One of the most highly anticipated wrestling matches that fans are eagerly waiting for is the rumored showdown between two of the biggest WWE superstars of all time, The Rock and Roman Reigns. This epic clash was expected to happen at the grandest WWE event of the year, WrestleMania 40.
However, recent events at the Royal Rumble 2024 PLE might indicate a different creative direction for Roman Reigns, the Tribal Chief. He might end up facing off against Cody Rhodes, the winner of the 30-man over-the-top rope battle royal, instead of The Rock.
Is Roman Reigns vs. The Rock happening?
The Royal Rumble 2024 event brought fans to their feet in Tropicana Field, and it was an exciting night for those watching at home as well. The night, as expected, was full of shocking moments, but few could guess everything Triple H had in store. While some fans were expecting The Rock, that didn’t come to pass, but his potential confrontation against Roman Reigns is still on the cards.
Rhodes, after winning his second consecutive Royal Rumble match, immediately turned his attention to Roman Reigns, hinting that there is a strong possibility for them to headline WrestleMania 40. In response, The Tribal Chief raised his title to Cody Rhodes, which suggests that the match is almost confirmed for WrestleMania.
The Rock vs. Roman Reigns Is Reportedly Still Happening https://t.co/xf8iBU3KT4 #WWE pic.twitter.com/N5gLiYCcXb
— Wrestling News (@WrestlingNewsCo) January 28, 2024
There is still no set timeline for the highly anticipated match between The Rock and Roman Reigns, according to Dave Meltzer on “Wrestling Observer Radio.”
“The Roman and Dwayne match is still happening. I just don’t know where, and Bryan, you probably know where because you probably know discussions. I may know too, and I can’t talk about them, but anyway, the point is, it’s still happening,” said Dave Meltzer.
It has been confirmed that Roman Reigns will be participating in WrestleMania 40, and the main event match has remained unchanged since the decision was made in early September. Notably, the decision for Reigns’ WrestleMania 40 match has been confirmed well before that, and The Rock hasn’t been involved in the creative discussions this time.
When did the Rock make his last WrestleMania appearance?
The Rock’s last official wrestling match happened at WrestleMania 32 against Erick Rowan. Most fans don’t even consider the six-second squash a match because The Rock was barred from taking any bumps due to his contractual obligations in Hollywood.
During WrestleMania 32 in 2016, WWE attracted its largest audience ever at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Before the event, fans had expressed disappointment about Bray Wyatt and the Wyatt Family (which included Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan at the time due to Luke Harper’s injury) not being booked in a match, even though they were featured in the show in some capacity.
The Rock stood in the ring, with the “fireflies” lighting up the arena to welcome Bray and The Wyatt Family. The Rock praised Wyatt, acknowledging his abilities, charisma, and revolutionary nature. He also mentioned how 100,000 people had their phones out to capture the moment. In response, Wyatt made it clear that he was there to kick down doors and warn The Rock not to underestimate him.
During a confrontation between The Rock and Rowan, The Rock emerged victorious by delivering a simple Rock Bottom move, leading to a six-second pinfall win. Following this, John Cena arrived to assist The Great One, and together they dominated the Wyatt family. The crowd cheered as he delivered a spine-buster and the People’s Elbow to Wyatt.
Do you think The Rock will face off against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, or will it be a rematch from last year’s Show of Shows? Share your thoughts in the comments!
