Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson addressed reports that WWE insiders were taken aback by his praise of AEW in a tribute to the late wrestler PAC. He emphasized that when a wrestler passes away, he doesn’t focus on “our competition” but instead prioritizes the humanity and the impact on the wrestling community.
Johnson commented on an Instagram post by Clutch Wrestling, referencing Dave Meltzer’s report, stating: “You’re right, brother, and humanity matters to me. I’ve been in this business all my life and witnessed everything, but when one of our own dies, I don’t see competitors—I see wrestlers and how their loss affects all of us. To me, humanity comes first.”
Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE personnel were “very surprised” by Johnson’s message, especially given his role on the board of TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company. He added that the company might prefer a different tone since Johnson’s video essentially endorsed AEW as a credible and hardworking entity helping grow the wrestling industry.
Johnson’s video was shared on Instagram on September 29, shortly after AEW announced the death of PAC (real name Benjamin Satterley) at age 40. Johnson sent his sympathies to Satterley’s family, AEW’s leadership team, the locker room, and WWE staff who knew him. In the video, Johnson highlighted the global nature of wrestling and how, despite competing organizations like WWE and AEW, the wrestling community remains closely connected by shared passion and heritage.
WWE’s official announcement on Satterley’s passing, made on X (formerly Twitter), did not mention AEW.
This wasn’t the first time Johnson spoke favorably about AEW. In an Instagram Live Q&A from April 2020, he acknowledged watching AEW and expressed happiness at the company’s success, noting that competition is healthy and fosters growth.
Johnson joined the TKO board in January 2024 and has not appeared on WWE television since the Elimination Chamber event in March 2025.
Fan Take: This moment underscores the evolving dynamic between WWE and AEW, showing that respect and shared humanity can transcend corporate rivalries. For wrestling fans, it highlights a more unified community that could lead to exciting collaborations and growth opportunities within the sport.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
