WWE Was Not Prepared For 'Rocky Sucks' Chants During RAW This Week
WWE plans to make Cody Rhodes out as a martyr with this new WrestleMania storyline. "We Want Cody" signs were handed out to the live crowd, but the fact is that the company didn't expect fans to chant that Rocky sucks.
Seth Rollins even made a note that he didn't expect to hear a "Rocky Sucks" chant. Michael Cole made a reference on commentary about how it feels like we're in 1996. This was a big surprise for those backstage as well, and WWE wasn't really ready for it.
Wrestle Votes reports that the "Rocky Sucks" chants that occurred last night on RAW caught certain individuals by surprise. Although the storyline regarding this "viral reaction" was embraced last night, that aspect of it was unforeseen.
"I am told the “Rocky Sucks” chants that took place last night on RAW totally threw certain people off. While this “viral reaction” story was leaned into last night, that part of it was something unexpected."
Cody Rhodes and Shinsuke Nakamura squared off in the main event of RAW in a bull rope match. They used the same historic rope that Dusty Rhodes used. It was quite a moment in the ring, but fans still chanted "Rocky Sucks" during the match, one which Cody won. Then Drew McIntyre jumped him right afterward to continue his story.
When inquiring whether the company is aware of the fan backlash, it was indeed confirmed. It has become impossible to overlook, given that publications like USA Today, TMZ, and others have already published headlines about fans expressing dissatisfaction with The Rock replacing Cody Rhodes on the showcase of the immortals.
WWE fans have not been shy about voicing their displeasure in seeing The Rock come back to take Cody Rhodes' WrestleMania spot. They also filled the arena with boos this week during RAW in St. Louis when a clip was played of the Great One's return.
Many celebrities have commented on the matter, including George Kittle who suggested that they make The Rock a special referee in a Cody vs Roman Reigns match instead. That is not happening, but Triple H noticed the tweet from the NFL player super fan.
WWE made plans for The Rock vs Roman Reigns in advance. These were the plans since Dwayne Johnson called his shot with the match during the January 1st episode of RAW.
Dave Meltzer reported that they agreed on a deal on January 3rd for WrestleMania. Also, The Rock taking a board seat for TKO was a part of the whole thing. The Rock received $30 million in TKO stock with this deal.
