WWE has been able to make proverbial lemonade out of lemons following the negative response to The Rock’s return, according to Eric Bischoff.
After backlash to the Great One’s return, WWE changed course by turning The Rock heel and having Cody Rhodes declare his intent to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
On a recent edition of his “83 Weeks” podcast, Bischoff discussed the recent WrestleMania 40 kick-off event and WWE changing its plans. He said,
“I believe they definitely made lemonade out of lemons, it was a great move, it worked. There was so much controversy, there was so much investment, there was so much investment by the audience into Cody Rhodes and his story.
“To me there just seems to have been such a heightened interest and passion for WrestleMania and for Cody’s story. Now with Rock involved, it only increases. I think the controversy, and even though I believe creatively and strategically they fumbled the ball with Rock and the announcement.
“Social media has finally reached that point where there is a decentralization if you will, of power. I’m happy to see it.”
While Bischoff is pleased WWE changed its plans, he previously expressed his optimism over The Rock replacing Cody Rhodes as Roman Reigns’ WrestleMania 40 opponent.
WWE Successfully Turns The Rock Heel and Changes WrestleMania Plans
In the world of professional wrestling, unexpected twists and turns are part of the game. And when it comes to the biggest event of the year, WrestleMania, fans are always eager to see what surprises await them. This year, WWE managed to turn a negative response into a positive outcome by changing its plans and turning The Rock heel.
The Rock, also known as Dwayne Johnson, is one of the most beloved figures in the history of professional wrestling. His electrifying charisma and larger-than-life personality have made him a fan favorite for years. So when news broke that he would be returning to WWE for WrestleMania 40, fans were ecstatic.
However, the initial excitement quickly turned into disappointment as fans expressed their dissatisfaction with The Rock’s return. Many felt that his involvement would overshadow the younger talent and take away from the potential main event between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns.
But WWE, known for its ability to adapt and make the best out of any situation, decided to change course. They made the bold move of turning The Rock heel, a decision that caught many by surprise. This meant that The Rock would now be portrayed as a villain, adding a new layer of complexity to his character.
At the same time, Cody Rhodes, a rising star in WWE, declared his intent to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. This unexpected twist created a buzz among fans and generated a renewed interest in the event. Suddenly, WrestleMania became more than just a clash between two top stars; it became a battle of generations and ideologies.
Eric Bischoff, a former executive in WWE and WCW, recently discussed the WrestleMania 40 kick-off event and WWE’s decision to change its plans on his podcast, “83 Weeks.” He praised the company for making lemonade out of lemons and acknowledged the controversy and investment from the audience in Cody Rhodes’ story.
Bischoff also highlighted the increased interest and passion for WrestleMania due to The Rock’s involvement. He acknowledged that there were creative and strategic missteps with The Rock’s initial announcement but commended the decentralization of power brought about by social media.
It’s worth noting that Bischoff had previously expressed optimism about The Rock replacing Cody Rhodes as Roman Reigns’ WrestleMania 40 opponent. However, he now seems pleased with the direction WWE has taken.
The Rock’s heel turn and the change in WrestleMania plans have undoubtedly added a new level of excitement and anticipation to the event. Fans are now eagerly awaiting the clash between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, as well as The Rock’s role in the storyline.
WWE’s ability to adapt and listen to its audience is a testament to its commitment to providing entertaining and compelling content. The company has once again shown that it can turn a negative response into a positive outcome, keeping fans engaged and invested in the product.
As WrestleMania 40 approaches, one thing is certain: WWE knows how to keep fans on their toes and deliver memorable moments. The Rock’s heel turn and the clash between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns are just a taste of what’s to come, and fans can’t wait to see how it all unfolds in the ring.