The Rock WrestleMania Absence: Coachman’s Critique Explained

Former WWE commentator Jonathan Coachman recently expressed his disappointment regarding The Rock’s absence from WrestleMania 41, suggesting that it significantly impacted the overall event and the narrative arc surrounding John Cena and Cody Rhodes. Speaking on the “Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling” podcast, Coachman criticized The Rock for choosing not to attend, pointing out that his non-presence overshadowed the 13 other matches scheduled over two nights, leading fans and commentators alike to focus primarily on the celebrity’s decision rather than the talent showcased. Coachman noted that this left a void in the WrestleMania experience, which he considered a disservice to those who competed and worked hard to put on an entertaining show. He contended that The Rock’s absence not only derailed the Cena-Rhodes storyline but also hijacked the event’s energy and excitement, leaving an unsatisfying narrative for viewers and participants alike.

Coachman specifically felt that The Rock should have taken part in WrestleMania instead of other celebrities like Travis Scott to complete the wrestling storyline. He disagreed with The Rock’s post-event justification that he regarded his involvement in the so-called “Final Boss” character as concluded. Coachman emphasized the importance of concluding storylines in wrestling, arguing that The Rock’s mere declaration that his job was done detracted from the narrative momentum that had been building during previous events. By suggesting an alternative where Cena wins the title and then sells his soul to The Rock, Coachman outlined how a climactic partnership could have formed, generating significant excitement and storyline depth. Ultimately, this divergence from expected narratives and The Rock’s absence has left many within the WWE community puzzled, highlighting the complexities of wrestling storylines and the crucial roles played by its iconic figures.

Summary

Former WWE commentator Jonathan Coachman criticized The Rock for not attending WrestleMania 41, arguing that his absence significantly impacted the show’s narrative, particularly the John Cena-Rhodes storyline. Speaking on the “Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling” podcast, Coachman lamented that The Rock’s no-show dominated conversations about the event, overshadowing the 13 matches held over the two nights. He contended that this took energy away from the talents involved and devalued the overall experience, asserting that The Rock’s claim of his character’s storyline being complete was unjustifiable. Coachman proposed that Cena should have won the title from Cody Rhodes and then transitioned into a compelling storyline involving The Rock, suggesting that had The Rock participated, it could have enhanced the event’s excitement and narrative depth.