The Rock Explaining His Absence From "Wrestlemania" On "The Pat McAfee Show" Falls Flat

Twenty or so years ago I went to a WWE house show at the Skydome in Toronto which ended with the main event of The Rock and Stone Cold facing off. I don't remember a single match but I won't forget after the match when for ten minutes they went off on each other on the microphone. The energy in the building is why The Rock probably returns from acting on film sets which I know can be long, tedious, and boring.

The Rock didn’t make it to WrestleMania 41, but he made headlines anyway — dropping bombshells on The Pat McAfee Show just days later. In his NSFW-laced interview, he explained his absence, claiming he stepped away to give the spotlight to Cody Rhodes and John Cena. Yet fans were quick to point out: he was part of the soul-selling storyline and Cena’s involvement, despite saying he wanted it to be about “them.”

More than just odd timing, the interview came off as damage control. While Rock praised the match’s finish, he subtly criticized the creative path getting there — a veiled jab at Triple H and his team. As a TKO board member, it raised eyebrows and tension backstage.

Worse, it exposed a growing issue: WWE’s dependence on Rock for big moments, despite his packed Hollywood schedule. His absences disrupt storytelling and frustrate fans when he’s teased but doesn’t appear. His self-serving spin, however well-intended, often undermines full-time talent and creative leadership.

Triple H saw major success when he booked stars like Rhea Ripley, Gunther, and LA Knight without outside interference. That’s the energy WWE needs again. Rock’s uncertain availability shouldn’t shape the product — especially if it limits storytelling for the rising stars fans want to see now.