Latest Update On WWE's Roman Reigns Vs. The Rock Plans

Is WWE still trying to put Roman Reigns vs. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson together?

by Andy H Murray
The Rock Roman Reigns
WWE

WWE may not be able to deliver on its original plan of having a blockbuster title fight between Roman Reigns and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson headline WrestleMania 39.

Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE originally wanted this bout to take place at 'Mania 39, which hits Inglewood, California on 1 and 2 April 2023. These plans have never been set in stone, however, and things are now increasingly complicated.

Johnson's commitments with the soon-to-be-relaunched XFL league will come into play. Eight franchises were recently confirmed for the league's 2023 season, which returns on 18 February - and Rock is currently part of the XFL's ownership group.

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While Johnson wants to do the bout with Reigns, it's unlikely that he will agree unless he has enough time to prepare. It is understood that The Rock won't want to say "yes" to it if he cannot deliver at a high level. Unfortunately, these new XFL commitments, coupled with his hectic acting schedule, remain a major roadblock.

At the moment, the chances of The Rock wrestling at WrestleMania 39 appear to be declining. Reigns, meanwhile, might not even be Undisputed WWE Universal Champion by then, with challengers Drew McIntyre and Karrion Kross looming ahead of Clash at the Castle (3 September).

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.