Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is slated to portray Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, in “The Smashing Machine.” The film is scheduled to undergo a three-month production period, starting on May 1, 2024, and ending on August 1, 2024.
The Rock will team with Roman Reigns against Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes on the first night of WrestleMania 40.
Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter the latest on Rock’s post-WrestleMania status with WWE.
“Based on the filming schedule he could not do any PPV matches until SummerSlam, and even that would be difficult because he’d have to train for the match while on set. While the belief in the company is that this is not his last match, there is no date for another match and it depends on his movie schedule, although with the nature of his WWE contract, he also could move dates around for a WWE PPV show,” Meltzer wrote.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the renowned actor and former professional wrestler, is set to take on another challenging role in his upcoming film, “The Smashing Machine.” Johnson will portray Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, in this highly anticipated project. The production of the film is scheduled to commence on May 1, 2024, and conclude on August 1, 2024.
While fans eagerly await Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr on the big screen, they can also look forward to seeing him back in the wrestling ring. On the first night of WrestleMania 40, The Rock will team up with Roman Reigns to face off against Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes in what promises to be an electrifying match.
However, according to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer’s report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, fans may have to wait a bit longer to see The Rock in action again after WrestleMania. Due to his filming commitments for “The Smashing Machine,” Johnson’s availability for pay-per-view (PPV) matches will be limited until SummerSlam. Even then, it may be challenging for him to participate in the event as he would have to balance his training for the match while being on set for the film.
Meltzer’s report suggests that while WWE believes this won’t be The Rock’s last match, there is currently no specific date set for his next appearance in the ring. The timing will depend on Johnson’s movie schedule and whether he can accommodate a WWE PPV show within it. Fortunately, given the flexibility of his WWE contract, it is possible for him to adjust his dates to make room for a wrestling event.
The Rock’s involvement in both Hollywood and professional wrestling has made him a beloved figure among fans worldwide. His transition from the wrestling ring to the silver screen has been highly successful, with numerous blockbuster movies under his belt. However, Johnson has always maintained a strong connection with his wrestling roots and continues to make sporadic appearances in WWE, much to the delight of his fans.
As fans eagerly await the release of “The Smashing Machine” and his highly anticipated match at WrestleMania 40, they can rest assured that The Rock’s passion for both acting and wrestling remains strong. While his movie commitments may temporarily limit his wrestling appearances, the possibility of future matches and his ability to adjust his schedule for WWE events provides hope for fans who eagerly anticipate his return to the ring.