The controversy surrounding the WrestleMania 41 controversy involving The Rock intensified this week, as former WWE commentator Jonathan Coachman voiced sharp criticism of The Rock’s absence during the marquee event. Speaking on the Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast, Coachman asserted that The Rock not appearing at the event disrupted WWE’s plans in a way that affected major storylines, particularly those involving John Cena and Cody Rhodes, and cast a long shadow over both nights of WrestleMania 41.
Coachman Challenges The Rock’s WrestleMania Decision
Jonathan Coachman, a longtime figure in WWE broadcasting, did not hold back when discussing The Rock’s choice to skip WrestleMania 41. According to Coachman, The Rock’s absence fundamentally changed the narrative of the event, shifting focus away from the matches and performers who did compete. He stressed that the conversation following the event became more about what The Rock did not do, rather than what took place in the ring.
“He knew by not showing up that all anybody would talk about was him not showing up. And then what happened? The 13 other matches, two nights of WrestleMania, nobody talked about any of them. You watch any of the recaps, any of the shows, nothing. And that to me was a real disservice to the talent that got onto the shows,”
Coachman said. —Jonathan Coachman, Former WWE Commentator
Coachman went further, detailing his belief that The Rock’s last-minute justification provided little comfort to fans or performers.
“He sucked the entire oxygen out of that entire event by simply not showing up and then two days later giving us that excuse for not showing up.”
—Jonathan Coachman, Former WWE Commentator
Concerns Over Storyline Continuity and Missed Opportunities
Coachman also criticized The Rock’s explanation after WrestleMania, particularly regarding the Final Boss storyline. He felt The Rock should have seen the storyline through by appearing at the event rather than offering a retrospective claim that his arc was complete.
“When you’re doing a wrestling angle, you start it and you finish it. But when he said, ‘Oh, I called Cody and I called John afterwards and said, I think the final boss’s job is done.’ Remember when he said that on McAfee? ‘I think my job is done.’ All you’ve done is this [throat slash gesture].”
—Jonathan Coachman, Former WWE Commentator
Coachman believed there was a stronger way to wrap up ongoing storylines. He suggested that Cena should have won the Undisputed WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania, which could have set the stage for a powerful post-match moment or a new alignment involving The Rock.
“So, I would have let him win as a babyface and go crazy, and the crowd would have gone bananas. And then you spend this summer, he can sell his soul the next night. You could have brought Rock out.”
—Jonathan Coachman, Former WWE Commentator
Ongoing Fallout and WrestleMania’s Legacy
The fallout from WrestleMania 41 continues to raise questions about how marquee talent decisions affect the broader WWE landscape. The Rock, John Cena, and Cody Rhodes were at the center of pre-show speculation, but Coachman maintains The Rock’s actions led to significant disruption and disappointment for other wrestlers and fans. The dispute highlights ongoing tension between long-term storyline development and surprises involving legendary figures. The controversy is likely to fuel further conversation as WWE and its audience reflect on what could have been a different chapter in the brand’s history.
