The Great One’ slated to make his return to the company soon to set up a match against Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. There is speculation that he might return Royal Rumble this year. While, he ha been slated to be involved in WrestleMania 39, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, The Rock’s status for WrestleMania 39 is not set in stone.
The Rock will take the final call about his WrestleMania involvement
It was also noted that the decision ultimately comes down to whether The Rock will get adequate time to prepare for in-ring action and get into the shape required to wrestle again.
“We were told that unless he changes his mind in the next few days, since a deadline for Mania plans is coming, that he’s indicated he won’t have time to get into the kind of shape he feels he needs to be in to do a main event match with Roman Reigns, but kept the door open for something in the future. Of course it is a possibility that it’s something being kept a secret from everyone.
WWE has always had a backup direction this year given they were aware Johnson was not a sure thing for some time, and as time went on and he didn’t agree, felt the likelihood had lessened. I don’t know that he’s officially turned it down, but the only indication is that it was considered less likely than a few months ago.
Johnson right now has different projects going on, most importantly the launching of the XFL which debuts the weekend of 2/18 and he will be very heavily involved with the promotion of the league. He had said he would need to have training time to be able to get in ring shape. So his decision comes down to his belief of having adequate time to prepare.”
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter further noted that despite the fact that Cody Rhodes’ Royal Rumble return was announced, Rhodes was not cleared for competition when WWE broke the news about his return:
“Rhodes has been training in Orlando to get ready. We were told he was not cleared as of when his name was announced, but the fact it was announced tells me it’s just a formality.”
