Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—just saying his name brings to mind epic entrances, eyebrow raises, and thunderous crowd reactions. But recently, something strange has been happening. The same man who once ruled the WWE ring and Hollywood box office is now facing a wave of criticism online. Surprised? You’re not alone.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore how one of the most beloved superstars in WWE history found himself in the crosshairs of internet backlash, what triggered it, how fans are reacting, and what this means for his future.
From Fan Favorite to Facing Fire
Dwayne Johnson has built a global brand that stretches far beyond wrestling. From starring in mega-hits like Jumanji and Fast & Furious, to owning a tequila brand, and even considering presidential runs—he’s been everywhere.
So, how did someone with such a squeaky-clean, larger-than-life image end up getting roasted on social media?
It All Started With WrestleMania 40
Here’s the thing—The Rock made a surprise return to WWE in early 2024, and fans were thrilled… at first. Rumors were flying that he’d headline WrestleMania 40 in a dream match against Roman Reigns. Sounds awesome, right?
Well, not quite.
Many fans were expecting Cody Rhodes to finally “finish the story” and win the championship he never got. When it looked like The Rock might swoop in and steal that spotlight, the internet exploded.
Why Fans Turned on The Rock
Wrestling fans are passionate. And when they think one of their favorites is getting pushed aside, they don’t take it lightly. The idea that The Rock, a part-timer, could return and push full-timers like Cody out of the picture didn’t sit well with many.
Even though The Rock eventually stepped back and allowed Cody to take center stage, the damage was already done. Hashtags like #WeWantCody and #RockOut began trending, and memes mocking The Rock’s return went viral.
The Social Media Backlash: Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s be honest—social media can be brutal. One moment you’re trending for a heroic comeback, and the next, you’re the butt of every wrestling meme.
Here’s a breakdown of how The Rock’s social media sentiment changed:
Sentiment Analysis Table
| Timeframe | Positive Mentions (%) | Negative Mentions (%) | Neutral Mentions (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before Return (2023) | 78% | 10% | 12% |
| After Return (Early 2024) | 54% | 30% | 16% |
| Post-WrestleMania 40 | 43% | 40% | 17% |
As you can see, there was a major dip in positivity around The Rock after his return storyline clashed with fan expectations.
Hollywood vs. Hardcore Fans
Let’s face it—The Rock hasn’t been a full-time wrestler in years. His Hollywood commitments and outside ventures have kept him far from the squared circle. So when he shows up, fans wonder: is this really about wrestling, or just promoting another project?
It’s like your old college friend dropping by your house after years—not to hang out, but to pitch you an MLM scheme. Ouch, right?
Some fans feel The Rock used the WWE platform more for personal gain than genuine wrestling love. Whether that’s true or not is up for debate, but perception matters—and right now, that perception isn’t great.
The Rise of Fan Control in Wrestling Narratives
WWE’s modern audience is smarter and more vocal than ever. Social media gives fans a platform to push back against storylines they don’t like, and boy, did they use it this time.
It’s like wrestling has become a choose-your-own-adventure book, and fans are trying to write the ending. If the company—or a returning superstar—doesn’t listen, backlash is guaranteed.
The Rock, once untouchable, learned that lesson the hard way.
What This Means for The Rock’s WWE Future
So, what now?
Despite the backlash, The Rock is still a megastar. Let’s not forget—he did step aside and let Cody have his moment. That move helped heal some of the wounds, but not all of them.
He might need to work overtime to win back some fans. That could mean more consistent appearances, building new stars, or just staying out of main event storylines altogether.
Still, this moment is a big one—it shows that even legends aren’t above fan expectations. Wrestling has changed. Fans want authenticity, fairness, and respect for long-term storytelling.
Conclusion: Even The Great One Isn’t Immune to Criticism
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has faced some of the fiercest opponents in wrestling history, but this time, it’s different. This opponent wears no boots, cuts no promos, and holds no championship. It’s the modern internet wrestling fan—and they don’t pull punches.
But here’s the silver lining—The Rock is smart. He’s been in the game long enough to know how to adjust, evolve, and bounce back. Whether this backlash becomes a permanent stain or just a speed bump depends on what he does next.
In the world of wrestling, even legends have to fight for their spot.