The Rock Addresses WWE Backstage Rumors on Profanity: 'I'd Rather Be Real Than Not'

The Rock offered no apologies for stretching the boundaries while fully embracing his heel persona upon his return to WWE.

"Networks and 'standards & practices' have issues with my language, but I'd rather be real than not," he said on Instagram, linking a portion of his "Rock concert" promo from SmackDown. "I talk from the heart, shoot from the hip and try to always have fun."

The biggest pushback may not be coming from external sources, though.

Aaron Varble of SEScoops reported Saturday that WWE president Nick Khan, chief content officer Paul Levesque and executive vice president of talent Dan Ventrelle issued a memo reminding on-screen talent to "adhere to PG guidelines on TV and also on social media."

There was a time when profanities were relatively commonplace on WWE programming and wrestlers pushed the envelope on a regular basis. That came to an end in 2008, when the promotion informally ushered in the "PG era" and made a concerted effort to produce a more family-friendly product.

The Rock was decidedly un-PG during portions of his lengthy promo on Friday night, which Varble reported is causing some to say he's benefiting from a double standard.

Being a massive star carries special privileges, and in The Rock's case he has even more influence as a member of the board for WWE's parent company.

It doesn't sound like he's going to tone down his style anytime soon.

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