Daytona 500: Dwayne Johnson Dismisses Kayfabe and Breaks Character Despite Turning Heel Against Cody Rhodes

The once fan favorite Dwayne Johnson abruptly turned into an anti-hero by sliding into Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania title picture months ago. While audiences continued booing him on live TV, The Rock didn’t go mellow in his retorts either. That said, the off-screen scenes look slightly different. Grand Marshal Dwayne Johnson paid heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the fans, bringing back his eternal People’s Champion antics post-Daytona 500.

Dwayne Johnson continues to be the People’s Champion despite donning a villainous persona in WWE

Former WWE champion cum Hollywood mogul Dwayne Johnson served as the grand marshal for the 66th edition of the Daytona 500 on February 19, delivering a remarkable command for the 500-mile race at Daytona International Speedway. As the event went down in the pages of history, and quite successfully so, The Rock shared his unfiltered feelings of gratefulness via his latest IG post. Addressing the immense love and support of fans, The Great One penned, ”Unforgettable day of racing, chaos, love & ENERGY!!

Love y’all back and thank you so much for everything ✊🏾🖤

~ people’s champ
#daytona500
#grandmarshal

(Rest in peace Big Dog 🕊️)”

It was definitely a path-breaking move for Johnson, given how his current WWE storyline is panning out. The Rock’s recent return didn’t go according to plan as the usually cheered-on babyface had to undergo a resurgence to embrace his dark side.

Johnson has had to maneuver through shark-infested waters after his return to WWE

Being regularly active in the squared circle from 1996 until 2003, his recent return to World Wrestling Entertainment has not been moving as expected, at least for the iconic crowd reception. From the WrestleMania 40 kick-off event to the weekly blue brand show, fans continue to get on his nerves for being a potential restraint on Cody Rhodes’ way to clinching his ultimate dream. However, a journalist brought up another reason behind him getting booed by the fans in Las Vegas. He linked it with Johnson’s polarizing ways to help people affected by the massive fire that broke out through the island of Maui.

However, later The Rock himself came up in his defense and shut down that critique by retweeting his post and labeling it ‘toxic, false clickbait garbage’. He detailed how he had been a constant support for the distressed to the best of his ability.

However, coming back to her NASCAR endeavor, we need to see how his connection with the racing world spreads more wings down the road.

ALSO READ: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Gives Nostalgic ‘ELECTRIFYING People’s Elbow’ Tribute to UFC Star