Longtime WWE employee finally explains awkward Rock segment; was panned by fans

The Rock blessed the WWE Universe during WrestleMania XL season with his most involved run in years. The TKO Board member linked up with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline for a main event feud with Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. The storyline ended for the time being on an awkward note, and now Brian Gewirtz has shed some light on the backstory.

The Final Boss and The Tribal Chief defeated The American Nightmare and The Visionary in the main event of Night One of WrestleMania 40. Rocky was also involved in the Night Two main event where Rhodes dethroned Reigns.

The special RAW After WrestleMania episode featured an awkward title exchange segment between Rhodes and The Rock, teasing the rumored future match between the second and third-generation WWE Superstars. This segment was heavily criticized by the fans. Gewirtz recently revealed how the segment was inspired by one of the biggest movie franchises in history.

Brian Gewirtz spent many years working in creative at the Stamford-based promotion, including a run as RAW head writer. He left in 2015 to work for The Rock at Seven Bucks Productions. He is the current Senior Vice President of Development but also worked with The Great One for his recent return.

Speaking on The Masked Man Show, Gewirtz discussed The Rock's recent storyline, and how things were inspired by Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. He was asked about the conclusion to the story.

"I think it was very satisfying. This was probably some of the most fun Rock has ever had, not only as a performer in WWE, but period, in Final Boss mode. We always envision that ending of WrestleMania and the RAW After WrestleMania as somewhat of the equivalent as Darth Vader at the end of Star Wars getting spun out, but not killed. The babyface had their moment and big medal ceremony, and Darth Vader is checking his s**t, making sure it's OK - 'this ain't over yet' and 'you have no idea what's coming next,'" said Brian Gewirtz. [H/T: Fightful]

Gewirtz went on to draw parallels between the movie characters Vader and Skywalker with The Final Boss and The American Nightmare, even though they weren't father and son like in the franchise. He also referenced a clear indication from the Rock to return so their rivalry could continue.

"There is a lot of Darth Vader-Luke Skywalker to Rock and Cody Rhodes. He's not his father or anything, but there are a lot of parallels to that. That is, I feel, going to continue. He flat out said it... 'Your story with Roman is over, ours is just beginning,' and then he handed him the [gift] and we'll see where that goes," Brian Gewirtz said.

Rhodes vs. Rock has been rumored for WrestleMania 41. Billed as WrestleMania Vegas, The Show of Shows is scheduled for April 19 and 20, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.

---

Cody Rhodes set for major WWE PLE match

The inaugural WWE King and Queen of the Ring PLE will see Cody Rhodes defend in a major Champion vs. Champion match.

The Undisputed WWE Champion is set to face Logan Paul in Saudi Arabia next weekend. However, the United States Championship will not be on the line after Paul pulled a swerve on Friday's SmackDown.

The American Nightmare made his first successful title defense at WWE Backlash France earlier this month. He retained over AJ Styles in another first-time-ever match.