WWE Staff Disapprove of The Rock Praising AEW
Internal tension emerges after The Rock publicly honors late wrestler PAC and commends competitor Tony Khan.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Wrestling
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WWE staff have reportedly voiced dissatisfaction following The Rock's recent public statement praising AEW owner Tony Khan. The Rock described Khan as a friend and labeled AEW a growing company while honoring the late wrestler PAC.
Why it matters
The comments have sparked internal friction within the WWE because the organization is the primary competitor to AEW. The public endorsement of a rival promotion by such a high-profile figure has reportedly become a daily topic of discussion among personnel.
The wrestler PAC was 40 years old when he died from a bronchospasm last month. His final words to fellow wrestler Bandido were recorded as I love you brother.
The players
The Rock
He is a globally recognized entertainer and former professional wrestler who maintains a storied history with the WWE.
Tony Khan
He is the founder and owner of the wrestling promotion AEW, which operates out of Jacksonville.
PAC
He was a professional wrestler who passed away at age 40.
Bandido
He is a professional wrestler who was close with the late PAC.
WWE
This professional wrestling promotion is headquartered in Stamford.
The details
The controversy stems from The Rock's decision to weave his praise for AEW and Tony Khan into a statement memorializing PAC. Bandido recently shared details of his last interaction with PAC, who died in September 2026, including an exchange of T-shirts.
Timeline
PAC died from a bronchospasm in September 2026.
Bandido and PAC exchanged T-shirts in September 2026.
WWE staff began discussing The Rock's comments daily in October 2026.
Season Trajectory
This dispute reflects the ongoing friction between the two major wrestling promotions that mirrors the historical competitive tension between WWE and WCW in the 1990s. The public nature of this disagreement may affect the competitive landscape and talent perception across the industry this season.
The ongoing internal dissatisfaction at the WWE suggests a potential cooling of the relationship between the organization and The Rock. Fans should watch for how this friction impacts future promotional appearances or collaborative projects involving the star.
The takeaway
Public declarations of support for rival organizations remain a sensitive issue in the high-stakes world of professional sports entertainment. Maintaining professional boundaries often proves as critical for high-profile figures as their performance in the ring.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of the industry, visit the Wrestling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportskeeda.
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Is it appropriate for public figures to publicly praise leaders of rival business organizations?
