The wrestling world lit up when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson casually appeared in an Instagram video wearing a New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) T-shirt. The short clip, posted on April 12, 2025, shows The Rock staring down a Rubik’s cube with the caption: “Slightly intellectually intimidated, but keeping faith alive.” But fans weren’t focused on the puzzle – the shirt grabbed everyone’s attention.
The Rock’s NJPW T-Shirt Drew Attention
Given The Rock’s role as WWE legend and TKO board member, the video instantly set off speculation about potential inter-promotional storylines. Fans buzzed about the meaning behind the NJPW gear, especially considering NJPW’s current partnership with AEW, not WWE.
While it’s not uncommon for wrestlers to wear other promotions’ merch, when it’s someone with The Rock’s stature, and when the relationship between NJPW and WWE is virtually non-existent, it’s going to turn heads.
Gabe Kidd’s Unfiltered Warning to The Rock
One person who definitely noticed it was NJPW’s own Gabe Kidd. Known for speaking his mind without a filter, Kidd didn’t waste time responding. During an appearance on “MuscleManMalcolm’s show,” the 28-year-old Brit scoffed at the notion that The Rock’s shirt meant anything serious. He said:
“He’s trying to catch a buzz off. Listen, couldn’t care less. Couldn’t care less about Dwayne. If he wants to come to New Japan, I’ll slap him up. No problem. It’s Dwayne Johnson, bro. It’s Dwayne Johnson. Wow. He was in Jumanji 2.”
These comments from the 28-year-old NJPW star reflect the brash attitude he’s become known for, especially as part of The Bullet Club and its War Dogs unit. This isn’t his first time throwing shots at WWE talent either. Back in December 2024, he openly challenged former Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, even reminding fans that he once beat Rhodes in a triple threat match back in 2017.
With social media fueling more crossover speculation than ever, Kidd’s fiery comments are a reminder that today’s wrestling landscape doesn’t fit into neat boxes anymore. Whether The Rock’s choice of attire was just a random nod or something more deliberate is anyone’s guess. But in this era, a single shirt can trigger a week of headlines and bold responses.
Despite the online chatter, the idea of The Rock stepping into an NJPW ring is, realistically, far-fetched. Still, Kidd’s challenge underscores the attitude of a new generation of wrestlers who are not afraid to poke the bear, even if the bear happens to be one of the biggest names the industry has ever seen.