When Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson emerged onto the stage during the WWE WrestleMania XL Kickoff show, facing off against Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, fans were taken aback as he fully embraced his heel persona.
Not only did he assert his authority as a member of the Board at TKO, but he also shocked everyone by slapping Cody Rhodes, a move entirely unexpected from one of WWE’s most prominent babyfaces.
Following the latest episode of SmackDown, it’s evident that The Rock has disregarded the fans’ wishes, fully immersing himself in the darker side of his character. This heel turn marks a significant departure after 21 years of portraying a heroic figure, and it seems the Hollywood star is relishing the opportunity to revisit his villainous roots.
During the Daytona 500 series, Johnson assumed the role of Grand Marshal, albeit with the event postponed to Monday due to inclement weather.
While at the World Center of Racing, he participated in a brief interview touching on various topics, including his tenure in the WWE. When questioned about his decision to turn heel, Johnson expressed, “Being the villain is the greatest thing in the world.”
The last time Johnson embraced his heel persona was in 2003, during his memorable match with Hulk Hogan. Reflecting on his own experience, he also commended Denny Hamlin, a prominent NASCAR figure known for his villainous portrayal in recent years.
Johnson remarked, “I was aware of Denny getting booed and also impressed at how he’s embraced it,” highlighting his admiration for Hamlin’s approach.
Delving further into the intricacies of portraying a heel, Johnson emphasized the freedom it affords to express oneself in ways often restricted to those playing heroic roles. This sentiment was aptly demonstrated during the recent episode of SmackDown, where Johnson unabashedly roasted the Salt Lake City crowd.
In a closing note, Johnson acknowledged his and Hamlin’s roles as the “bad guys” in their respective fields, suggesting that they’ll take on the responsibility of drawing the ire of audiences.
This clear embrace of his heel persona indicates that the Hollywood star is thoroughly enjoying the experience. What are your thoughts on The Rock’s transformation? Share your opinions in the comments below.
