Jonathan Coachman Says The Rock Is Prioritizing Acting Over WWE Return

Former WWE commentator Jonathan Coachman believes that The Rock’s highly anticipated return to the ring may be further away than fans hope. Speaking on a recent episode of “The Coach & Bro” show, Coachman offered his perspective on Dwayne Johnson’s current mindset, suggesting that his ambitions in Hollywood have taken precedence over any wrestling storylines. According to Coachman, Johnson is currently seeking a specific type of professional validation that can only be found on the silver screen.

“Tommy, I hate to say this, but I think because of getting nominated for a Golden Globe, he is at a point in his life where he’s like ‘Listen, I want to have the validation of being looked at as a serious actor,’” Coachman explained. He noted that for years, critics and audiences viewed Johnson primarily as a wrestler who transitioned to acting, rather than a thespian in his own right. Coachman pointed to a vote by The Hollywood Reporter last year, which ranked Dave Bautista as a better actor than Johnson, as a motivating factor for “The Final Boss.”

Coachman argued that returning to WWE now might undermine Johnson’s progress in the film industry. “I think he looks back at it and says, if I go back to wrestling, then it doesn’t matter if I work with Scorsese. Or Dicaprio. I’m gonna continue to be looked at as a wrestler who’s an actor.” By staying away from the ring, Johnson forces the public to engage with his filmography on its own terms rather than viewing it as a side project to his wrestling persona.

Johnson’s schedule supports Coachman’s theory, as the megastar prepares for the release of the live-action adaptation of Moana. Set to hit theaters on July 10, 2026, the film sees Johnson reprising his role as Maui and also serving as a producer. Following his dramatic turn in The Smashing Machine late last year, which garnered significant critical acclaim, Johnson appears laser-focused on cementing his legacy as a serious force in cinema.

Make sure to follow us on social media by liking us on Facebook at WrestleStarz and subscribing to us on YouTube at WrestleStar YouTube.