Following The Rock’s return to WWE during the New Year, he is already making headlines for his appearances and matches. It seems that despite quitting wrestling and venturing into Hollywood, Dwayne Johnson somehow remained relevant in the wrestling universe. And now, as he entered the T-Mobile Arena, for the WrestleMania 40 kickoff, Johnson set the stage on fire.
The Rock was seen slapping Cody Rhodes right in the face during the WrestleMania 40 kickoff press conference. Unfortunately, Rhodes didn’t give the reaction that Dwyane Johnson had anticipated. Meanwhile, CM Punk, who was present during the broadcast of the press conference, said Johnson needs to get slapped by Rhodes.
The Rock Slapped Cody Rhodes During WrestleMania 40 Kickoff
As WWE just began its WrestleMania 40 kickoff press conference, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes entered the T-Mobile Arena to set the stage on fire. Although previously, after The Rock’s return to WWE, the company had planned a match between him and Reigns, but now, with Rhodes in the mix, fans are left baffled.
Unfortunately, despite his big comeback, The Rock didn’t get the respect or reaction from fans that he anticipated. Therefore, he seemed quite flustered backstage. Fans began chanting “we want Cody”, which further infuriated Dwayne Johnson, and he began referring to Cody fans as the “Cody crybabies”. But as the chants increased, Johnson showed a picture of his family bloodline to the fans and asked them to “respect it”.
Even then, despite his million tries, The Rock couldn’t derive the respect and reaction from fans that he expected. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes came ahead without any entrance music and teased that he had made up his mind on who would be his WrestleMania opponent. Naming Roman Reigns as his choice, Rhodes seemingly infuriated Dwayne Johnson.
Ultimately, failing to control himself, after disrespect on stage and Cody Rhodes choosing Roman Reigns over him, The Rock lost his control and slapped Rhodes. It is unknown if the slap was scripted, but Johnson seemed visibly upset at Cody’s decision.
CM Punk Said He Would Punch The Rock if He Slapped Him
Following this sudden slap on Cody Rhodes’ face, The Rock further threatened, “I’ll slap the p*ss out of you again”. But somehow, Rhodes didn’t seem to react to the incident. Meanwhile, CM Punk, who was present during the broadcast of the press conference, gave his brutal reaction to the slap. Although Punk’s tricep injury is holding him back from performing in this year’s WrestleMania, his tongue is free to comment.
Giving his thoughts on what happened on the stage, during the press conference, CM Punk seemed visibly agitated to attack The Rock. Expressing his desire, Punk added, “I want to see Cody punch Rock Right in the face”. Further referring to his AEW brawl, Punk noted that if he were on stage in Rhodes’ place, he would have undoubtedly put his hands on Dwayne Johnson.
The Rock in the background looking at CM Punk like “I know this mf ain’t talking about me” LMAOOOOO 😂😂pic.twitter.com/VRRYZW5MaE
— Public Enemies Podcast (@TheEnemiesPE3) February 9, 2024
Claiming that he wouldn’t have backed down after such disrespect onstage, CM Punk noted that even Cody Rhodes should put The Rock in his place. Sharing his reaction to the slap, Punk mentioned that he can punch Dwayne Johnson in the face if he slapped him. Punk’s response seemed to point to his lack of respect for Johnson’s new role in WWE after his comeback.
