Dwayne Johnson turns heel ahead of WrestleMania by embracing ‘Hollywood Rock’ gimmick as WWE adds villain amid sex-trafficking lawsuit against Vince McMahon
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a complete turn on this week’s episode of Friday Night Smackdown in Salt Lake City, Utah, after dealing with weeks of backlash from fans leading up to WrestleMania.
While The Rock’s turnaround will certainly dominate headlines across the wrestling world, the decision has not put to rest the sexual abuse and human trafficking allegations against former chairman Vince McMahon.
The Rock was already positioned to face WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns following his recent return to WWE TV, although it appears the company has changed its plans after seeing a negative reaction from fans.
Wrestling fanatics overturned the booking decision to pit the WWE legend against Reigns after teasing a match with the popular Cody Rhodes for two years.”
They have also expressed their displeasure personally by calling out The Rock during live shows. Others sent death threats to The Rock’s daughter, Ava, who is currently cast as general manager of WWE’s developmental brand, NXT.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a complete turn on this week’s episode of Smackdown
The Rock also officially joined Roman Reigns faction ‘The Bloodline’
During Friday’s episode, The Rock appeared in an outfit that reminded longtime fans of his “Hollywood Rock” gimmick when he previously played a heel (the industry term for a villain). And in case there was any doubt about Rock’s new wrestling persona, he was also announced as a member of Reigns’ villain faction, ‘The Bloodline’, for the very first time before delivering a classic heel promo.
“Finally, one day you and your fifty wives will have a story to tell your six hundred inbred children,” The Rock said as a shot to the Utah crowd.
He also took shots at the fans he dubbed “Cody crybabies” for the widespread backlash calling for Rhodes to face Reigns at WrestleMania instead of The Rock himself.
Last week, it looked like The Rock was aligning himself with Reigns after he stood side by side with Universal Champion at the WrestleMania press conference in Las Vegas and even punched Rhodes in the face while on stage.
The Rock and the ‘Tribal Chief’ then walked out of the arena before being recorded having a heated conversation with Chief Content Officer Triple HHH.
Fans on social media seemed excited about the return of the “Hollywood Rock” character, excitedly posting numerous tweets.
“I can’t wait to see where this goes,” said one fan.
“Yayy My favorite ‘The Rock'” posted another.
‘I’m so all in. Best heel turn I’ve seen in a long time,” declared another.
“Yaay most exciting member of the bloodline,” another posted.
‘The Rock has finally become a man. HOLLYWOOD ROCK IS BACK IN THE CUT,” another post read.
Fans online seemed incredibly excited about the return of the ‘Hollywood Rock’ character
While The Rock’s turn and the storyline that preceded it have become one of the most talked about topics in the wrestling world, many have raised the point that the whole thing has been a huge ploy by the company to distract from the assault. and allegations of human trafficking surrounding the McMahon family.
McMahon has also come under fire for another set of sexual assault allegations related to the late former WWE wrestler Ashley Massaro. His daughter Stephanie McMahon is also said to have helped cover up the incident.
Massaro committed suicide five years ago, months after the dismissal of a lawsuit alleging head injuries from wrestling left her depressed and addicted to painkillers.
The former competitor additionally claimed prior to her death that the WWE discouraged her from reporting that she had been sexually assaulted on a military base during WWE’s 2006 tour of Kuwait.
She also accused McMahon of abuse and claimed that WWE discouraged her from reporting the alleged assault.
WWE released a statement following Massaro’s suicide, claiming they were never informed of the former wrestler’s allegations.
The Rock’s return has diverted attention from the sexual abuse and human trafficking allegations against Vince McMahon
Stephanie McMahon has also been accused of covering up sexual abuse complaints against former WWE star Ashley Massaro
Massaro previously complained to the WWE that she was sexually assaulted during the organization’s 2006 tour of Kuwait
McMahon resigned as executive chairman of UFC and WWE’s parent company TKO over the allegations
Massaro’s girlfriend, Stephanie, recently made her feel “comfortable” walking into a board meeting before turning on her and trying to cover up the star’s complaints.
Cara Pipia revealed the claims she says Massaro told her, adding, “She often spoke to Vince McMahon.
“Vince had his daughter (Stephanie) take his place because she was a feminine woman and to make Ashley comfortable, and they just played with her.
“They’re playing with her because everything Stephanie felt comfortable and safe with, as soon as they walked into this board meeting, Ashley was all alone.
“She was threatened and there was no compassion, no sympathy, there was nothing,” she added.