WWE Talent More Confused Than Frustrated By The Rock's Absence From WrestleMania 41

Regardless of your thoughts on WWE WrestleMania 41, most can agree that The Rock loomed large over the event, with his absence somewhat anticlimactic.

A report from Fightful Select suggests that rather than frustration, WWE talent are instead confused by The Rock’s absence from Mania 41, with it noted how Rock was absent from all WWE TV leading up to and including WrestleMania, and how Rock did no promotion for the show, but was quick to make media appearances afterwards discussing what he’d have done differently. A WWE talent reportedly stated that: "We all found it kind of weird that he didn’t promote the show at all."

One source noted how the “card is at the mercy of Dwayne” comment from last year works both ways, with Rock apparently not wanting to interfere and prove this comment right, whilst not realising how integral he was to the main event story.

After facilitating John Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber, most assumed Rock would appear during Cena’s main event WWE Championship clash with Cody Rhodes, but alas he did not. A post-WrestleMania appearance on the Pat McAfee Show turned some elements of the online fanbase away from The Rock, with Rock’s comments seen by some as self-serving. Busted Open host Dave LaGreca would rant about Rock’s conduct and claimed he threw Triple H 'under the bus', to which ‘The Great One’ replied on Instagram.

It has been said that Rock’s absence could be seen as an ‘overcorrection’ as opposed to WrestleMania XL, where his insertion into main event plans was heavily criticised before WWE course corrected affairs with the ‘Final Boss’ heel turn.

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