WWE Reportedly Surprised By The Rock’s Words About AEW In PAC Tribute Video

The Rock honoured PAC after his passing and praised AEW in the process, reportedly surprising WWE.

Since the shocking news of Benjamin “PAC” Satterley’s unfortunate passing, tributes have been pouring in from across the wrestling world, including some in Dragon Gate, CMLL, TNA, and even WWE. However, many were pleasantly surprised when The Rock took things a step further by doing a video message talking about the true heartbreak of the moment, doing something few would’ve expected when he praised both Tony Khan and AEW as a wrestling company. Now, it seems some within WWE were surprised by his wording.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, The Rock’s approach took some aback in WWE.

“Rock and Nick Khan are close. I do not believe that has changed. Were there people in WWE who were very surprised at his wording and what he said, especially with him being on the TKO board of directors? Yes, okay. They were very surprised. Nick may not have been. He may have told Nick ahead of time. Maybe he didn’t. He can do whatever he wants. Not that he did the video, but the wording in the video, where he praised them and essentially gave the stamp of, ‘Yeah, you guys are good for business and work hard, and you’re helping make wrestling.’ That’s not the message I think the company wants out. No one’s going to be mad at him doing the video, but the wording, people brought it up to me.”

-Dave Meltzer

While WWE’s approach to the wider wrestling world is nothing new, as the company have spent decades not acknowledging anything outside its bubble, many fans recognise the quality in what The Rock said. In the eyes of most, the passing of figures within the industry should transcend business boundaries, with the video put out by “The Final Boss” being a welcome surprise in the days following PAC’s death.

Still, WWE’s stance remains entrenched, with the company choosing not to move the broadcast of their Worlds Collide should despite it clashing with what became AEW’s tribute show to PAC. Afterwards, reports emerged revealing whether WWE considered changing plans for the show after the unfortunate news. You can read more about that here.

H/T to F4WOnline for the transcription.

As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on the response to The Rock’s PAC tribute video as soon as we hear more.