It was clear in 2004 that The Rock was more concerned with his burgeoning film career than his wrestling one. He hadn't wrestled in a WWE ring since Backlash 2003, when he put over the debuting Goldberg, and his Hollywood schedule was only getting busier and busier. His only post-Backlash appearance of note was as a guest on the Highlight Reel, where he verbally ran down host Chris Jericho and his tag team partner Christian. In late 2003 it emerged (via the 'dirtsheets') that WWE were going to bring The Rock back for a big match at WrestleMania XX, which turned out to be him teaming up with his old Rock and Sock Connection partner Mick Foley to take on the Evolution threesome of Randy Orton, Ric Flair and Batista. The Rock was on fire during the match and his exchanges with The Nature Boy were the undoubted highlight. The Rock made a couple more appearances following 'Mania (a segment with Eugene and as the host of a Diva Search 'pie eating contest') and then that was it. His deal ran out on December 31st, 2004. WWE made no attempt to renew the contract, and Vince was clearly still a little bit disgruntled that one of his biggest stars was settling down in Tinseltown. So disgruntled, it seems, that he (nor anyone from the WWE office) elected to call The Rock and thank him for his years of hard work. Yup, The People's Champ didn't even get a courtesy 'future endeavours' phone call. Speaking to Dave Meltzer in the January 5th 2005 Wrestling Observe Newsletter, The Rock explained the situation:
The company and I are at an odd crossroad. It was an oddly quiet ending, without any interaction or communication from the front office or the old man. Surprising to say the least, especially after eight years.
He was clearly hurt, and rightfully so. WWE made a mistake by first letting Rock's contract just quietly run down and then by neglecting to communicate properly with him after the fact. Rock wouldn't appear for the company again until he showed up via pre-tape promo on Raw in spring 2007.
