# Any Pro Wrestling Fans in the Audience? (Multiple promotions) (Part 2) **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** boxing-wrestling-mma\ **Created:** [May 13, 2022, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374 "2022-05-13T17:23:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 65
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2024, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1282 "2024-02-03T04:30:06Z")
…and here comes Dwayne to pull the rug out from under Cody and kill 2 years of buildup. > **[The Rock Appears To Replace Cody Rhodes As Roman Reigns' WWE WrestleMania...](https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1508738/rock-appears-replace-cody-rhodes-roman-reigns-wwe-wrestlemania-challenger/)** > > Instead of Cody Rhodes, it appears Reigns will be facing his cousin, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, at WrestleMania, following the events of "WWE SmackDown." ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2024, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1283 "2024-02-03T21:23:37Z")
PWInsider reports that the Rock personally used his new spot on TKO’s board of directors to overrule Triple H and put himself in the Wrestlemania main event. [https://pwinsider.com/article/179954/so-what-happened-to-the-wrestlemania-main-event-picture-the-rock.html?p=1](https://pwinsider.com/article/179954/so-what-happened-to-the-wrestlemania-main-event-picture-the-rock.html?p=1) Judging from the fan reaction so far, this isn’t going to go the way he wants it to. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1284 "2024-02-04T02:05:21Z")
In less aggravating news, Bounty Hunter Bryan Keith has signed with AEW! I got to see him live in DEFY past year, and he’s worked a few matches on Dynamite as enhancement, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do as a full-time member of the roster. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1285 "2024-02-04T02:39:32Z")
Lost in the Rock/Roman debacle was how good the Bayley/Damage Control break-up was handled. For the first time, the Kabuki Warriors were actually the heels, and Bayley was a (somewhat) smart babyface. Weakest performance was Iyo, but she did … alright. Not bad, but could have been better. Dakota Kai was absent, so it will be interesting to see where she lands. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1286 "2024-02-04T02:40:04Z")
I don’t believe Punk has any new injury. They were planning for Cody to win the rumble and fight Reigns until Vince was taken out of the picture. Only Vince would have wanted Lesnar back anyway. Sorry we had to find out why. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1287 "2024-02-04T02:43:06Z")
Way too conspiracy theory for me. Punk’s injury changed the plans, WWE and Rock screwed the pooch while trying to roll with the punches. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1288 "2024-02-04T03:02:17Z")
> [@D\_Odds](#): > > Punk’s injury changed the plans, WWE and Rock screwed the pooch while trying to roll with the punches. That’s what Meltzer and PWI are reporting - Dwayne told the board that with Punk and Brock out he was the only one that could save Wrestlemania. I’m sure the $30 million bonus now coming his way is completely coincidental. Meltzer is likening it to the way he pushed for a standalone Black Adam movie and wanted to be the villain in the next Superman movie before Black Adam bombed and WB decided to reboot the DCU. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1289 "2024-02-04T06:23:28Z")
God, I hate having to agree with Logan Paul about something. > ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1290 "2024-02-04T14:13:24Z")
I never expected The Rock to be the 800-lb gorilla that took Vince’s place as WWE tyrant, but then again I’m not really surprised. I thought his “feud” with Vin Diesel was kayfabe until I saw how legalese-infested their fight scene was in FnF. His Young Rock show couched his life inside an interview where he expressed interest in running for US president. Now he’s upset Cody’s years-long campaign to reinvent himself outside of WWE Creative’s parameters. Vince at least let bygones be bygones. Rock just said “Cody who?” ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1291 "2024-02-04T14:41:44Z")
It’s a good decision. They need Wrestlemania to draw outside of wrestling regulars. The Rock has name power. They need a strong hand on the tiller also. HHH does a decent job put he’s got no high level pull. There was no question that The Rock was going to get his way. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1292 "2024-02-04T21:37:55Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > It’s a good decision. They need Wrestlemania to draw outside of wrestling regulars. The question is: is a one-off appearance going to translate into Peacock and Netflix subscriptions and people sticking around to watch the product once Dwayne’s back to the boardroom? I don’t think it will, and the fan backlash doesn’t seem to be going away. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1293 "2024-02-04T21:48:35Z")
How does Cody facing Reigns at WrestleMania improve that situation? Right now it’s about ticket sales. They have to sell out Mania and boost merch sales. They’re getting new exposure worldwide and The Rock is the biggest name they have at the moment. It’s up to creative to make this attractive for Mania and beyond. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2024, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1294 "2024-02-04T22:00:01Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > They have to sell out Mania They sold 90,000 tickets the day it went on sale. [WrestleMania 40 Breaks WWE® All-Time Gate Record in One Day – World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.](https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2023/08-21-2023-140118744#:~:text=08%2F21%2F2023&text=WrestleMania%2040%2C%20which%20takes%20place,went%20on%20sale%20last%20Friday). Incidentally, it’s been nearly 48 hours and “#WeWantCody” is still one of the top trends on Twitter, and you’ve even got Forbes reporting on how this is looking like a bad move. I haven’t seen a backlash like this since Batista won the Royal Rumble ten years ago. > **[The Rock’s WrestleMania 40 Power Play Continues To Receive Backlash](https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2024/02/04/the-rocks-wrestlemania-40-power-play-continues-to-receive-backlash/?sh=44d00fac251a)** > > The Rock’s unintentional heel turn continued as the newly appointed TKO Board Member wasted no time flexing his muscles on SmackDown. Backlash ensued. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2024, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1295 "2024-02-05T01:43:36Z")
They need to sell PPVs and subscriptions. That’s what it’s all about. > [@Smapti](#): > > Incidentally, it’s been nearly 48 hours and “#WeWantCody” is still one of the top trends on Twitter, and you’ve even got Forbes reporting on how this is looking like a bad move. I haven’t seen a backlash like this since Batista won the Royal Rumble ten years ago. Proof that it’s working. Cody on his own was not going to generate that kind of heat. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2024, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1296 "2024-02-05T03:09:22Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Proof that it’s working. Cody on his own was not going to generate that kind of heat. Dwayne literally has a standing clause in his acting contracts that his character is not allowed to lose a fight onscreen. There’s no way he set this angle up in order to make himself look like an asshole and put the shine on Cody. > **[Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson & 12 Other Actors With Bizarre Contract Clauses...](https://www.imdb.com/news/ni63842727/)** > > IMDb, the world's most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content. > [@TriPolar](#): > > They need to sell PPVs and subscriptions. Almost nobody pays full price for WWE PPVs anymore, and they might get some people to sign up for one month of Peacock, but how many of those people are going to keep it after he disappears for six months to a year, assuming he comes back at all? Wrestlemania sells based on the name and the brand, which is why it always invariably sells out right away months before a match is announced. They could book R-Truth vs. James Ellsworth in the main and they’d still be playing to a full stadium. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2024, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1297 "2024-02-05T04:24:44Z")
In the end, I think WWE is probably going to go with some sort of off-ramp that ends with Cody walking out of 'Mania with the Undisputed title. But it’s not going to be because that was the plan, it’s going to be because the audience left them with no choice. We’ll see how the crowd at Raw behaves tomorrow. That’ll give us an idea of what’s to come. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2024, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1298 "2024-02-05T06:24:37Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > We’ll see how the crowd at Raw behaves tomorrow. Turns out we don’t even have to wait that long - arena reports from tonight’s NXT show are saying there were several Wrestlemania promos shown between matches, and every time Rock’s face appeared it got booed by the entire house. I think Dwayne has pretty blatantly Boo-Tista’d himself. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2024, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1299 "2024-02-05T06:28:48Z")
Again. It’s working. It’s working on you right now. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2024, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1300 "2024-02-05T07:27:13Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > It’s working on you right now. If it were working Dwayne wouldn’t be getting booed. He didn’t get himself appointed to the board, get his own friend hired on as head writer, and book himself into the main event because he wanted boos and mainstream media sources criticizing him and talking about his ego trips in the DCU and Fast & Furious. You overestimate WWE’s ability to read the room or plan for the long term. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2024, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374/1301 "2024-02-06T07:02:59Z")
NJPW is doing a Wargames match this weekend! > [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374.md?page=64) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pro-wrestling-fans-in-the-audience-multiple-promotions-part-2/964374.md?page=66)