The Rock Makes Controversial WWE Declaration
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The new Netflix docuseries, WWE: Unreal, is pulling back the curtain on one of the most chaotic and fan-influenced storylines in recent history. In the fourth episode, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson opens up about the creation of his universally acclaimed "Final Boss" character.
The series, which premiered on July 29th, gives fans an unprecedented look into the creative process. It details how WWE's original plans for the main event of WrestleMania 40 were completely upended by the fans.
"The Most Gratifying Decision"
The docuseries features The Rock describing his new heel persona in his own words. He calls the character the "greatest heel professional wrestling has seen."
"There's nothing The Final Boss can't do. There's nothing that The Final Boss can't say," The Rock explained (H/T to F4Wonline.com). "Becoming this new version has been the most gratifying decision that I've ever made."
The "We Want Cody" Movement
The Rock's heel turn and the birth of "The Final Boss" were the direct result of a massive fan rebellion in early 2024. After Cody Rhodes won the Royal Rumble, he appeared to step aside to allow the returning Rock to challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. The fan backlash to this decision was immediate and overwhelming, with the hashtag "#WeWantCody" trending worldwide.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Actor and WWE Professional Wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson attends a press conference to announce a major international event, Wrestle Mania XXIX, at MetLife Stadium on February 16, 2012...
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Actor and WWE Professional Wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson attends a press conference to announce a major international event, Wrestle Mania XXIX, at MetLife Stadium on February 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. More
John W. Ferguson/WireImage
More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match
This groundswell of support forced WWE to make a major creative pivot. At a now-infamous press conference in Las Vegas, The Rock officially turned heel, slapping Cody Rhodes and aligning himself with The Bloodline.
The Birth Of "The Final Boss"
In response to the fan backlash, The Rock expertly leaned into the negativity. He abandoned his heroic "People's Champion" persona and transformed into the arrogant, entitled, "Final Boss." With his long, rambling promos, expensive shirts, and a new, more vicious attitude, he became the most compelling villain in the entire industry.
Not even a top 3 heel of all time — SWAGGY C | $wing Trader (@SwaggyCTV) July 29, 2025
Final Boss can't even show up and explain why John Cena turned heel and joined forces with his arch nemesis — Young Chove 15 (@ImYoungChove15) July 29, 2025
Vince was the greatest heel professional wrestling has ever seen hands down — Mr TKO (@titofromLA) July 29, 2025
Not even close to the greatest heel he's good yes but not the greatest — sharnee get well soon gabe kidd (@zsjmaobrookes) July 29, 2025
Why is he talking about it like he shows up and plays it — TheReplier (@thereplier1234) July 29, 2025
At the time, the situation was so fluid that even top insiders were unsure of the direction, with Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer calling it one of the "strangest weeks in WWE storyline history." The WWE: Unreal docuseries shows how this potential creative disaster was turned into a massive success, culminating in the highest-grossing tag team match in history on Night One of WrestleMania 40.
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