The Rock's WWE Future: Is His Hulk Hogan Tribute a Hint at His Next Career Move?

Wrestling legend Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson sparked new speculation this week after paying tribute to fellow WWE icon Hulk Hogan, just as his own in-ring persona and Hollywood image take a darker turn. Johnson's comments follow Hogan's sudden passing on 24 July 2025, raising questions about how this public homage may align with his next WWE appearance and upcoming film roles.

The Rock's Hulk Hogan Tribute After WWE Legend's Death Draws Global Reaction

Hulk Hogan, real name Terry Bollea, died from cardiac arrest at the age of 71 at his home in Clearwater, Florida. According to People, first responders attempted CPR for more than 30 minutes before he was pronounced dead. WWE issued an official statement calling Hogan 'one of the most recognisable figures in pop culture' and a pioneer of professional wrestling's global expansion.

Among the many tributes shared across social media, Johnson's stood out for its clarity and reverence. In his message, The Rock named Hulk Hogan as a member of his personal WWE Mount Rushmore, emphasising Hogan's legendary status and influence on the industry. The statement not only honoured Hogan's legacy but also prompted speculation about how it might tie into Johnson's current WWE narrative.

The Rock WWE Return as 'Final Boss' Signals Heel Shift Ahead of Major Films

Johnson's return to WWE in early 2024 introduced his 'Final Boss' persona, a ruthless heel aligned with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline. He has since appeared on SmackDown, RAW and NXT, embracing a darker role that contrasts with his former fan-favourite image. As reported by Bleacher Report, there are no current plans for a SummerSlam return, suggesting his next move may be tied to ongoing film projects. The character's dominance has opened new creative directions, with some analysts viewing his tribute to Hulk Hogan as a possible hint at a future storyline shift or generational connection.

The Rock Movie Roles Mirror WWE Persona in 'The Smashing Machine' and 'Breakthrough'

While building his heel role in WWE, Johnson is also undergoing a notable transformation in his film career. He is set to star in The Smashing Machine, a biographical sports drama produced by A24, where he plays MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Johnson undergoes a dramatic physical makeover for the role, utilising prosthetics and altered styling to depict Kerr's troubled personal life and professional rise.

In addition, Johnson is preparing to film Breakthrough, another A24 project in which he portrays a morally complex life coach in Southern California. Johnson described the role as 'a deep, dark psychological dive', suggesting a continued departure from the action-comedy roles that have dominated much of his career.

These projects highlight a deliberate shift toward more layered, emotionally intense characters, a direction that appears to mirror the depth of his current wrestling storyline.

Is The Rock's Hulk Hogan Tribute a Clue to His WWE Storyline and Movie Strategy?

The overlap between Johnson's tribute to Hogan, his wrestling character evolution, and his upcoming film roles has led some within the industry to view these moments as interconnected. WWE's planned tribute segment for Hogan on SmackDown in Cleveland is expected to include or reference Johnson's message, adding further intrigue to the storyline.

The convergence of personal homage, wrestling drama and cinematic rebranding suggests a carefully timed progression in The Rock's multi-platform career. With The Smashing Machine set for release on 3 October 2025, and Breakthrough in development, Johnson's tribute may be more than emotional, it may also be narrative.