Cryptic hints from Rhodes suggest a possible return of The Rock.
As the wrestling world buzzes with anticipation for WrestleMania 41, Cody Rhodes has ignited speculation about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s potential return to the grandest stage of them all.
In a recent interview, Rhodes hinted at unexpected developments for the upcoming event, stating,
Keep the rumors going, keep them churning, enjoy the discourse, but I think what you will get will surprise you all.
Via cagesideseats
Since his surprise Bad Blood appearance last month, the Rock’s involvement in WrestleMania 41 has been widely discussed in WWE Forums.
His brief cameo during the event has fueled speculations regarding his next move within WWE’s storyline.
Cody Rhodes states that he knows when The Rock is coming back and knows who he’ll come looking for.
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) November 17, 2024
“I know when he comes back, I know who he’ll come looking for, I know what to expect. But what I can say about WrestleMania 41 is keep the rumors going, keep them churning, enjoy… pic.twitter.com/ctKGjpjD9H
Despite rumors about The Rock’s availability due to his busy movie schedule, Rhodes maintains that the event remains a must-see, with or without the Rock’s involvement.
While Rhodes did not explicitly reveal whether the Rock will be in the ring or just behind the scenes, he hinted that his involvement will definitely affect WrestleMania 41.
Rhodes quoted,
I don’t mean this in a smart alec type way, but Rock is the director of the board, the man that is the Final Boss. Dwayne Johnson is different from the Final Boss, and his outside-the-box thinking with Nick Khan and Triple H is part of WWE’s record era, part of this WWE Netflix era. So, whether he’s in the ring or whether he’s not, he very much is still very involved with what happens at 41.
Via cagesideseats
Adding to the intrigue, Rhodes has also hinted at surprising plans involving Stone Cold Steve Austin for the upcoming event.
This has led to speculation about the possible integration of these wrestling legends into WrestleMania 41’s storyline.
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, the wrestling community eagerly awaits official announcements.
The potential return of The Rock, coupled with Rhodes’ cryptic hints, suggests that fans can expect a memorable and possibly surprising event.
Fans have started voicing their excitement and speculating on the upcoming “Superbowl of Wrestling.”
The event will be held on April 19-20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Time for The Rock to take a breather from Hollywood pic.twitter.com/BUjsOzyNHu
— Vick (@Vick_8122) November 17, 2024
Cody vs Rock at Rumble / Cody vs Randy at Mania
— Prince 🌟👑 (@thwrestleprinxe) November 17, 2024
Do the right thing, Champ. @CodyRhodes pic.twitter.com/z44HToQtKA
Despite Cody’s nonchalant demeanor when talking about The Rock’s involvement in the event, he and The Rock share a rivalry that dates back to early 2024.
The feud began when The Rock made a surprise return to WWE on the January 1 episode of RAW.
During this appearance, he hinted at challenging Roman Reigns, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at the time and his real-life cousin, by questioning if he should sit at “the head of the table,” a title Reigns had claimed within the Anoaʻi family.
Cody, who had won the 2024 Royal Rumble, initially chose not to challenge Reigns at WrestleMania XL, allowing The Rock to follow through with the challenge.
HOT TAKE: Cody Rhodes and The Rock have a better on screen story than The Rock and Roman and should finish it at WrestleMania 41 pic.twitter.com/hRrPbywsLE
— 𝒩𝐼𝒢𝐻𝒯𝑀𝒜𝑅𝐸 ᵀᴹ (@Jwrasslintakes) November 6, 2024
However, facing backlash from fans who wanted to see Rhodes face Reigns, WWE adjusted their plans.
At a WrestleMania XL Kickoff media event on February 8, Rhodes reversed his decision and announced he would challenge Reigns for the title at WrestleMania.
This led to a confrontation where The Rock slapped Rhodes, turning heel for the first time since 2003.
THE ROCK JUST SLAPPED CODY RHODES OH MY GOD.#WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/Goh4HJEkpX
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) February 9, 2024
In the March 8, 2024, episode of WWE SmackDown, The Rock made offensive remarks about Cody Rhodes and his family, questioning their legacy and integrity.
In the heated exchange, Rhodes retaliated by delivering a slap across The Rock’s face.
CODY RHODES JUST SLAPPED THE ROCK HOLY SHIT #Smackdown pic.twitter.com/0oH7Q3o879
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) March 9, 2024
The feud intensified as The Rock officially joined The Bloodline, aligning with Reigns and adopting a new persona reminiscent of his 2003 “Hollywood Rock” character.
He challenged Rhodes and Seth Rollins for a tag team match at WrestleMania XL Night 1, with pre-conditions affecting Rhodes’ championship match against Reigns on Night 2.
The Rock and Reigns won the tag team match, leading to the Night 2 main event being contested under “Bloodline Rules,” which allowed for no disqualifications.
Despite the odds, Rhodes triumphed over Reigns in the Night 2 main event, ending Reigns’ 1,316-day reign as champion and marking a significant milestone in Rhodes’ career.
THIS WAS LITERALLY THE GREATEST WRESTLEMANIA OF ALL TIME 🔥🔥#WWEWrestlemania #WrestleManiapic.twitter.com/rzfwZdkGj0
— 𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐕⁴⁵ (@Iamraghav264) April 8, 2024
Following WrestleMania XL, The Rock appeared on RAW to congratulate Rhodes but also hinted at future confrontations, stating he would be coming after Rhodes upon his return.
He then took a break from WWE to focus on his Hollywood career.
In October 2024, at the Bad Blood event, The Rock made a surprise return, signaling renewed tensions with Rhodes and Reigns.
The Rock was talking big shit after Bad Blood 😂 pic.twitter.com/30ofrKr4g7
— Public Enemies Podcast (@TheEnemiesPE3) October 6, 2024
Both Rhodes and The Rock have acknowledged that their feud included moments where they “crossed the line” with on-screen comments.
Rhodes admitted to feeling guilty about certain remarks, while The Rock’s involvement added a layer of realism to their rivalry.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The Rock last competed in a WrestleMania match at WrestleMania 32 in 2016, where he defeated Erick Rowan in just six seconds, setting the record for the fastest match in WrestleMania history.
- Cody Rhodes made his dramatic WWE return at WrestleMania 38 in 2022 after leaving the company six years earlier and co-founding All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
- Both Cody Rhodes and The Rock hail from wrestling royalty. Cody is the son of legendary wrestler Dusty Rhodes, while The Rock is part of the Anoa’i wrestling dynasty.
