WWE Backstage Reaction Over Double Standard Issues with The Rock’s Promos, The Rock Responds

WWE talent reportedly have not been happy over the double standard issues involving Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for his promos in WWE since his return to the company, according to SEScoops.com.

Aaron Varble reported that his sources stated that this issue revolves around a recent internal memo sent to WWE talent that emphasized the need for talent to follow PG guidelines on both WWE television and their conduct on social media. Johnson’s usage of profanity in his recent promos, both on television and on Twitter, reportedly has led to questions being raised by talent about the double standards being shown by the company. WWE talent reportedly wonder why Johnson is allowed to curse for his promos while others are not allowed the same treatment.

In regards to the internal memo, Varble reported that this memo was sent “the other week” by WWE President Nick Khan, WWE CCO Paul “Triple H” Levesque, and WWE EVP of Talent Dan Ventrelle informing talent that they need to adhere to PG guidelines for their conduct due to the company’s TV-PG rating for their shows.

Those spoken to reportedly stated that Johnson’s constant cursing in his promo videos on social media have, including his most recent one directed at Cody Rhodes where he stated “are you f*cking kidding me?” over Rhodes’ crying promo at this past Monday’s RAW show, has rubbed some people the wrong way in the company. Those same people reportedly current feel that they are seeing a double standard taking place due to Johnson’s status in the company.

Varble also reported that several talents have recently been asking WWE officials why Johnson is getting a pass. One person spoken to reportedly stated that “even if he is the big movie star, shouldn’t everyone play by the same rules? So he can curse and use that to get over, but everyone else is handcuffed?”

Following Varble’s report, Johnson responded on Instagram over the complaints of a double standard for him regarding his profanity usage for promos stating:

“You sound like somebody the Rock can love – drunk and horny” 🥰

Networks and “standards & practices” have issues with my language, but I’d rather be real than not. I talk from the heart, shoot from the hip and try to always have fun.

Enjoy the Rock concert 🎶 😈 🥃

~ Final Boss #SmackDown

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A post shared by Dwayne Johnson (@therock)

While some talent reportedly have taken issue with Johnson’s non-PG language for his promos, NXT talent Dijak responded on Twitter in support of Johnson’s continued usage of profanity for his promos.

Don’t worry @TheRock, I love your profanity filled promos. They are very inspirational to the next generation of shit-talkers in WWE. https://t.co/HK1G8l2aft

— DIJAK (@DijakWWE) March 16, 2024