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It’s a common question asked of The Rock and his role on any given WrestleMania card over the last decade and, according to the latest reports, that will be the case for the 41st incarnation of The Showcase of the Immortals.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported The Final Boss’ appearance at Bad Blood on October 5 “was to simply get him on screen and didn’t have a major direction or plot point they were furthering.”
Sapp also revealed on Monday’s Fightful that “he doesn’t believe The Rock will be working WrestleMania, based on things he’d heard.”
Dr. Chris Featherstone of Sportskeeda reported the same.
Dr. Chris Featherstone, Ph.D. @chrisprolific
#WWE has decided to move forward in creative plans as if The Rock will not appear at #WrestleMania 41, as of now. I have been informed that these plans could “change at any moment,” and WWE is definitely interested in using him if he becomes available, but he is not currently… pic.twitter.com/O0iolqhHuf
Dave Meltzer reported for his Wrestling Observer Newsletter on October 24 that The Rock was not a lock to appear at WrestleMania 41. The Great One emphatically responded to a fan’s question on Instagram at the time, saying “don’t believe any of that bulls–t” (h/t WrestlePurists).
All three reports insist that, as has always been the case with Rock and his Hollywood schedule, things can change at any moment. As things stand. though, it appears WWE Creative is moving forward without the former WWE champion factored into plans for the biggest show of the year.
On one hand, it feels like a momentum-killer for The Bloodline story, which appeared to be headed toward a showdown between Rock and Roman Reigns or a championship clash pitting The Final Boss against Cody Rhodes.
On the other, WWE has proved its ability to present long-term storytelling to great success. If The Rock is not available for WrestleMania 41, and the company can extend things without issue.
The question is whether an absence in 2025 means another year-long wait for his return or if Rock would appear at SummerSlam or another major WWE premium live event to help pay off his teased match with Rhodes and unsettled business with The Bloodline and Reigns.
That will determine whether the company should have held off on bringing him back at Bad Blood.