The Rocks WWE comeback has been a rollercoaster, and now were learning that plans for him to win the world championship at SummerSlam have been axed.
According to Billi Bhatti on the Dirty Sheets Backstage Informer podcast, WWE toyed with the idea of The Rock capturing the title in a match at SummerSlam and later defending it at the Royal Rumble. But thanks to his Hollywood commitments, the plan couldnt move forward.
WWE stated early on in the Netflix deal that they cannot afford to be without one of their champions, Bhatti revealed. It wouldnt make sense for The Rock to win the title at WrestleMania or SummerSlam only to appear sporadically for cameos.
Bhatti explained that WWE explored multiple scenarios to fit The Rocks schedule, including a match at SummerSlam. The idea was for him to win the championship and hold it until the Royal Rumble. However, The Rocks unavailability for SummerSlam derailed this plan. The other option that was explored was for The Rock to do the triple match and for The Rock to possibly win at SummerSlam and do a title defense further down the line at the Royal Rumble, but The Rock is not available for SummerSlam.
This update comes after The Rocks Instagram Live session backstage during WWE RAWs Netflix debut reportedly disrupted WWEs WrestleMania plans. The company had already ruled out giving him the title at WrestleMania 41, citing a need for a champion who can appear regularly on television. WWE had instead been working toward making The Rocks title win a major event later in the year, possibly at Crown Jewel or the Royal Rumble.
Bhatti also noted that WWE considered adding Roman Reigns to The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes WrestleMania match to protect The Rock from taking a pinfall. However, the company eventually leaned toward a one-on-one showdown between The Rock and Cody.
WWEs decisions reflect a clear priority: keeping the championship visible on TV. While fans would have loved to see The Rock reign as champion, the logistics of his schedule make it impossible for him to fully commit to the role.
The Rocks unpredictable actions and schedule leave WWE in a constant state of adjustment, but one thing is clearhis wrestling future remains a topic of endless intrigue.
What do you think about WWE shelving plans for The Rock at Summer Slam? Should they have found a way to make it work, or did they make the right call? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
