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The Rock Breaks Silence on WrestleMania 41 No-Show

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Xaiver Aguiar | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 3:40 PM ET

The true main event of WrestleMania 41 was supposed to be a coronation. John Cena, the man who carried WWE on his back through a time of pitiful television and dwindling fan interest, was going to capture his record 17th world title.

Like the rest of his heel run, the actual moment was half-baked. The match was slow and plotting, with Travis Scott being far too influential in the finish. The entire saga, including the end of the bout, was soured by the bizarre absence of the Rock, the man Cena sold his soul to. According to "The Great One," that perhaps was always the plan.

On a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, The Rock attempted to rationalize his recent omission from the angle. "We can insert The Final Boss in this finish, but then where would we go?" The Rock said. "There are other commitments that I have, and I also want to be careful that we're not overstepping too much. Can't get involved in the finish, and I said, 'But why get involved in that finish when the spotlight should just be on John?"

It's impressive how tone-deaf and self-aggrandizing that "explanation" was. The Rock was literally the catalyst for Cena's shocking change in persona, so yes, naturally, the fans thought the "Brahma Bull" would be a long-term part of the story. Cena has been unable to articulate his connection with The Rock or Scott, and that inability to clarify his rationale has made the entire program feel incoherent and repetitive.

The Rock does what he pleases, and this excuse was about as half-baked as the rest of his work in the company over the last decade. If he's not going to actually commit to something, perhaps he shouldn't be starting monumental angles he doesn't plan to finish.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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