About this episode
With Kevin Nash absent this week, this episode of Kliq This takes a deep dive into the evolving saga of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's unexpected impact on WWE's 2024 landscape. Sean Oliver and producer Steve Kaufmann piece together key moments from past discussions to recount how The Rock's sudden boardroom influence, surprise returns, and teased WrestleMania plans rattled the entire wrestling world. Relive the initial shock as The Rock confronted Jinder Mahal and teased a showdown with Roman Reigns, all while fan expectations for Cody Rhodes's triumphant story skyrocketed—and then got derailed. From backstage chaos, locker room uncertainties, and shifting creative directions to CM Punk's views on The Rock's return and the evolution of WWE's global approach, this episode compiles and contextualizes past clips into one cohesive narrative. Whether you're curious about the industry's behind-the-scenes machinations, the business strategy behind The Rock's involvement, or the shifting tides of fan reception, this special "saga" episode offers a panoramic look at one of 2024's most talked-about wrestling arcs—all told through archival commentary and discussions that stand on their own. VIIA Try VIIA Hemp! https://bit.ly/viiakliq and use code KLIQ! Manscaped Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code KLIQ at Manscaped.com. Blue Chew Try BlueChew FREE when you use our promo code NASH at checkout—just pay $5 shipping. That's BlueChew.com, promo code NASH to receive your first month FREE. Get Blitzed Save 15% at Get-Blitzed.com by entering the code KLIQ at checkout. Tushy Over 2 Million Butts Love TUSHY. Save BIG at hellotushy.com/KLIQ. Mando Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get $5 off your Starter Pack (that's over 40% off) with promo KLIQ at mandopodcast.com/KLIQ! #mandopod Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay up-to-date on all future episodes of Kliq This. Your support helps us keep bringing you insightful, entertaining looks at the wrestling world's past, present, and future! 00:00 Kliq This #127: The Rock's 2024 00:36 Oliver on Colostrum 01:55 Nash's Bicep Surgery 02:45 INTRODUCING the SAGA of The Rock's 2024 04:22 CHAPTER #1 From Hollywood to the Boardroom (Jan–Mar 2024) 05:42 Kevin Nash on The Rock appearing on RAW 22:46 Kevin Nash on The Rock returning to TV 36:50 BREAK VIIA 40:46 Kevin Nash on what The Rock's return means for Cody Rhodes 44:08 Kevin Nash on The Rock joining the TKO Board 52:55 Kevin Nash on WHY it's going to be Roman Reigns vs The Rock at Wrestlemania 01:12:51 BREAK MANSCAPED 01:15:51 Kevin Nash on if he'd do The Rock vs Roman Reigns NOT at Wrestlemania 01:20:17 Kevin Nash on Dave Meltzer comparing The Rock to Taylor Swift 01:29:09 CHAPTER #2 Locker Room/Fan Revolt 01:29:44 Kevin Nash on The Rock smacking Cody Rhodes 01:35:26 Kevin Nash on CM Punk's comments about The Rock 01:37:47 Kevin Nash on The Rock's heel promo 01:44:19 BREAK BLUECHEW 01:47:00 BREAK GET BLITZED 01:49:18 Chapter #3: Wrestlemania XL 01:50:55 Kevin Nash on WHO The Rock is voting for 01:57:26 Kevin Nash on The Rock's language 02:05:03 Kevin Nash on Roman Reigns & The Rock vs Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins 02:08:55 BREAK TUSHY 02:12:50 CHAPTER #4: Lasting Legacy & Fan Perception 02:13:07 Kevin Nash on The Rock's early gimmicks 02:23:58 Kevin Nash on The Rock's overselling 02:27:35 BREAK MANDO 02:30:27 DOES The Rock make Wrestling Cool? 02:31:23 Kevin Nash on IF The Rock makes wrestling cool again 02:40:52 Kevin Nash on the crowd turning on the Rock in favor of Hulk Hogan 02:44:18 #ASKSEAN 02:45:03 #ASKSEAN Does Russo take too much Credit? 02:49:28 #ASKSEAN Favorite Rock movie? 02:50:23 OUTRO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices