Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson raised eyebrows within WWE following a public tribute video to the late PAC. While the gesture was widely appreciated across the industry, certain comments praising AEW reportedly took several key figures in WWE by surprise.
The Rock’s Statement & Corporate Position
Earlier this week, Johnson posted a video on social media offering his condolences following the tragic passing of Benjamin Satterley (PAC) at age 40. Beyond honoring Satterley’s contributions to the industry, the TKO Board of Directors member made a point to compliment AEW directly:
- He described AEW as “growing into this phenomenal wrestling company.”
- He explicitly referred to AEW President Tony Khan as his “friend.”
- He sent direct condolences to the entire AEW locker room alongside his WWE colleagues.
Internal Reactions Within WWE
Speaking on WrestlingObserver Radio, Dave Meltzer detailed the reaction within WWE regarding the wording used by “The Final Boss.”
- “Rock and Nick Khan are close. I do not believe that has changed,” Meltzer said. “Were there people in WWE who were very surprised at his wording and what he said, especially with him being on the TKO board of directors? Yes, okay. They were very surprised.”
- Meltzer noted that WWE President Nick Khan may or may not have known about the wording ahead of time: “Nick may not have been. He may have told Nick ahead of time. Maybe he didn’t. He can do whatever he wants.”
- The issue raised was strictly about corporate messaging rather than the tribute itself: “Not that he did the video, but the wording in the video, where he praised them and essentially gave the stamp of, ‘Yeah, you guys are good for business and work hard, and you’re helping make wrestling.’ That’s not the message I think the company wants out. No one’s going to be mad at him doing the video, but the wording, people brought it up to me.”
Despite the internal surprise, Johnson’s unique position on the TKO Board of Directors gives him unparalleled autonomy within the company ecosystem.
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