The Rock WrestleMania Absence has been a topic of speculation since the wrestling icon stepped away from WWE just weeks before WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. Recently, The Rock publicly acknowledged his absence from the high-profile event but stopped short of providing detailed reasons.
Background on The Rock’s Sudden Departure Before WrestleMania 41
Weeks before WrestleMania 41, The Rock made an unexpected hiatus from WWE’s Stamford-based promotion and did not return for the Las Vegas show. This surprised many fans, given that he was anticipated to play a significant part in the buildup to the event. Instead of The Rock facing Roman Reigns or involving himself prominently, WWE crowned Cody Rhodes as the Undisputed WWE Champion during the event in Philadelphia, marking a clear shift in storyline.
In early 2024, The Rock engaged in an online feud with David LaGreca, the host of Busted Open, who criticized The Rock for seemingly displacing Cody Rhodes in a WrestleMania match versus Roman Reigns. However, after the feud ended, the two reconciled and exchanged a meaningful gesture, showing mutual respect despite earlier disagreements.
Details from The Rock’s Recent Conversation About WrestleMania 41
During a recent interaction captured on video and shared through Busted Open’s official X account, David LaGreca and The Rock revisited the topic of WrestleMania 41. LaGreca expressed that The Rock’s presence was missed at the event, highlighting the void left by his absence.
“We missed you. We missed you at WrestleMania 41, dude. We could’ve used you,” LaGreca said.
To this, The Rock replied briefly but meaningfully:
“Yeah. Yeah, I know, dude,” Johnson said.
Although The Rock did not disclose specifics about why he missed WrestleMania 41, his tone suggested regret and disappointment given the importance of the event.
Speculations and Developments Regarding The Rock’s WWE Future
Prior to WrestleMania 41, The Rock had extended an invitation to Cody Rhodes to join forces, setting the stage for an intriguing storyline. However, after John Cena’s heel turn at the WWE Elimination Chamber event in Toronto, WWE programming did not feature The Rock, who faded from weekly storylines and missed the Las Vegas spectacle.
In the meantime, The Rock shifted focus toward Hollywood projects, visibly losing weight and working on a new film titled The Smashing Machine. These changes fueled speculation regarding whether he intends to return to WWE as an active competitor or continue with his acting career.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has hinted at talks of The Rock making a comeback to headline WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia, which could mark a significant return to WWE’s main stage. Though nothing is finalized, this opportunity appears to be the most likely window for The Rock to rejoin WWE as a performer.
Significance of The Rock’s Potential Return and WWE’s Future Storylines
The Rock’s absence from WrestleMania 41 left a notable gap during one of WWE’s biggest annual events, affecting the storytelling and fan expectations. His return, especially if timed with a major event like WrestleMania 43, would generate significant excitement among fans and possibly reshape WWE’s narrative landscape. Meanwhile, his current pursuit of Hollywood projects indicates a challenging balance between his wrestling legacy and diversified career ambitions.
As The Rock weighs his commitments, WWE fans remain hopeful for a future appearance that could reignite the momentum he once brought to the ring and offer closure to lingering questions about his WrestleMania 41 absence.
🚨IT HAPPENED:🚨@davidlagreca1 & @therock!!!👀👀👀#prowrestlingnation247 #bustedopen247 pic.twitter.com/gtfNyOEiT9
— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) October 3, 2025
