The Rock’s ongoing relationship with WWE executive Triple H appears to be strained, fueling rumors that the Hollywood star might miss this year’s SummerSlam. Although The Rock remains on the board of directors of WWE’s parent company TKO Group Holdings, he has not actively participated in WWE events for several months, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes tensions.
His last WWE appearance was at the Elimination Chamber event in early March, and while he played a role in John Cena’s heel turn on Cody Rhodes, The Rock was notably absent from the headline Undisputed WWE Championship match at WrestleMania. On The Pat McAfee Show, The Rock explained he chose to stay out of the spotlight to avoid overshadowing Cena and Rhodes, following fan reactions to his reduced involvement.
Insiders Point to a Brewing Power Struggle Between The Rock and Triple H
Since then, wrestling analysts including Jonathan Coachman and veteran writer Vince Russo have speculated about a backstage feud between The Rock and Triple H. Notably, The Rock has maintained a low profile on social media, not tweeting about WWE for several months—an unusual absence for someone so closely tied to the company.
On a recent episode of The Coach & Bro Show, Russo expressed his belief that a significant conflict exists, doubting The Rock will return to WWE programming at SummerSlam.
“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.” —Vince Russo, Wrestling Veteran
Vince Russo Predicts Triple H’s Departure as WWE Shifts Focus
Vince Russo has further speculated on Triple H’s future within WWE’s evolving corporate structure. In a recent interview on Hannibal TV, Russo suggested that WWE’s parent company TKO is moving away from traditional wrestling focus and transitioning into a broader entertainment company.
He believes this shift will eventually render Triple H irrelevant, with The Rock poised to take a larger leadership role due to his Hollywood connections and entertainment experience.
“With Vince McMahon, it was the wrestling business and it was the families and it was kayfabe. Its not the wrestling business to TKO, man. And that’s why you are seeing these changes. And that’s why bro, I keep saying this over and over and over and over and over again. Eventually, they are not going to need Triple H. And, as soon as The Rock feels like he wants to take over, Rock is taking over. Rock is Hollywood. Rock is entertainment. Rock is buddies with these guys. Rock has known Ari Emanuel for years and years and years and the more and more and more they become an entertainment conglomerate, the more and more and more the wrestling goes away. And that’s why I honestly believe, without a shadow of a doubt, Triple H’s time is sooner than many people think.” —Vince Russo, Wrestling Veteran
Factions and New Alliances Shake Up WWE’s Current Landscape
Beyond the backstage power dynamics between The Rock and Triple H, WWE’s on-screen narratives continue to evolve. Seth Rollins’ faction is reportedly set to become one of the most dominant forces in WWE, built as a model for future wrestling groups to follow. However, internal betrayals within his faction are rumored to cause significant disruptions, threatening its stability.
Public Revelations and Personal Feuds Mark WWE’s Recent Drama
Outside of faction storylines, WWE has also seen notable developments in its talent relationships. A new couple featured primarily on WWE LFG has publicly acknowledged their relationship, drawing attention from fans.
Meanwhile, various WWE superstars have been dealing with personal pressures. Charlotte Flair revealed she was deeply affected by a personal jab from another WWE star, which added tension to backstage dynamics. On a similar note, Bill Goldberg criticized Vince McMahon before his final WWE match, hinting at lingering frustrations within WWE’s veteran class.
Other Industry Highlights Reflect the Wrestling World’s Complex Environment
Outside WWE, AEW star Darby Allin has expressed a lack of urgency to pursue the AEW World Championship, indicating a different approach to career goals compared to mainstream wrestling peers. In WWE, The Undertaker shared details about a fine imposed by Vince McMahon, rooted in his conduct during a significant WWE match, revealing internal discipline mechanics in professional wrestling.
Additionally, Rey Mysterio suggested that a multi-time WWE Champion would be an ideal partner in upcoming tag team ventures, showcasing the ongoing strategic alliances forming in the industry.
What These Developments Could Mean for WWE’s Future
The unfolding situation between The Rock and Triple H signifies potentially major shifts in WWE’s leadership and creative direction, especially as the company moves further into entertainment conglomerate territory under TKO’s oversight. If The Rock’s alleged cooling-off period continues and Triple H’s departure unfolds sooner than expected, WWE may witness a redefined power structure impacting both its corporate governance and programming.
SummerSlam, one of WWE’s flagship events, could prominently reflect these backstage tensions if The Rock remains absent, marking a decisive moment for fans and insiders alike. Future WWE storylines, faction dynamics, and talent relationships will likely be influenced by how this conflict resolves, shaping the wrestling world’s landscape through the remainder of the year.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is WrestleMania or SummerSlam bigger?
A. SummerSlam is a yearly professional wrestling event started in 1988 by WWE, the largest wrestling company. It’s often called “The Biggest Party of the Summer” and is considered WWE’s second most important event after WrestleMania.
