The wrestling world is abuzz with speculation following John Cena’s unexpected revelation about his past feud with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a confession that has ignited rumors of a potential WWE reunion. During a promotional interview for his hit series Peacemaker, Cena opened up about his regret for publicly criticizing The Rock in the early 2010s, when he labeled the former WWE champion a “sellout” for prioritizing Hollywood over wrestling. Cena, now a successful actor himself, admitted he was wrong to judge The Rock’s career pivot, acknowledging the challenges of balancing both industries. “I was shortsighted,” Cena said, praising The Rock’s work ethic and influence. This rare moment of vulnerability from the 17-time world champion has sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe.
The Rock, a global icon and former WWE cornerstone, transitioned to Hollywood with blockbuster hits like Jumanji and Fast & Furious. At the time, Cena’s barbs—calling him out for “abandoning” wrestling—fueled one of the most iconic rivalries in WWE history, culminating in their legendary WrestleMania 28 and 29 showdowns. Their real-life tension added authenticity to the matches, with Cena famously mocking The Rock’s wrist notes during promos. Now, with Cena reflecting on his own Hollywood success, including roles in The Suicide Squad and Fast X, he expressed admiration for The Rock’s trailblazing path. “He showed us it’s possible to do both,” Cena noted, hinting at a newfound respect.
Fans on X have erupted with theories about what this could mean for WWE’s future. Many believe Cena’s apology is a deliberate setup for a blockbuster storyline, possibly at WrestleMania 42 in 2026. The Rock, who made a brief WWE return in 2024 as a heel with The Bloodline, has remained silent on Cena’s comments, adding to the mystery. Insiders suggest The Rock’s current commitments with A24 projects and his XFL ventures make a full-time return unlikely, but a one-off match could be in the cards. The idea of a third WrestleMania clash, this time with a narrative of reconciliation, has fans buzzing with excitement.
WWE’s creative team is reportedly eager to capitalize on this momentum, especially after the tragic loss of Roman Reigns, which has left a void in the company’s main event scene. A Cena-Rock reunion, whether as allies or rivals, could fill that gap and draw massive viewership. Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, has hinted at “big plans” for 2026, fueling speculation that the two legends could share the ring again. For now, Cena’s candid regret has opened a Pandora’s box of possibilities, leaving fans to wonder if these titans will bury the hatchet or reignite their storied rivalry. As the wrestling world watches closely, this unfolding saga promises to keep WWE in the headlines, with The Rock and Cena at the heart of the drama.
