Shockwaves continue to ripple throughout the wrestling world after the closing segment of the February 16 episode of Friday Night SmackDown as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is now officially aligned with his cousin, Roman Reigns, and the dominant family-centric faction, The Bloodline. This seismic shift punctuates the start of The Rock’s dramatic heel turn, which first began when he slapped Cody Rhodes to end the WrestleMania 40 Kickoff Press Conference, injecting himself into a storyline that was already rife with endless possibilities even before he joined.
Gone was the “People’s Champ” we knew and loved. In his place stood a vengeful megastar, fueled by the thwarted dream of a WrestleMania clash with Reigns. His promo oozed villainy, laced with insults for the Salt Lake City crowd and barbs aimed at Cody Rhodes, Reigns’ WrestleMania opponent.
This new transformation culminated in The Rock adopting a slightly different variation of the Bloodline’s signature salute, leaving no doubt about his allegiance.
Reminiscent of his earlier runs as “Corporate Rock” and “Hollywood Rock”, this antagonistic version of the beloved Hollywood action star has made it clear that his loyalty lies firmly with his family, creating a formidable barricade for Rhodes and his supporters.
For the WWE, this is good for business. The Bloodline, already the most dominant faction in the WWE over the past several years, welcomes the infusion of a star of such magnitude. The Rock’s global fame and star power act as a supercharger, amplifying their dominance and, in doing so, creating a captivating dynamic. This heel turn opens doors for thrilling narratives for the WWE, pitting The Rock against beloved figures like Rhodes and potentially setting the stage for high-stakes matches that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
More importantly, The Rock’s involvement carries implications that extend far beyond that of April.
While this year’s Showcase of the Immortals takes precedence, The Rock’s commitment to a more physical role in the WWE suggests long-term storytelling. His larger-than-life presence could influence the brand’s direction for years, shaping the landscape of professional wrestling with fresh conflicts and alliances.
As WrestleMania approaches, questions loom large. How will Rhodes respond to his latest challenge? Will Seth Rollins, another key player in the story, tip the scales? Will we see the first tag team match headline WrestleMania since the first WrestleMania when Hulk Hogan and Mr. T took on Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper? The parallels are certainly there. Don’t forget, WrestleMania 40 is the technically the first since WWE’s merger with the UFC and it’s also the first one following Vince McMahon’s official resignation.
Ultimately, what was supposed to be just a storyline twist has evolved into a metamorphic moment. The lines between hero and villain are blurred, the narrative landscape enriched, and the excitement amplified. The High Chief has arrived, and the WWE Universe can’t wait for time to pass by any faster for the story to unfold, chapter by electrifying chapter.
