The Rock Just Ended All WrestleMania 42 Speculation

The Rock has effectively ended weeks of speculation about a potential WrestleMania 42 appearance — and the reason is as wholesome as it gets. Appearing at CinemaCon in Las Vegas this week to promote the live-action Moana remake alongside Catherine Lagaʻaia, The Rock announced he would be flying home Thursday night for his youngest daughter Tia’s eighth birthday, placing him away from Las Vegas during WrestleMania 42 weekend.

“Being a proud girl dad, three times. I have a daughter in her 20s, I have ten, I have eight — I have seven. My youngest is going to turn eight tomorrow. Happy birthday Tia, I know you’re going to see this. I love you. I’m coming home tonight,” The Rock said at CinemaCon.

The announcement effectively removes him from the WrestleMania 42 picture, at least as far as can be confirmed. Speculation about his potential presence had been building throughout the week given the personal nature of the CM Punk versus Roman Reigns feud — which touched on the Anoa’i family — and Punk’s pointed mockery of The Rock’s Hollywood career on the April 6 Raw. Dave Meltzer had also previously reported that those inside WWE denied The Rock was involved in Randy Orton’s mystery caller storyline.

The Rock Has Not Made a Televised WWE Appearance Since Elimination Chamber 2025

The Rock last appeared on WWE television at Elimination Chamber 2025 when he played a key role in John Cena’s heel turn. His most recent in-ring appearance was WrestleMania 40, where he teamed with Roman Reigns against Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes. His commitment to returning home for his daughter’s birthday provides a clear and genuine reason for his absence from WrestleMania 42 weekend — though WWE‘s history of last-minute surprises means nothing is ever completely off the table until the final bell rings.