At WrestleMania 29, held at MetLife Stadium, John Cena WrestleMania 29 became a defining moment when John Cena faced The Rock for the WWE Championship. In a highly anticipated rematch, Cena defeated The Rock in front of a packed crowd, creating a historic WWE event. The Rock recently shared new details from that night during an NPR interview, giving fans a rare look behind the scenes.
The Intense Rivalry and Historic Victory at WrestleMania 29
The WrestleMania 29 match marked a pivotal chapter in WWE history, as John Cena sought to avenge his loss to The Rock from WrestleMania 28. The long-awaited rematch lasted nearly 24 minutes and is remembered as a classic showdown. Despite battling an injury early in the bout, The Rock concealed his condition from Cena, ensuring the match continued uninterrupted. Eventually, Cena triumphed, capturing the WWE Championship and solidifying his legacy.
The Rock recently opened up about the match’s significance and his mindset during the contest. He revealed that he sustained an injury but deliberately chose not to inform Cena because he wanted Cena’s victory to feel authentic and deserved. With The Rock’s wrestling career ending on that night, the match had additional weight as a symbolic passing of the torch to Cena, signaling a new era in the WWE.
“I didn’t want to tell John that because I knew the match would end, and I didn’t want the match to end in that way. Not only was it important to me to go out on my shield, I knew this was my very last match of my entire career. My career was going to end on this night. No one knew, but I knew. The other reason, and maybe more important than my career ending, I was doing the honors.That means you’re passing the torch to someone who is going to carry it from here on out. That was to John, and that was the finish to our match; me doing the honors for him and him beating me in the middle of the ring to become champion. That’s why I didn’t want the match to end right away. I wanted him to have his moment. That’s important.”
— The Rock, WWE Superstar, NPR Interview
The dramatic night closed with the duo receiving thunderous applause from the New Jersey audience, cementing their place in wrestling history. The Rock’s gesture to let Cena stand tall was not only a personal moment but an important moment for WWE’s future storytelling and championship lineage.
Behind the Scenes: How The Rock’s Career Culminated in Passing the Torch
The revelation about The Rock’s injury offers new perspective on the intensity and professionalism involved in WWE’s marquee events. Although the injury could have jeopardized the outcome, The Rock’s decision to keep it private and let the match unfold as planned showed his commitment to the sport and respect for Cena. This moment underscores the deeply personal nature of WrestleMania bouts, which often carry implications for the careers of those involved beyond the spectacle.
For The Rock, WrestleMania 29 was not just another match but the final chapter of his in-ring career, making the night emotionally charged. His decision to “do the honors” by allowing Cena to win symbolized trust and recognition, officially signaling a new champion and era for the WWE Championship.
The Rock Shares Details About Concussion During ‘The Smashing Machine’ Filming
Separately, The Rock recently recounted an intense experience on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon related to filming the movie ‘The Smashing Machine’. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film sought realism by avoiding stunt doubles and keeping combat scenes uncut. This approach led to The Rock sustaining a concussion during one of the movie’s fight scenes.
“Okay. So, Benny had… [Jimmy Fallon]: Like, did you get punched? [The Rock]: Yes, dude. Yes. So, Benny has this motto before we started shooting, which was, ‘As real as it gets. Let’s make it as real as it gets.’ Then he said to me, ‘I would love, in these fighting scenes, to never cut away from you. And I would like to not use your stunt double.’ Well, I know what that means. That means I’m getting my a** kicked.”
— The Rock, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
The Rock described going through a three-month rigorous training camp alongside MMA fighters and coaches to prepare for the role physically. The director’s insistence on authenticity meant The Rock agreed to take actual blows during fight scenes.
A particular scene involved replicating a real MMA fight where Mark Kerr was being pummeled by a fighter named Fujita in Japan. The Rock asked the actor portraying his opponent to deliver real hits to maintain the integrity and emotion of the scene.
“Hey, brother, I know it sounds crazy, but you have to hit me.” … “No, no, no. I will not hit you.” … “Please, we have one shot at this. You must hit me.” Benny came over and said, “You must hit him. I know you respect D.J., but I know you respect the fight that actually happened with Mark Kerr in Japan. Let’s keep our integrity and wail away.”
— The Rock, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
The physical toll of the filming was significant, culminating in The Rock suffering a concussion, which left him appearing dazed and loopy on camera after the fight scene was completed. This anecdote illustrates The Rock’s dedication to fully immersing himself in roles and projects beyond wrestling.
Wrestling Legends Honored and WWE’s Lasting Legacy
As The Rock reflects on moments from his career, other veterans like Hulk Hogan continue to receive recognition for their contributions to wrestling. Recently, the Florida Government bestowed an important honor on Hogan, underscoring the enduring cultural and social impact of wrestling legends beyond the ring.
The Rock’s reflections on WrestleMania 29 and his recent experiences in film demonstrate the complex and demanding careers wrestlers navigate both in and out of the ring. Cena’s victory at WrestleMania 29 remains a cherished milestone for WWE fans and insiders, setting the stage for future stars to rise. The story of that night also highlights the unspoken sacrifices and decisions that shape wrestling history behind the scenes.
The Rock told @NPR's Fresh Air that he tore both his abdomen and tore his adductor and quad tendons off his pelvis during his Wrestlemania 29 match with John Cena. He explained that he avoided telling Cena during the match because didn't want to go home early, knowing that it was… pic.twitter.com/mO29iCmVhd
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) October 4, 2025
