The Rock skipping SummerSlam 2025 has become a hot topic following reports of a backstage power struggle between him and Triple H within WWE. These tensions could significantly influence the upcoming SummerSlam event, scheduled for later this year. Industry insiders suggest that the ongoing conflict may keep The Rock off the card, despite fan anticipation for his return.
Meanwhile, the WWE tag team scene continues to evolve under Triple H’s leadership, highlighting shifts in creative direction and talent development across both Monday Night RAW and Friday Night SmackDown. These changes underscore a period of transformation within the Stamford-based promotion.
The Expanding Tag Team Landscape and New Champions
The tag team division has seen notable growth as new factions emerge and claim championships. Recently, Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis secured the WWE Tag Team Championship by defeating the Street Profits on RAW, marking their stable’s first significant victory since debuting under the new creative regime in June 2024. It remains unclear if their group will apply the freebird rule, allowing multiple members to defend the titles, or if Gacy and Lumis will be the sole defenders moving forward.
Additionally, The Wyatt Sicks arrived on SmackDown with an aggressive entrance into the tag team ranks, enhancing competition by attacking four established teams in their debut. This influx of talent demonstrates how the tag team division is becoming a central focus under Triple H’s creative guidance.
Zilla Fatu’s Readiness to Join the Main WWE Roster
Among rising stars, Zilla Fatu has drawn praise from WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, who believes the young wrestler is prepared to move beyond developmental leagues. According to Rikishi, Zilla’s skills are on par with those of Solo Sikoa, who went through NXT before joining the main roster. He emphasized that while NXT experience is valuable, Zilla could thrive without that path, potentially benefiting WWE’s main roster depth.
“Solo [Sikoa] went through it [NXT], but I already knew that Solo was already ready in case he needed to go to the next level. And I feel the same way for Zilla [Fatu]. I think it’s not a bad thing if he goes to NXT. I think it’s a good thing. I think it’s a good thing for those that are down there that are not up into the big show yet to get to know who Zilla Fatu is,” Fatu said.
Fans will be watching closely to see how Zilla develops, whether through the independent circuit or a fast-tracked WWE debut.
Ryback’s Status and Focus Away from Wrestling
Ryback, once a prominent competitor and the first Intercontinental Champion to win inside an Elimination Chamber, has addressed his current condition and future plans. Now 43, he confirmed he is not medically cleared to return to the ring and has no plans for a WWE comeback. Instead, Ryback is prioritizing his health, happiness, and business ventures outside of wrestling.
“I’m not cleared to wrestle, and there are no plans to return to WWE. Right now, it’s all about health, happiness, and continuing to grow and evolve for me, my life, and my business. You’re allowed to make peace. You’re allowed to grow. You’re allowed to support whoever resonates with your energy and truth. Feed Me More! 🔥,” Ryback wrote.
His last match was in 2018, making it likely that Ryback’s in-ring career has come to an end.
Solo Sikoa Prepares for Title Defense After Winning United States Championship
Solo Sikoa recently captured the United States Championship by defeating Jacob Fatu in Saudi Arabia, ending a nearly three-year title drought for himself in WWE. The 32-year-old champion is set to defend his gold against Jimmy Uso at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta.
On the go-home episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Sikoa and JC Mateo were defeated in a tag team bout by Uso and LA Knight, with Big Jim pinning the champion for the win. This match sets a tense stage for their upcoming title clash.
Backstage Conflict Between The Rock and Triple H Could Affect SummerSlam 2025
The Rock and Triple H have not shared the screen since WrestleMania XL in 2024, after The Rock’s warning to Triple H during the event’s kickoff. Their public silence coincides with speculation of a backstage power struggle for control within WWE. Industry veterans, including former writer Vince Russo, assert this dispute is real and ongoing.
“I can’t believe people still argue with me that there’s not a power struggle or something going on between Triple H and The Rock because, Coach, you’re the one that always comes on this show and says, ‘Guys, there has not been a tweet in three months.’ If that doesn’t speak volumes, Coach, and people don’t want to read between the tea leaves, I just don’t know what else to say. I would be shocked, I would be shocked if Rock is at SummerSlam,” Russo said.
Despite The Rock’s last appearance being at Elimination Chamber 2025 in Toronto, fans eagerly await his next move, though this power dynamic cloud may delay or prevent his SummerSlam participation.
What Lies Ahead for WWE and Its Top Stars
The backstage situation involving The Rock and Triple H, combined with the ongoing creative shifts and emergence of new champions, signals a pivotal phase for WWE. The Rock skipping SummerSlam 2025 would mark a significant absence and could reshape headline plans for the event. Meanwhile, Triple H’s influence appears to be steering the company toward fresh matchups and revitalized divisions.
For fans and industry observers, the coming months will reveal how these power struggles and talent developments unfold. The outcomes will affect not only marquee events like SummerSlam but also the future trajectory of WWE’s roster and brand identity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is WrestleMania or SummerSlam bigger?
A. SummerSlam is a wrestling show put on every year since 1988 by WWE, a major wrestling organization. Known as “The Biggest Party of the Summer,” it’s seen as WWE’s second biggest event, with WrestleMania being the top one.
