In a surprising twist, Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, is making waves in the wrestling world once again. Despite juggling numerous ventures, his love for WWE is undiminished, leading to a significant return in an official capacity in 2024. This move has sparked discussions among fans and experts as it seems to channel the spirit of the WWE’s iconic Attitude Era, famously marked by the legendary rivalry between former WWE boss Vince McMahon and the fan-favorite, Stone Cold Steve Austin. Johnson now serves as a member of the TKO Board of Directors, having been appointed last year, and plays a pivotal role in the build-up to WrestleMania 40.
Dwayne Johnson, embracing his power role, has crafted a captivating character known as The Final Boss within the WWE Universe. This resurrection of his WWE persona has gained widespread attention, especially as The Rock navigates the path to WrestleMania 41, targeting his rival, Cody Rhodes, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion. The storyline between Johnson and Rhodes draws inevitable comparisons to bygone feuds, and it seems The Rock is resurrecting the McMahon-Austin dynamic, with himself as the formidable boss figure challenging the champion.
Notable wrestling commentators, including Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez from Wrestling Observer Radio, have observed the similarities. Meltzer commented that Johnson’s approach mirrors Vince McMahon’s iconic shenanigans with Stone Cold Steve Austin. Alvarez recalled how McMahon would wrestle Austin, indicating a possibility of similar confrontations between Johnson and Cody Rhodes, with Meltzer affirming that Johnson could potentially deliver matches exceeding those of McMahon.
“I got the impression he was coming back to be Mr. McMahon and try to make Cody Rhodes his Steve Austin,” observed Meltzer, with Alvarez adding, “Ultimately, [The Rock] could too. I would trust that he would do a better job in a match than Vince McMahon did.”
The storyline positioning aligns with Meltzer and Alvarez’s insights, depicting Johnson as a relentless boss placing hurdles before the top WWE star, Rhodes. The Rock’s narrative of turning John Cena heel echoes McMahon’s actions with The Rock back in the day, offering modern-day parallels to the Austin-McMahon feud, thus reviving shades of the Attitude Era in WWE today.
The revival unfolds as the WWE navigates the aftermath of Vince McMahon’s exit. Former WWE employee Janel Grant accused McMahon and John Laurinaitis of serious allegations, ultimately leading to McMahon’s resignation from his role at TKO Group Holdings. This resignation involved selling his remaining shares, leaving an indelible impact on WWE’s operations. Brock Lesnar’s recent connection to this legal brouhaha further complicates matters, ensnaring the wrestling giant in an intricate web of accusations.
Despite these controversies, Dwayne Johnson has not spoken against McMahon, acknowledging the significant opportunities the former chairman provided him. Johnson’s portrayal of The Final Boss in WWE and his narratives with Rhodes serve as testaments to McMahon’s enduring legacy, demonstrating respect for the man who played a crucial role in his ascent to fame.
As WWE fans engross themselves in the unfolding Rhodes-Johnson saga, they witness the impact of Johnson’s return, with potential echoes of even more thrilling confrontations. With the road to WrestleMania 41 advancing rapidly, this narrative gains momentum, ensuring the shadow of the Attitude Era continues to cast its influence, now spearheaded by The Rock himself.
