Former WWE writer reveals major problem with the Rock's return (Exclusive)

Modified Feb 22, 2025 08:27 GMT

Cody Rhodes and The Rock shared the ring on WWE SmackDown (Image via WWE.com)

The Rock made his pre-advertised return to WWE SmackDown this week. The Final Boss shared the ring with Cody Rhodes. Both men went back and forth on the mic to set up Rock's next appearance.

During a recent episode of BroDown on Backstage Pass, Vince Russo gave his two cents on The Rock's return. The former WWE writer said fan reaction to the promo made him think "something is dreadfully wrong" with the product.

"Mac, to back up what you are saying, all you had to do was listen to the fans during the Cody-Rock promo. When Rock is in the ring and The Rock is getting that kind of a response... bro, something is dreadfully wrong." [17:00 onwards]

Earlier on the podcast, Russo claimed WWE was making it apparent that Rock was more important than the company — something even Vince McMahon didn't imply during his run.

Did you know a top WWE Superstar just wrestled outside the company? More details HERE

"So, basically here, here's what you're doing. See, this is where you know, 'Oh, Vince McMahon was this, and Vince McMahon was that.' No bro, this is what you're clearly saying. Rock is more important than the WWE." [04:41 onwards]

Rock and Cody Rhodes will apparently share the ring again at Elimination Chamber Toronto. It remains to be seen how the meeting between the former rivals turns out.

Watch more live and exclusive content from Vince Russo, Chris Featherstone and more only by subscribing to Backstage Pass on Patreon.

About the author

Manik Aftab writes Exclusive articles for Sportskeeda Wrestling’s WWE division. A BA (Hons) in English Literature helped him improve his writing skills before starting his career as a pro wrestling writer.

Before joining Sportskeeda, Aftab worked for Ringside News and The Sportster, where his wrestling articles and feature pieces consistently ranked on the first page of Google SERPs.

He prioritizes accuracy, relevance, and ethics in his reporting by conducting thorough research, verifying sources, and adhering to professional journalistic standards.

While Aftab’s favorite wrestler in AEW is Hangman Adam Page, he doesn’t have a favorite in WWE yet. However, he considers Stone Cold Steve Austin to be the greatest professional wrestler of all time. His earliest memory of watching pro wrestling was when The Rock faced The New Age Outlaws in a handicap match, but it was the John Cena vs. Edge match from Unforgiven 2006 that got him hooked. If given the chance to manage a star from the Attitude Era, he would choose The British Bulldog, as he believes Davey Boy Smith was a terrific worker and could've benefitted from having a mouthpiece for his lack of mic skills.

When not watching pro wrestling, Aftab enjoys reading science fiction and watching anime.

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Edited by Rahul Madurawe