Dwayne Johnson’s WrestleMania Ambitions Shut Down by WWE: Here’s Why Cena Took Over

Dwayne Johnson’s WrestleMania Ambitions Shut Down by WWE: Here’s Why Cena Took Over

WrestleMania is the grandest stage of them all in the world of professional wrestling, a spectacle that brings together the greatest athletes, the most electrifying moments, and fans from all over the world. Every year, fans eagerly await to see who will rise to the occasion and become a part of history. Among the most iconic figures in WWE’s history, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena stand out as two of the most dominant forces to ever grace the squared circle. But what if the path to WrestleMania glory for one of these superstars had taken a very different turn?

In an unexpected twist, Dwayne Johnson, once one of the most electrifying men in sports entertainment, had his own WrestleMania ambitions dashed by WWE, and the company pivoted to one of their most reliable and enduring stars — John Cena. But why did this happen? How did the world’s most electrifying man go from being the WWE’s first choice to being sidelined, with Cena stepping in to fill the void? Here’s a deeper dive into how these seismic shifts in WWE’s planning unfolded.

The Rock’s WrestleMania Ambitions: A Long-Held Dream

Dwayne Johnson, known worldwide for his electrifying presence both in and out of the wrestling ring, had made no secret of his desire to return to the squared circle for one more WrestleMania moment. After transitioning into a full-time Hollywood career, Johnson’s appearances in WWE had become more sporadic. However, his deep connection with fans and his unparalleled charisma made the prospect of a WrestleMania return an exciting possibility for both the WWE Universe and the WWE brass.

For years, rumors swirled about his potential return to face off with top stars. A match against Roman Reigns had been teased for some time, with fans speculating that the two would meet at the grandest stage of them all for a dream match that could bring down the house. The Rock vs. Reigns was seen as the ultimate passing of the torch moment, with the tribal chief taking on the man who helped popularize the Samoan dynasty in WWE.

But despite the immense fan interest and widespread belief that this match was a guaranteed showstopper, there was one key factor standing in the way: WWE’s priorities had shifted.

WWE’s Reluctance and Changing Priorities

While the idea of having Dwayne Johnson face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania sounded like a surefire blockbuster, WWE’s management was reluctant to lock in the deal for several reasons. First and foremost, there were logistical challenges. The Rock’s Hollywood career was in full swing, with him juggling multiple blockbuster films, a hectic schedule, and other commitments. As much as Johnson wanted to return to WWE and give the fans what they craved, the timing was never quite right.

Then there was the matter of his physical condition. While Johnson is in remarkable shape, his career in WWE, particularly his grueling schedule during his early years, had taken a toll on his body. The injuries and wear and tear from years of high-impact matches raised concerns about whether he could truly be at his best for a match of such magnitude. After all, WrestleMania isn’t just any show — it’s the biggest stage, with the highest stakes. WWE needed a guarantee that The Rock would be in top form if he were to return to the ring.

Another significant concern was Johnson’s availability. WWE typically plans WrestleMania months, if not a year, in advance. The Rock, however, was often unavailable due to his packed filming schedule and the tight timelines for his various projects. With WWE’s penchant for long-term storytelling and meticulous build-ups, the uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s availability made it difficult to lock in a main event program.

These factors all combined to make WWE hesitant about betting on a WrestleMania showdown with The Rock. And with that, the idea of having a Roman Reigns vs. The Rock match slowly faded into the background.

Enter John Cena: The Ultimate Backup Plan

With The Rock’s WrestleMania aspirations slipping away, WWE quickly turned to another familiar face — John Cena. Cena, the man who had carried the torch for WWE during the post-Attitude Era, was still one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling. Like The Rock, Cena had crossed over into Hollywood, but his love for WWE and the fans remained evident.

Cena had become an elder statesman of WWE, respected by both fans and wrestlers alike for his contributions to the business. Though Cena’s appearances had become less frequent, the idea of bringing him back for another high-profile WrestleMania match was a no-brainer for WWE. Cena, much like The Rock, could generate massive interest and deliver a memorable match — but this time, there was no uncertainty surrounding his availability.

Cena’s status as a full-time performer in WWE, coupled with his willingness to return to the ring whenever called upon, made him the perfect Plan B. And that’s exactly what WWE did: They pivoted to Cena, who would now face Roman Reigns in a blockbuster showdown that would serve as one of the highlights of WrestleMania in recent memory.

The Cena vs. Reigns Showdown: The Match That Changed Everything

The John Cena vs. Roman Reigns match at WrestleMania 38 in 2022 turned out to be one of the most memorable and defining matches of that year’s WrestleMania card. The build-up, the promo battles, and the palpable tension between the two stars made it clear that this was not just a regular match — it was a generational clash.

Cena’s charisma and unparalleled ability to captivate audiences meshed perfectly with Reigns’ dominance as the tribal chief. Their confrontation was steeped in history, with Cena representing the face of WWE’s past and Reigns embodying the company’s future. The match was a perfect storytelling device, showcasing the struggle between two of the most iconic figures in WWE history.

In the end, Roman Reigns would emerge victorious, continuing his reign as WWE’s top champion, while John Cena cemented his legacy as one of the greatest to ever step foot in a WWE ring. The match may not have had the drama of a The Rock vs. Reigns encounter, but it had a different kind of significance: it was a match that confirmed Cena as the ultimate backup plan for WWE’s biggest stage.

What Could Have Been: The Rock vs. Reigns at WrestleMania

While Cena vs. Reigns at WrestleMania was a thrilling encounter, fans can’t help but wonder what might have been had Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson been able to participate in the grand spectacle. A match against Roman Reigns could have served as the culmination of both their careers, with The Rock passing the torch to his cousin in a literal and figurative sense.

But, as with most things in life, timing is everything. WWE and The Rock may have tried to make it happen, but the cards simply didn’t fall into place. Instead, Cena stepped in, delivering another historic moment that kept WWE fans on the edge of their seats.