On a recent edition of WWE SmackDown, The Rock won over fans by sharing news about WrestleMania 42, before going dark and claiming he wanted the soul of Cody Rhodes. This sudden change has led many to question as to whether the Final Boss is a heel or babyface, as well as the character’s wider influence on WWE.
At the WWE Elimination Chamber post-show, The Rock was asked about his Final Boss character, one that, according to the TKO Board member, transcends the norms of the wrestling industry.
“The Final Boss is a lot of things. He’s a heel, he’s a babyface. But also, he’s one who doesn’t adhere to the typical professional wrestling tropes we find.”
The Rock added that the Final Boss’ role on any given night depends on how he is feeling in the moment. If The Rock feels like having fun with the fans, he’s a face, and if he feels like lashing out at the fans, the Final Boss is typical of a heel.
“I say what I feel, and in that moment, that’s the luxury and the blessing of being in pro wrestling. You can say what you feel.”
The Final Boss was certainly a heel at WWE Elimination Chamber, where he and a heel-turned John Cena left Cody Rhodes bloodied in the ring. With WrestleMania 41 drawing ever closer, fans can expect plenty of the Final Boss, no matter if he’s cheered or booed by the fans.
