In the most recent episode of WWE’s RAW, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson once more became embroiled in controversy, this instance due to his use of profanity on live television.
The 51-year-old icon has made a resounding comeback to the wrestling scene, now assuming a position on the board of directors for TKO, the organization’s owners. This comeback will reach its pinnacle with his first match in eight years, scheduled to occur at WrestleMania 40.
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The Rock and Reigns vs. Rhodes and Rollins at WrestleMania 40
Teaming up with his cousin, the current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, The Rock is set to square off against Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins in a high-stakes Tag Team Match.
This showdown is scheduled for April 6 at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, forming part of the two-night WrestleMania spectacle.
The stakes are incredibly high, as the outcome will dictate the fate of Reigns’ title defense. Should they suffer defeat, Reigns will be compelled to defend his championship against Rhodes the following night, under stringent conditions that prohibit outside interference from his allies.
It didn’t have to be this way.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 28, 2024
But now it’s the only way.
– Final Boss@WWE @TKOGrp pic.twitter.com/2d64Hbuwl7
However, a triumph for The Rock and Reigns will bestow upon them the advantage of Bloodline Rules, with Reigns assuming control over the situation.
The journey to this clash has been marked by heated confrontations and verbal exchanges between The Rock and Rhodes, reaching a climax with a brutal backstage assault by the former on the latter. The altercation escalated to a startling level of aggression, with The Rock even involving Rhodes’ family in the feud.
The intensity heightened as The Rock grabbed Rhodes’ face, declaring, “this is what happens when you f*** with the Final Boss.”
In a departure from WWE’s PG-rated programming maintained since 2008, The Rock’s actions and language have pushed the boundaries, eliciting criticism and accusations of double standards backstage.
However, The Rock himself has brushed aside these allegations, dismissing them as “complete nonsense.” With WrestleMania on the horizon, tensions continue to rise, promising a showdown of monumental proportions.
Defending His Persona: The Rock’s Response to Criticism Over Language in WWE
Earlier this month, Dwayne Johnson, or more precisely “The Rock,” responded to critics who raised concerns about the language he employs during his appearances in the WWE, considering the diverse audience that includes children.
Dwayne emphasized that he wouldn’t alter his persona to conform to network standards. Aaron Varble from SESCOOPS highlighted a perceived double standard with Johnson, stating, “I can exclusively report that a recent memo stressed the importance for talent to adhere to PG guidelines on TV and social media. Despite this, The Rock’s use of profanity, such as in a recent promo, has raised concerns among talent regarding double standards. They question why he’s permitted to curse while others aren’t.”
In response, The Rock addressed the matter, saying, “The WWE recently circulated a memo to wrestlers regarding the language permitted. Networks and ‘standards & practices’ may take issue with my language, but I prefer authenticity over censorship. I speak candidly, speak my mind, and always aim to entertain.”
In the latest episode of SmackDown, The Rock was censored for using the word “horny” when addressing the crowd, saying, “You sound like somebody The Rock can love – drunk and horny.”
During another segment on SmackDown, he sang a song directed at Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, referencing Ja Morant’s controversial incident from last year while playfully wielding a prop gun. The lyrics included, “Cackling and dancing is all that you do. No wonder that your wife’s more popular than you. You’re so desperate to make them all cheer, but The Rock is going to make that title disappear. You’re simply an embarrassment, son. Just like Ja Morant when he’s waving a gun.”
As a consequence of Morant’s actions, he was suspended for the first 25 games.