Why is Dwayne The Rock Johnson receiving so much backlash after returning to WWE for a dream match against Roman Reigns? Full controversy explained

The business-driven-booking of The Rock vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania has not sat well among the die-hard fans of WWE.

Why is Dwayne The Rock Johnson receiving so much backlash after returning to WWE for a dream match against Roman Reigns? Full controversy explained

The Rock and Roman Reigns (via WWE)

A dream match that WWE Universe is rooting for as early as 2021 is Roman Reigns vs. The Rock. The battle of the Samoans is something that the fans want to see, and let the result decide who comes out as The Head of the Table. The biggest actor on Earth going head-to-head with his cousin, one of the greatest WWE superstars, is bout to be a ground-breaking match. But the timing of this match is bothering the fans, as the hyped bout between Reigns and Cody Rhodes is being pushed aside for this.

It all started when Rocky made his surprise appearance on Raw Day 1 and called out Reigns. The fans were hyped at that time, as The Great One’s comments ensured that the dream match would be brought to life very soon. But when Cody Rhodes won the Royal Rumble 2024, his gestures made sure that he was vying for Roman‘s Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, willing to lock horns at WrestleMania 40. WWE Universe was convinced that The People’s Champion would be getting his shot later this year.

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But the SmackDown after Rumble changed the landscape as Rhodes contradicted his signal and refused to face Reigns at Mania. Although he even had Rocky’s confidence and introduced him as Roman’s challenger.

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The entire situation was played out foolishly. The Rumble winner denied his WrestleMania main event spot and brought his own replacement in the form of The Rock. Fans are more pissed because The Rock is one of TKO’s (WWE’s parent company) Board of Directors.

It has been known that Dwayne Johnson has pushed hard for his match while ditching Cody. Although in a karma-driven way, Rock is facing the consequences over the internet. Fans have been extremely vocal about their take on The Rock vs. Roman at WrestleMania 40. Wrestling fans have taken over social media to show their displeasure towards the dream match happening at Mania. In a way, they are reminding WWE to go back to their original plans of Rhodes ‘finishing his story.’

There are polarized perspectives on this event. Some fans are engrossed in the Rock vs. Roman bout, and thus, do not care about Rhodes. Looking at the bigger picture, the dream match at The Grandest Stage of Them All would be a milestone for WWE that would prove highly beneficial.

However, the ‘wrestling legend who has not wrestled in over eight years’, should not be taking away Cody’s spot. Thus, the business-driven decision is taking away the majority of fans’ who are favoring Cody.

Why did WWE want The Rock vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40?

The dream match of all dream matches is taking shape to be witnessed at WrestleMania 40. Roman Reigns vs. The Rock, a sure-shot blockbuster on paper, is being received negatively. A civil war over the internet has begun with fans that either support the idea or are completely against it because of its timing. However, WWE is conducting it at the perfect time considering their business.

The Rock confronts Roman Reigns
The Rock confronts Roman Reigns (via WWE)

WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia is building up to be the biggest event of WWE’s four decades of existence. WWE is at its absolute best when compared to its previous hottest period back in the late 90s. Thus, to sell their potentially huge Mania, a dream match between Roman and Rock would prove highly beneficial. The fanbase of Dwayne Johnson would highly contribute to the overall viewership. Not only that but the expectations of Roman’s reign being brought to an end also increased in front of his powerful cousin.

From WWE’s business perspective, it is a money match, and that would break records. Thus, the Stamford-based promotion is heading towards this match and burying down Cody Rhodes.

Moreover, the chances of The American Nightmare facing The Tribal Chief even after winning the Royal Rumble 2024 are scarce. The fans are losing their minds over The Rock vs. Reigns booking and are showing their hatred towards Rocky acting selfishly.

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