WWE News: Backstage Lowdown on The Rock vs. John Cena, 'Promo Notes'

When John Cena broke the fourth wall by pointing out the "promo notes" scribbled on The Rock's wrist, fans couldn't believe their ears.

The shock wasn't a result of the audience suddenly hearing a wrestler use inside terminology for the first time, either.

CM Punk, in particular, has been notorious for making smarmy remarks about his foes that have blurred the line between fiction and reality.

It's just that, on the February 27 edition of RAW, the audience witnessed the goody two-shoes babyface and company man in John Cena literally break new ground.

Up until last Monday, Cena's character had become a caricature of sorts, existing in a vacuum dependent upon the rules of the WWE universe.

But the moment he referenced The Rock's wrist notes, he opened the blinds into a world where John Cena the man stood in opposition to Dwayne Johnson.

The corrosive barb burned a hole right through Johnson's composure, too, whose stunned reaction lent credence to an exchange gone wrong.

Out of nowhere, the poised "Great One" was at a loss for words, repeating his rebuttal about "Dwayne Johnson and The Rock being the same person" ad nauseum.

To cap off his frustration, he chucked the microphone out of the ring and muttered obscenities under his breath.

Clearly, The Rock was flustered and shell-shocked by Cena's accusation.

Consequently, to argue that the "promo notes" line and aftermath were planned would give the WWE too much credit, as it was reflective of a subtlety the company has never been known for.

In fact, according to F4WOnline.com (via LordsofPain.net), there are people in the organization who believed something was amiss:

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Some in WWE claim that Cena pointing this out was unscripted.

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Regardless of whether the line was scripted or offhanded, though, it has been confirmed that, overall, John Cena was supposed to be perceived as the victor in his verbal duel with The Rock:

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The verbal battle between The Rock and John Cena on Monday's RAW Supershow from Portland was designed for Cena to get the upper-hand this time around.

WWE officials are determined to get a 50/50 reaction for both men at WrestleMania 28 in Miami.

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Suffice it to say, it is unfortunate that after all these years, the WWE is adamant about getting the fans to approve of Cena by any means necessary.

Instead of trying to manipulate its viewers—who have steadfastly refused to surrender to the brainwashing of the past seven years—the company should establish a definitive face/heel dichotomy between Rock and Cena.

Naturally, in this feud, most are inclined to noisily cheer for The Rock and vehemently jeer Cena.

However, by messing with a dynamic that is organic and intrinsic for the sole purpose of shoring up Cena's popularity, fans are likely to become confused.

Even worse, there is nothing to be gained from the standpoint of fan perception if Cena could only rise by undermining The Rock's skills as a public speaker (of which the majority of his credibility has been founded upon).

At best, heading into WrestleMania 28, the sum of their parts will remain the same, and, at worst, lose collective value.

In reality, in order for both to shine equally, The Rock and Cena must occupy different planes—the former as the babyface and the latter as the heel.

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