The first Raw of 2025 was a big deal because it streamed live on Netflix. WWE wanted it to be a huge success, and it worked—it became Netflix’s top show, beating even “Squid Game Season 2” in viewership.
The Rock’s appearance made the night even more special. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the fierce “Final Boss” character they expected. Instead, he showed up as the fan-favorite “People’s Champion.” Everyone watched in awe—not just because he was amazing, but because his presence was so mysterious.
Since Rock voiced his thoughts on the Bloodline Civil War and got upset about Roman Reigns teaming with Cody Rhodes at Bad Blood, fans were expecting his epic return on Netflix to tear them apart. However, rather than smashing Roman and Cody, The Rock shocked the crowd by hugging them and praising their efforts.
ACKNOWLEDGE HIM ☝️@TheRock honors the Original Tribal Chief #RomanReigns after he won back the ulafala on #WWEonNetflix pic.twitter.com/UUbtHbgrjM
— KTLA Entertainment (@ktlaENT) January 7, 2025
He even applauded Rhodes for leading WWE as the face of the company. Fans, both in the arena and online, were stunned, asking, “What is The Rock doing?” From the moment his music hit, it was clear this wasn’t the fierce rock they expected. Surprisingly, Rhodes also seemed unbothered by Brahma Bull’s praise, even though they had a bloody feud last year.
When Roman Reigns faced Solo Sikoa in a Tribal Combat Match, fans hoped Dwayne Johnson would bring chaos. But once again, he surprised everyone by embracing his babyface character. After Reigns’ victory, Rock crowned him as the “Original Tribal Chief,” presenting him with the Ula Fala necklace.
Cody Rhodes posted this on IG sharing a drink with The Rock 👀 pic.twitter.com/UFDFMeYmdk
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) January 7, 2025
After the show, Rhodes posted a video on Instagram of him and The Rock sharing drinks, as if they had moved on from their past rivalry. The Rock’s calm and friendly demeanor left fans confused and disappointed. Now, the WWE community is still questioning his true motives.
Fans react to The Rock’s mysterious behavior
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s recent behavior has fans and insiders talking. The main topic of discussion on the internet is why he changed his persona on Netflix. No one seems to have an answer.
Some fans think he may have settled his feuds with Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes behind the scenes. Now, many believe there won’t be a Roman vs. Rock or Rock vs. Rhodes match at WrestleMania, which they call a stupid idea.
The Rock turning babyface with no explanation was stupid, his entrance was crazy long and his thank you Netflix speech after HHH already made one was weird…
— Luke Barry 🐝 (@TheBigElBee) January 7, 2025
If the first time we saw him was after Tribal Combat it would’ve been cool as shit and we’d have fit another match in!
Most fans are clearly upset and confused by The Rock’s sudden change in behavior.
Watching the Netflix Raw… why is The Rock a babyface again? What happened to the Final Boss! This is so stupid, this is far worse than what AEW did with Cole's face turn. They've just thrown away the biggest angle of last year for… for what? Fruity Pebbles? A bad start.
— Niam (@NiamSuggitt) January 7, 2025
I'm so confused.
— R. Wilson (@Raph089968) January 7, 2025
The Rock just cut a babyface promo – saluting Cody Rhodes and The Rock.
Are we supposed to forget he was a heel for the majority of last year 🤔. #WWERaw #RawOnNetflix #TheRock pic.twitter.com/sEeWFHS2A1
WWE Raw on Netflix starts with a bland PR promo from the Rock who talks about business, business, business, shouts out executives, gates, pisses away the Cody feud and says nothing at all. ‘What a way to open Raw!’ shouts Cole. This is wrestling?!
— M (@MonsterBrunch) January 7, 2025
After all the hype, Raws debut on Netflix was really poor. Going through it chronologically:
— Joe (@ThfcJoeee) January 7, 2025
Rock makes a horrible promo and undoes the amazing work him, Cody, and Roman put in leading up to Mania.
Tribal Combat Match which once again failed to be tribal combat
