Pro wrestling's biggest annual event, WrestleMania 41, saw record viewership and sales figures this year. However, controversy quickly overshadowed the success following the main event finish.
The highly anticipated match featured long-time star John Cena challenging fan-favorite Cody Rhodes for the promotion's top championship. The outcome saw Cena win the title, a historic moment for the performer.
Yet, the conclusion of the match involved unexpected outside interference, not from another wrestler, but from musician Travis Scott. Scott's involvement directly influenced the match result.
Critics and fans swiftly pointed to the absence of Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, as the reason for the controversial finish. Many expected Johnson, who is also a board member of the wrestling promotion's parent company, to play a role in the match finish.
Reports suggest Scott was a last-minute replacement for Johnson. This substitution felt weak to many viewers. It also failed to boost the status of any wrestling performer as a villain.
Dwayne Johnson had significant involvement in the lead-up to the prior year's WrestleMania, at one point challenging Rhodes himself before stepping aside. Remember him showing up to a mid-level PLE Bad Blood and patting his goosebumps and holding up a few fingers.
The awkward finish drew sharp criticism for making Rhodes appear indecisive despite being portrayed as a top star. It also tarnished Cena's historic title win for some observers.
Commentators labeled the match finish a "historic dud." They argue it reflects misguided booking decisions potentially tied to Johnson's status within the company.
The incident raises questions about how the promotion plans to blend celebrity appearances with its wrestling storylines moving forward. Fans remain vocal about the finish.
