The Rock’s return to WWE earlier this year was met with initial fan backlash, but his presence ultimately proved to be a major factor in the success of one of the greatest WrestleManias of all time. However, rumors began circulating of backstage discontent among some wrestlers regarding The Rock’s extended screen time and special treatment.
Shane Helms, a longtime WWE producer known as The Hurricane, recently addressed these alleged complaints in an interview on the Behind The Turnbuckle Podcast. Helms asserted that The Rock’s status as a megastar justified his privileged position.
“The Rock ain’t taking nobody’s spot,” Helms said. “The Rock’s spot is solidified. If he wants to show up, that’s his spot. That’s just how it’s gonna be, and people have to recognize that.”
Helms compared The Rock’s situation to that of Dave Chappelle in the comedy world. “You go to a comedy club. If Dave Chappelle shows up, somebody might get bumped. That’s just how it’s gonna be. That’s just how it is. When you got the level, stars have gravity. That’s why they’re stars.”
Helms emphasized that The Rock’s return brought in new viewers and attention, which benefited the company as a whole. He pointed to the positive fan feedback, increased ratings, and sold-out arenas as evidence of The Rock’s positive impact.
It’s important to note that the alleged backstage complaints were less about The Rock’s screen time and more about the amount of screen time he was receiving, as well as his being given the green light to swear. The Rock regularly received thirty minutes or more of SmackDown’s two hours for his Bloodline segments with Roman Reigns and company, and his WrestleMania match went almost forty-five minutes.
However, Helms argued that The Rock had earned his privileged position through years of hard work and dedication. “No one is just handed thirty minute segments of television time in wrestling,” Helms said. “You fight to get some time on television, and in an ideal world, a character with some kind of storyline or interesting gimmick. Then, you make the most of whatever time you do get.”
Helms believes that the wrestlers who are allegedly unhappy with The Rock’s treatment should focus on improving their own performances rather than dwelling on his success. “The Rock has earned his,” Helms said. “Anyone in the back who has a problem with that should take The Hurricane’s reality check and start focusing on how to make the most of whatever time they’re getting.”
The Rock’s return to WWE was a major success, and his status as a megastar justified his privileged position backstage. Wrestlers who are allegedly unhappy with The Rock’s treatment should focus on improving their own performances rather than begrudging his success.
