Sports · Combat Sports · 1 hr ago
The Rock’s Praise for AEW Remains a Talking Point Backstage at WWE
The Rock praised AEW and Tony Khan while remembering PAC, a wrestler whose death prompted his tribute.
The comments followed a video he shared earlier this month, in which he called Khan a friend and said AEW was growing into a phenomenal wrestling company.
Dave Meltzer reported that WWE personnel are still discussing the remarks weeks later, and that some remain stung by them.
The Rock said his tribute was about supporting wrestlers affected by PAC’s death, not choosing sides in the rivalry between WWE and AEW.
He said humanity mattered more than competition when one of their own died.
The account says WWE has taken no action against him over the comments.
The remarks remain a backstage topic, but no further response or action is reported.
The Rock’s praise of AEW and Tony Khan after PAC’s death reportedly remains a topic of conversation backstage at WWE.
Dave Meltzer said WWE personnel have continued discussing The Rock’s remarks weeks after his tribute.
The Rock called Khan a friend and said AEW was growing into a phenomenal wrestling company.
Meltzer said some people at WWE still felt stung by the comments, while understanding why The Rock wanted to address PAC’s passing.
The Rock said his tribute was about supporting wrestlers affected by the loss, not choosing between rival promotions.
- Who
- The Rock, WWE personnel and Dave Meltzer.
- What
- The Rock’s praise of AEW and Tony Khan after PAC’s death reportedly remains a backstage talking point at WWE.
- When
- The comments were still being discussed weeks after the tribute, according to a report published October 26, 2026.
- Where
- WWE, including backstage conversations. The tribute was shared publicly in a video.
- Why
- The Rock said he wanted to support wrestlers affected by PAC’s death, rather than focus on competition between promotions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Rock shared a video remembering PAC, referring to Tony Khan as a friend and praising AEW.
The Rock responded to an Instagram post about his tribute and explained his reasoning.
The Rock did not appear at WWE’s Hawaii tryouts and live events, despite initially being advertised.
Wrestlezone reported that The Rock’s remarks remained a topic of backstage conversation at WWE.
- Person remembered
- PAC
- AEW praise
- The Rock said AEW “is growing into this phenomenal wrestling company.
- WWE event dates
- October 16 and 17
- Report publication
- October 26, 2026
- Reported source
- Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter
What people are saying
evidently with some, that sting still hasn’t gone away.
I was born into this business and I’ve seen it all, but when one of our own passes away, I don’t care nor do I see ‘our competition,’
I care about the wrestlers and how it affects them. I’ve been there. To me, humanity matters most.
is growing into this phenomenal wrestling company.