Credit: DisneyDwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, has been a familiar face in the Disney universe, bringing his signature charisma and larger-than-life presence to the big screen.
From his unforgettable role as the demigod Maui in Moana (2016) and Moana 2 (2024) to leading the charge in Jungle Cruise (2021) as the wisecracking Frank Wolff, Johnson has proven time and again that he’s more than just muscles and wrestling fame—he’s a bona fide Disney star.
Fans were thrilled when it was announced that Johnson would reprise his role as Maui in the live-action version of Moana, set to release in 2026.
But while Disney fans are eagerly anticipating his return, Johnson is dealing with some frustrating news in another corner of his career.
It turns out that Johnson is not too pleased with recent reports leaking details about his future in professional wrestling. Specifically, news broke that he will not be appearing at WrestleMania 41, and that revelation has left him fuming.
According to Dave Meltzer from Wrestling Observer Radio, Johnson was “mad” that his absence from the event was made public months before the big show. The leak, which began circulating in November and December, caught Johnson off guard, especially since he preferred to keep those details under wraps until an official announcement.
Why is this such a big deal? For starters, Johnson’s relationship with wrestling is deeply personal. Despite his massive success in Hollywood, The Rock has never turned his back on the WWE universe. His surprise returns, epic showdowns, and electrifying promos have always been a treat for fans, blending nostalgia with pure entertainment.
So, when news of his absence hit the wrestling world, it was more than just a scheduling update—it was a blow to fans who were hoping to see him in action again.
But there’s a bit more to the story. One of the main reasons Johnson might be missing WrestleMania 41 is due to reshoots for the Moana live-action film. The dates for WrestleMania—April 19 and 20, 2025—seem to conflict with his filming commitments.
While this is great news for Disney fans eager to see him bring Maui to life again, it’s a tough pill to swallow for wrestling enthusiasts who were looking forward to his potential match against Cody Rhodes. Their on-screen feud had been heating up, and fans were excited for a possible showdown that would have pitted Johnson’s legendary status against Rhodes’ rising star power.
Interestingly, Meltzer mentioned that Johnson’s frustration over the leaks might even push him to reconsider his absence. “I bet he does the show now just because he’s so mad that everyone is reporting it,” one of Meltzer’s sources said. It wouldn’t be out of character for The Rock to make a surprise appearance just to shake things up—he’s known for keeping fans on their toes.
For now, though, it seems Johnson’s focus is firmly on his Disney commitments. With the live-action Moana expected to hit theaters in July 2026, there’s no doubt he wants to ensure the film is as magical as the original.
After all, Maui is one of his most beloved roles, and the chance to revisit that character is something Johnson has spoken about with excitement. Balancing his Disney projects and wrestling commitments isn’t easy, but Johnson has always been a master at juggling multiple roles.
In the meantime, Disney fans can rest easy knowing that while The Rock might be furious about his wrestling news getting out, he’s still bringing that same passion and energy to his upcoming projects with the House of Mouse.
Whether he’s on the wrestling mat or sailing the ocean as Maui, Johnson continues to be one of the most dynamic entertainers around. And if history has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected when it comes to The Rock—whether he’s laying the smackdown in the WWE or making waves in the Disney universe.