The Rock reportedly isn’t expected to play a significant role in WWE’s build toward WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia next year.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, WWE’s creative team is currently “operating under the assumption” that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will not be available for any substantial storyline involvement ahead of the event.
However, the report noted that the situation is not definitive, with one source saying plans could change quickly if Johnson becomes available. WrestleMania 43 will mark the first time WWE has held its biggest annual event outside North America.
The Rock’s Filming Schedule Could Affect WrestleMania 43 Plans
The Rock’s availability for WrestleMania has previously been questioned due to his upcoming filming commitments. Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio last month, Dave Meltzer discussed Johnson’s involvement in Fast Forever, the final instalment in the Fast & Furious franchise.
Johnson is scheduled to appear in the movie, with filming expected to begin in December and continue for several months. Meltzer believes that schedule makes a WrestleMania match “very unlikely.”
“Because that movie is gonna take months to film, if he is in it, which he is scheduled to be in it, that him doing a match at WrestleMania would be out the window,” Meltzer said. “I mean, could he fly to Saudi Arabia and show up? Of course. Of course he could, and he could always do that.”
While WWE is reportedly moving forward creatively without expecting significant involvement from The Rock, his status could still change before WrestleMania 43.
