Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes recently offered significant praise for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s evolving wrestling character, known as “The Final Boss,” which emerged during a turbulent chapter in WWE storylines leading up to WrestleMania 40. Rhodes described the persona as a fresh and captivating evolution in The Rock’s illustrious career, signaling there is much more to come from the legendary star.
The Tumultuous Road to The Final Boss
In early 2024, WWE experienced a dramatic turn of events when The Rock returned to WWE programming amid a heated storyline involving Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. Rhodes had earned his spot in the WrestleMania main event by winning the Royal Rumble, a coveted position that fans expected him to headline. However, The Rock’s return seemingly shifted the spotlight away from Rhodes, generating intense fan backlash.
This backlash, described by Rhodes as a “tumultuous” period, forced WWE creative to pivot dramatically. Instead of simply resuming his past persona, The Rock embraced a new heel character dubbed “The Final Boss.” This bold move revitalized his role, culminating in a high-profile tag team match at WrestleMania 40’s Night 1, where The Rock and Roman Reigns teamed up to defeat Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. This fresh character injected new energy into WWE storylines and fan engagement[2][4].
Rhodes on The Final Boss: A New Chapter for The Rock
Speaking on the popular ALL THE SMOKE podcast with NBA star Matt Barnes, Cody Rhodes highlighted how The Rock’s “Final Boss” persona marked a unique reinvention for a superstar already cemented in wrestling history. Rhodes stated, “He came back to a very tumultuous WWE and decided, nope, I’m not gonna deal with that. I’m instead gonna create a new character even though I’m already one of the greatest characters ever, that being The Final Boss.” He lauded the concept for its untapped potential, adding, “We’ve just scratched the surface on The Final Boss. There’s something incredibly special there.”[1][3][4]
Rhodes’ comments affirm that The Rock’s legacy is not confined to past glories but continues to evolve, offering fresh intrigues for fans and wrestlers alike. Rhodes even placed The Rock on his personal wrestling Mount Rushmore, underscoring the influence and respect he holds for Johnson’s ability to reinvent himself late in his career.
Significance of The Rock’s Reinvention
The Rock is universally acknowledged as one of the greatest sports entertainers of all time, but his decision to adopt a new character at a late stage in his WWE tenure is particularly noteworthy. According to sources close to Rhodes, this strategic reinvention not only quieted backlash at the time but also positioned The Rock as a dynamic figure capable of influencing WWE’s creative direction for the foreseeable future.
A WWE insider shared, “The Final Boss persona gave The Rock renewed relevance in the WWE. Instead of relying on nostalgia alone, he created a character that feels contemporary, menacing, and layered—something WWE desperately needed.” This insider noted that WWE officials and talent alike see tremendous opportunity in further developing this character once The Rock returns to the ring on a more permanent basis.
The Rock’s Current Status and Future Prospects
Following WrestleMania 40, The Rock has largely stepped away from WWE television, focusing on his burgeoning Hollywood career. Recently, Johnson appeared at the Venice Film Festival showcasing a dramatic 60-pound weight loss as he prepares for a Martin Scorsese film project alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt — an ambitious departure from his wrestling persona into serious acting roles[3].
Industry observers do not anticipate an immediate WWE return for The Rock, but Rhodes’ public acknowledgments have fueled speculation among fans and insiders that “The Final Boss” chapter is far from over. Given the creative momentum and positive fan response to the new character’s debut, many within WWE are eager to see what lies ahead.
What This Means for WWE and WrestleMania
Cody Rhodes’ respect for The Rock’s adaptability and innovation speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of WWE’s storytelling. The formation of “The Final Boss” was a pivotal moment during a period of uncertainty, helping the company navigate fan expectations while spotlighting Rhodes himself as a key player in major storylines.
Rhodes’ own position as Undisputed WWE Champion and his openness to collaborating and sharing the spotlight with established legends like The Rock signifies a healthy wrestling culture where veterans and rising stars support each other’s growth. The partnership between The Rock and Roman Reigns during WrestleMania 40 illustrated this balance and elevated the entire event’s profile.
Fan Reactions and Speculations
The Rock’s heel turn and new persona initially polarized fans but eventually won many over by showcasing a darker, more enigmatic side of one of WWE’s biggest stars. Wrestling analysts have noted that “The Final Boss” character aligns well with contemporary wrestling trends that favor layered, morally ambiguous characters.
Fans and critics alike widely agree with Rhodes’ assessment that “we’ve just scratched the surface” of this new persona. Several WWE commentators speculate the potential for The Rock to either return to high-profile feuds, possibly involving Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns, or take on a more influential backstage or part-time role that continues to bolster WWE’s global appeal.
Final Thoughts
Cody Rhodes’ high praise for The Rock and his “Final Boss” character confirms that WWE storytelling is undergoing an exciting evolution, with fresh chapters still awaiting to be written by legendary figures. As Rhodes stated, this is far from the final word on a persona that could shape the direction of WWE in the coming years.
According to a WWE insider, “The Final Boss concept is more than a gimmick; it’s an opportunity for WWE to blend legacy with innovation. The groundwork has been laid, and fans should expect more impactful moments whenever The Rock decides to step back into the ring.”
For now, the wrestling world watches eagerly, knowing that with Cody Rhodes and The Rock involved, history is still being made.
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