As WWE moves forward, the handling of Johnson’s character and storyline will be closely watched by fans and insiders. Gewirtz’s insights provide a glimpse into the careful planning and dedication behind Johnson’s return, offering a counter-narrative to the perception of privilege and entitlement.
