The Rock Breaks Silence On Big Snub Outside WWE

The Rock was recently snubbed outside the WWE.

The Rock is one of the most recognizable celebrities on the planet. He first gained traction due to his time in WWE. After a successful run in the Stamford-based promotion, he transitioned into a full-time actor.

Since becoming an actor, The Rock has been involved in some massive Hollywood projects. Last year, he perhaps delivered his best performance as an actor by playing the role of Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine. The Final Boss received a lot of critical acclaim for his performance as Mark Kerr. Many people even believed he would finally be nominated for a Best Actor award at the Oscars this year. However, that did not happen, and this snub has only lit a fire under The Great One.

The Rock opened up about not being nominated for an Oscar Award

During an interview with Esquire, The Rock said that it would’ve been incredible to have been nominated for an Oscar Award, and he wished it had happened. He thought being nominated for such a prestigious award mattered, and being ignored has lit a fire in him.

“It would have been incredible to get nominated for an Oscar.… I realized very quickly that it’s a rare thing to reach this pinnacle where you’re even having these conversations. And it’s exciting! It would have been amazing. I wish it happened. But it didn’t. But in no uncertain terms did I ever think, ‘Oh, that doesn’t matter.’ I always thought it mattered. And it has lit a fire in my spine… Let’s go back to work.” [H/T Esquire]

The Rock admits he wanted an Oscar nomination for The Smashing Machine and was disappointed when it didn’t happen.

However, he says the snub has only motivated him more:

“I wish it happened. But it didn’t… It has lit a fire in my spine and let’s back to work” 🔥

(Esquire) pic.twitter.com/TudXfGaZgh

— 𝗙 𝗔 𝗭 𝗘 𝗪 𝗥 𝗘 𝗦 𝗧 𝗟 𝗜 𝗡 𝗚 (@EraGreatness) June 12, 2026

The Smashing Machine tells the story of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, whose career unraveled due to his addiction. The film also starred Emily Blunt, Bas Ruten, and Ryan Bader in supporting roles. The Smashing Machine was presented at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in September 2025, where it won the Silver Lion.

Also read: The Rock Makes Huge Personal Revelation Amid WWE Hiatus

Make TJR Wrestling your preferred choice of news by clicking here.