The anticipation of WWE’s yearly tent-pole event - Royal Rumble - is in full swing with the event set to take place in San Antonio, Texas in the Alamodome. This year’s event will feature the traditional men’s and women’s Rumble matches, with rumors of surprise entrants to both matches. The winners of each match are guaranteed a world championship match against the champion of their choosing at the upcoming WrestleMania.

However, news of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s involvement with this year’s WrestleMania is unclear. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Johnson informed WWE that he does not feel he has enough time to get in adequate shape for a match against WWE Universal & WWE Champion Roman Reigns. As a result, the likelihood of a match between the two gaining momentum is slim.

This does not mean WWE is without a plan B. Those close to the situation believe that the possibility of the match happening is still likely. Furthermore, Meltzer suggests there is “something being kept a secret from everyone”. As a result, there is hope The Rock will come back in time for WrestleMania.

If the two do not meet at WrestleMania 39, WWE has a backup plan. Meltzer writes that WWE “has always had a backup direction”, likely Cody Rhodes, and always knew that The Rock was never a guarantee.

With the possibilities of The Rock or Cody Rhodes winning the Rumble, fans can be sure that this Royal Rumble is set to be an exciting event.