We're 99.9% sure that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson wasn't meant to return to WWE as a heel, but he and the company have pivoted in the wake of the #WeWantCody movement. As a result, we're now getting a bad guy version of the Brahma Bull.
According to the WrestleVotes X account, The Rock plans to pull inspiration from his memorable run as "Hollywood Rock" in the early 2000s for this latest run.
The account explains, "Sources suggest that The Rock is expected to fully embrace his heel turn, drawing inspiration from his past 'Hollywood' Rock persona. Additionally, I’m told to anticipate the release of Rock branded 'Cody Crybabies’'merchandise. The story is just beginning..."
Yes, it seems The Rock is going all in on that, targeting the fan-favourite Rhodes to generate heat. It's a clever idea and one which suggests he and the American Nightmare will clash at some point in the not-too-distant future.
It was back in 2002 that The Rock became "Hollywood" Rock after fans turned on Johnson for leaving the company to embark on an acting career. The Brahma Bull ended up making use of the gimmick for his feuds with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Goldberg.
"I was born into this crazy world and I love every second of it," Johnson recently said on Instagram. "It’s been decades since pro wrestling has been buzzing like this for WrestleMania and this has become rare air that we’re all breathing, and it’s very [frick]ing cool [and] exciting for us, as wrestlers, our company and most importantly - all our fans."
"Your hero f***ed around and he found out quick what happens when you talk about our family with disrespect," he said of Rhodes. "Lines crossed and blurred - bring it. We don’t toe the mark for no one. Road to Wrestlemania begins..."
Unfortunately, it sounds like Hollywood Rock's theme won't be making a comeback. There will inevitably be some fans who still cheer Dwayne, of course, and it seems WWE will lean into that in a big way as the April PLE nears.
As always, stay tuned for updates as we have them.