Rumor: The Rock Declined An Appearance For SmackDown 1000

The WWE Universe seems to be generally happy with the SmackDown 1000 show, but a lot of fans aren’t happy about The Rock missing the event. People understand that WWE isn’t his priority anymore and his commitments from Hollywood kept him from being in Washington DC. However, The Rock not even doing a taped promo is a slap in the face.

Not everyone feels that way, but John Cena found a few minutes to do a taped promo for the show. WWE just released a video journal following Batista as he went from Toronto to DC and back in one day. Obviously, there are some questions about the dynamic with The People’s Champion and WWE officials after the former missed SmackDown 1000.

Related: The Rock Offered Eight Figures To Work Saudi Arabia Show

According to a report from PWInsider Elite, The Rock had every intention to appear on the broadcast via satellite. However, the recent controversy against WWE with Saudi Arabia is bad press for someone in his position. The belief is The Great One declined the appearance because he couldn’t risk being associated with the company at this time.

There’s no proof on the issue until The People’s Champion goes on record somewhere to confirm the rumor. It’s not out of the question for his management to advice him to not appear on WWE television until after Crown Jewel is over. With The Rock filming and a spin-off of the Fast and Furious series, it’s not the right time to take unnecessary risks.

FULL SEGMENT - The Rock and Ronda Rousey confront The Authority: WrestleMania 31 (WWE Network)

It’s possible that no one would have said anything about The Rock doing a taped promo for SmackDown 1000. Regardless, the show is over and he didn’t make an appearance. It seems like it’ll be some time before The Great One returns to WWE for a cup of coffee.

Were you disappointed that The Rock didn’t appear at SmackDown 1000?