While addressing the media at the Royal Rumble press conference after Saturday’s event, Paul “Triple H” Levesque seemed to finally put one of the most extensive speculations in the pro wrestling world to bed. When asked whether The Rock would be appearing at WrestleMania 39 on April 1 and April 2 at SoFi Stadium, he said that “I just don’t think it’s in the cards.”
He poured cold water over a lot of fans’ fantasy booking dreams, saying:
“He can’t get in shape in time, that’s what you all tell me,” Levesque joked, before answering the question in earnest. He’s incredibly busy, and there’s a part of him that if he could be here for this WrestleMania in Hollywood, he would turn over every stone and walk through fire to be able to do it. I just don’t think it’s in the cards.”
What did @TripleH have to say regarding potential plans for @TheRock when #WrestleMania goes Hollywood this April?
"The Game" gets honest and candid about the biggest movie star and WWE icon. pic.twitter.com/4WPFVTSmun
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2023
Levesque added said there is mutual respect between The Rock and WWE, and that he would not expect the former to appear if he could not devote himself fully to the experience.
“That respect factor both ways, he wouldn’t want to do it unless he could absolutely do it, you know? There’s no way he would show up here and half-ass it, there’s no way he would show up here and not come in and put every single thing into it to make it the best it could possibly be. So unless he could do that, it won’t happen.”
HHH did note that the door remains open for appearances by the Hollywood megastar, for whom the company has an open-door policy.
“We always have conversations with him because he loves it so much, and we’d love for him to be part of it. He’s the biggest star in Hollywood, maybe the most recognizable person in the planet. This is his home. He has an open invitation. We don’t lock the door… but he’s incredibly busy. But he knows the door’s open and when he has the time to walk through it he can come in and electrify everybody.”
Are we being worked by Triple H?
