12 WWE Nightmares That Could Come True In 2026

6. The Rock Messes Them Around (Again!)

The Rock WWE Title 2026 Nightmares
WWE

Sorry, but The Rock’s involvement in John Cena’s heel turn then subsequent absence from the rest of the story sucked. He wasn’t even at WrestleMania 41. Rapper and abandoned pet project Travis Scott ran in on the main event between Cody and Cena instead, and Rock was barely mentioned on TV after being there for Elimination Chamber.

Payoff for his part in the story has been seriously poor, and there’s no way WWE can let Rocky muck them around some more. Stop letting him meddle with creative plans, please. Sure, there might be more to the story behind the scenes than meets the eye from the outside looking in, but 2025 wasn't a great look for Dwayne Johnson and his role as a key figure in this bold WWE/TKO adventure post-Vince McMahon involvement.

If anything, this year kinda screamed right in fan faces that Rock doesn't care about the minor details the way he says he does. His work opposite Cody Rhodes between events at WrestleMania 40 and Cena's heel turn at Chamber 2025 was confusing, then he vanished into thin air when the biggest story beats needed fleshed out.

The fact that Rocky didn't even explain why he'd helped JC turn heel is staggering.

Triple H and the WWE creative squad would be well within their rights to seek assurances from Rock if he makes any pitches for 2026. They need to know that he's onboard and will actually show up when needed, not just when he feels like it. The company cannot afford too many botched cliffhangers, especially near the top of the card (which is where The Rock would always be).

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.