The expectation was that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson would face either Roman Reigns or Cody Rhodes at last year's WrestleMania. However, things took a weird turn when he vanished from The Bloodline and later claimed that he and Cody didn't need to continue their story with a one-on-one match.
The Rock tried and failed to acquire the American Nightmare's soul and instead settled for John Cena's when he finally turned heel at Elimination Chamber. The Final Boss hasn't appeared since, which was a major problem for Cena and Rhodes as they were forced to continue their rivalry without a key player.
When The Rock no-showed WrestleMania, the backlash was immediate and very vocal. Fans have accused the actor of inserting himself into storylines simply to steal the spotlight, Hulk Hogan-style, and not show up when it matters.
There's nothing to suggest that Johnson will be at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas this April, but there have been rumours about him possibly stepping back into the ring when the Show of Shows heads to Saudi Arabia next year.
During a recent conversation with Raffi Boghosian of Raffi Talks, The Rock indicated that he has indeed been in talks to at least be part of the PLE.
"I’m excited for the brand of WrestleMania, I’m excited for the Kingdom because that is a big show," The Rock shared. "I’m also excited not only for the brand, but I’m excited for our athletes to be able to participate in an event like that, and that is a global event."
"And so I can’t wait. In terms of the conversations I’ve been having, it’s all good. It will always be good," he added.
The Rock's WWE return was mired in controversy. It started with him attempting to take Rhodes' spot at WrestleMania in his match against Reigns, and when fans turned on him, Johnson introduced a new heel character, The Final Boss.
With his attention now shifting to reviving his struggling Hollywood career, The Rock has once again left WWE (and, seemingly, his position on the TKO board) in his rearview. Whether that could change at this month's Royal Rumble PLE—also in Saudi Arabia—remains to be seen, but he is currently in the midst of shooting the next Jumanji movie.
You can hear more from Johnson on his possible WrestleMania 43 role in the Instagram post below.