The latest episode of WWE SmackDown continued to set the stage for WrestleMania 40, although some fans noted the absence of The Rock, feeling that his presence was missed.
Dutch Mantell echoed this sentiment, suggesting that The Great One’s return has indeed left an impact on the show’s dynamics.
Dwayne Johnson has been making waves in the wrestling world since his return as a regular character, notably aligning himself with The Bloodline.
His segments have garnered significant attention, with Johnson blurring the lines between reality and kayfabe, adding a new layer of intrigue to the product.
During a review of the show on Smack Talk, Dutch Mantell, SP3, and Rick Ucchino discussed whether the absence of The Rock has affected the perception of other stars and storylines, considering the high standards set by The Great One.
Mantell suggested that WWE may face challenges in maintaining audience interest when The Rock is not present, emphasizing that Johnson’s appearances signal the dawn of a new era in WWE, often dubbed Attitude Era 2, which has resonated positively with fans.
While The Rock was notably absent from this week’s SmackDown, the WrestleMania storyline continued to progress with a face-to-face segment between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, hinting at the brewing tension leading up to the grand event.
As the episode concluded, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, and Seth Rollins stood tall, with Roman Reigns and his allies retreating, suggesting a potential shift in the Tribal Chief’s dominance, setting the stage for what could be a compelling narrative leading into WrestleMania.
