The Rock Reportedly Not 'Set to Return Anytime Soon' amid WWE SummerSlam Rumors

WWE fans were left disappointed when The Rock didn't make an appearance at WrestleMania 41, and his absence from the company is reportedly set to continue as the SummerSlam premium live event draws nearer.

According to Bodyslam.net (h/t Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News), The Rock isn't expected to be back on WWE television anytime soon, likely ruling him out of the two-night SummerSlam on Aug. 2-3 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

"Internal sources stated that there is no indication that The Rock is scheduled to return in the near future, meaning he will most likely be absent at the upcoming SummerSlam premium live event," the report stated.

The Rock appeared to be set up as the primary antagonist for Cody Rhodes after he facilitated John Cena's shocking heel turn at the Elimination Chamber premium live event on March 1. However, he didn't make any other appearances during the buildup to Rhodes' match against Cena at WrestleMania 41, and he skipped the company's flagship event as Cena defeated Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Cena and Rhodes will meet once again for their highly anticipated rematch in the SummerSlam main event, but they will once again have to finish their story without The Rock. It's unclear how "The Final Boss" will factor into future WWE storylines as he continues his hiatus from the company.