On January 1, 2024, WWE RAW witnessed a seismic event as Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson made a highly anticipated return. This appearance, though starting with an inconsequential segment featuring Jinder Mahal, quickly escalated as Johnson hinted at a feud with his cousin, Roman Reigns, also known as The Tribal Chief and Head of the Table. The WWE universe buzzed with excitement, as fans had long awaited this dream match, especially since Reigns adopted his heel persona.
The Dream Match That Never Was
The anticipation reached its peak when Cody Rhodes willingly relinquished his WrestleMania spot to make room for the Johnson-Reigns clash. However, what followed was a series of disappointing revelations. The most recent Insight with Chris Van Vliet podcast shed new light on the situation, presenting an angle that wasn’t covered in the WrestleMania XL Documentary.
The Selfish Move: Rock’s Unwillingness to Lose
When a fan queried Van Vliet about the match and the potential feud, he speculated, “This is just me talking here, but I have a sneaky suspicion that the reason that match didn’t happen is because The Rock didn’t want to lose.” This comment aligns with the narrative suggested in the documentary, where Johnson portrayed himself as the mastermind behind the idea.
Van Vliet added, “I feel like The Rock was saying, if I’m going to come back and we’re going to do this match that everybody’s been talking about, Rock vs. Roman Reigns, The Rock’s got to win.” This insistence on victory mirrors Johnson’s actual win on WrestleMania XL’s Night #1, where he pinned Rhodes. Despite the ongoing feud between Reigns and Rhodes, Johnson’s return seemed to prioritize his own legacy over existing storylines.
❗️ CROWD IN VEGAS BOOs “THE ROCK” DEMANDING HE FOLLOW THROUGH WITH AID FOR MAUI
Oprah and Dwayne @TheRock Johnson promised TENS OF MILLIONS to the victims of the Maui fires, but many victims still have not seen a dime.
It looks like the audience is fully AMERICA FIRST and is… pic.twitter.com/UUR83VPHjP
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 10, 2024
The New Tribal Chief?
This behavior isn’t new for Johnson. Fans have noticed a streak of selfishness in his recent actions, fearing for Reigns’ position. Johnson’s ultimate aim appears to be becoming the new Tribal Chief of The Bloodline, a storyline WWE has meticulously built towards. Cody Rhodes’ involvement was seemingly a response to fan backlash, but with him sidelined, Johnson’s path to dominance is clearer.
The Future of WWE’s Bloodline Saga
Fans speculate on the future of the Undisputed Universal title. While it’s expected that Rhodes won’t lose the title soon, the dynamics within The Bloodline suggest otherwise. WWE has been strategically building Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline 2.0 as formidable threats. A potential title victory for Sikoa at SummerSlam could dramatically shift the landscape.
Boardroom Politics: The Rock’s Influence
Moreover, Johnson’s position on the TKO board adds another layer of intrigue. His influence could sway decisions in his favor, further complicating the storyline. The WWE universe watches with bated breath, wondering if The Rock’s ambitions will overshadow the meticulously crafted narratives involving Reigns and Rhodes.
Emotions Run High
The drama, the betrayals, and the raw emotions have captivated fans worldwide. Johnson’s return, while celebrated, also brings with it a cloud of uncertainty and tension. The fans’ love for The Rock clashes with their loyalty to Reigns and Rhodes, creating a complex emotional landscape.
A Struggle for Reputation
This rivalry goes beyond being a mere narrative; it is a fight for honor in the world of WWE. Johnson’s behavior shows he is fixed on ensuring his spot in history, even if it means straining family relationships and breaking longstanding alliances. The WWE fanbase is wondering if The Rock’s comeback will be a positive or negative impact on the beloved wrestling series.
