As noted before, WWE had plans for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to work at their upcoming WrestleMania 39 event this April in Inglewood, California. These plans included the potential of Johnson facing off against Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. These plans have recently been in doubt due to WWE’s uncertainty over Johnson’s availability for the event.
Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that WWE’s recent release of new merchandise for Johnson was not meant to be an indication of his status for WrestleMania 39 and instead is more related to next week’s RAW 30th anniversary show.
Meltzer reported that WWE’s deadline for Johnson to make an official decision regarding his status for WrestleMania 39 is coming up soon. Johnson reportedly has recently indicated to others that he does not have enough free time to get back into in-ring shape that he feels he needs to be in for a main event type match with Reigns. Johnson reportedly also told others that he is keeping the door open for something in the future.
Meltzer reported that it is possible that Johnson’s exact status is being kept as a big secret from everyone but at the moment, WWE officials do have a backup plan in place should Johnson not be able to work at WrestleMania 39.
Meltzer also reported that it is currently not known if Johnson has officially turned down WWE’s deal for a match at WrestleMania 39 but his sources stated that it is now less likely to happen compared to a few months ago.
Johnson reportedly is currently busy with several projects including the upcoming launch of the latest revival of the XFL, which debuts in the weekend of February 18th.