Ex-WWE Champion missing WrestleMania 41 amid rumors of match against Cody Rhodes won't happen, says Veteran (Exclusive)

The Rock has been rumored to face Cody Rhodes at WWE WrestleMania 41 next year. However, recent reports have noted that The Final Boss could end up missing the event. Nonetheless, wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell believes that the Hollywood star will show up at The Showcase of the Immortals.

The Rock was last seen at Bad Blood a few months back, where he confronted Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes after their victory over The Bloodline. Earlier on in the year, he also promised The American Nightmare that he would come after him upon his return, and many have speculated that the duo would clash in a singles match at WrestleMania 41. However, recent reports have noted that the Stamford-based promotion is not expecting the former WWE Champion to compete at the biggest wrestling event next year.

Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling's Smack Talk, Dutch Mantell noted that WWE would do fine even if the Brahma Bull does not work at next year's WrestleMania.

"It would have been stronger with The Rock, but I don’t think they will miss anything though. They just pump everything a little more. They weren’t planning on Rock here two years ago anyway, right? WrestleMania is WrestleMania, it’s the party of the year."

The veteran added that, contrary to reports, he expects to see the Hollywood star in action.

"Whatever WWE may tell you at this point, I still think The Rock is gonna be there." [From 54:24 onwards]

Cody Rhodes is currently embroiled in a feud with Kevin Owens, and the two will get a chance to settle their scores inside the squared circle next week at Saturday Night's Main Event.