WWE Doesn't Need The Rock for WrestleMania 41 to Be a Massive Success

Even with WrestleMania 41 taking place during Easter weekend this year, the WWE does not need Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson for the massive Las Vegas spectacle to be successful.

There is no doubt that WWE advertising an appearance from Johnson would make the event more exciting, especially for older wrestling fans, but between a loaded existing roster and ample legends to recruit for the event, the company is in a good position.

Here are the reasons why WWE wouldn't be lost without The Rock at WrestleMania.

Loaded Existing Roster

One of the biggest reasons Johnsons is not needed this year for WrestleMania is also one of the company's most admirable attributes: its loaded existing main roster. While not true yearly, WWE has enough star power in 2025 to carry it through its biggest show without The Rock.

On the men's side, Cody Rhodes and Gunther have carried the world titles well, while top names Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, Jey Uso, Kevin Owens, Randy Orton, and more have made midcard storylines important all year.

The women's divisions on both shows have improved with better angles and storytelling, led by Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Bianca Belair, and others. Add in the returns of Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Jade Cargill, and the depth across the main roster is undeniably strong.

With WWE recently adding several championships and putting a renewed focus on existing titles, WrestleMania 42 can be a spectacle highlighting every belt on the roster, with several new champions crowned.

Instead of leaning on legends, let the Royal Rumble winners each main event a night of WrestleMania. Problem solved.

Other Legends and Debuting Superstars

If WWE cannot get The Rock but still insists on leaning on the past to build excitement for the Las Vegas PLE, there are ample options for them to choose from the history books.

From "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Brock Lesnar to Trish Stratus and Lita, there are plenty of former WWE Superstars who could be utilized either in a physical capacity as part of a match or as a way to add intrigue to an existing storyline.

Another name guaranteed for the show is John Cena, who holds mainstream star power as well.

Or, instead of depending on stars of the past like The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan, WWE can work on debuting several marquee NXT names and giving them worthy programs leading into the biggest show of the year.

Superstars in the making, like Ethan Page, Wes Lee, Roxanne Perez, Trick Williams, Jordynne Grace, and the tag team of Nathan Frazer and Axiom, should all be given the time that would have been used for The Rock.

An Unadvertised Arrival

Another distinct possibility is that WWE believes it doesn't need The Rock as part of the card to draw people in, but could use him in a one-off, unadvertised spot that sets the stage for a full year of storylines.

While Johnson is a director and shareholder in TKO Group Holdings, WWE knows WrestleMania is the sport's Super Bowl and doesn't require the legend's presence to sell tickets or generate interest.

What Triple H and WWE Creative do need, though, is for people to tune into Raw and SmackDown in the weeks following WrestleMania. One way to ensure interest in the premium live event is to have The Rock show up unannounced at the end of Night 2.

In an ideal world, Rhodes would lose his title to Reigns in the 2025 WrestleMania main event. As the new champion is celebrating, Johnson should hit the ring to embrace his cousin, only to hit him with a Rock Bottom and set the tone for the road to WrestleMania 42.

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