Simone Johnson has opened up about the backlash she experienced during the “We Want Cody” movement surrounding WWE’s plans for WrestleMania 40. As the daughter of Dwayne Johnson, Johnson recalled being warned that fans could boo her after The Rock appeared to take Cody Rhodes’ planned WrestleMania opportunity.
Johnson Was Warned About Fan Reaction
Speaking with Cody Rhodes on his What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast, Johnson remembered being approached backstage by NXT head writer Johnny Russo before an appearance at NXT Vengeance Day in 2024.
Johnson said Russo warned her not to be surprised if the audience booed when her promotional segment aired. The warning came shortly after The Rock’s return to SmackDown, where the developing WrestleMania storyline appeared to put Rhodes’ planned match with Roman Reigns in doubt.
The crowd reaction was followed by significant online criticism directed at Johnson, even though she was not responsible for WWE’s creative decisions. She said the experience changed the way she viewed wrestling fans and the wrestling business for a period of time.
“We Want Cody” Movement
The situation became one of the major talking points on WWE programming ahead of WrestleMania 40. Fans strongly supported Rhodes and pushed for him to remain in the spotlight at the event.
WWE eventually changed course. Rhodes returned to the WrestleMania 40 main-event picture, while The Rock became involved in the storyline surrounding Rhodes and Reigns. Rhodes ultimately defeated Reigns on the second night of WrestleMania 40 to win the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Rhodes Checked on Johnson
Johnson also recalled that Rhodes personally checked on her after she faced the negative reaction. She said Rhodes asked whether she was okay and offered to help.
For Johnson, the experience became an important moment in how she approached her own wrestling career. She said the backlash eventually made her more confident about focusing on her individual journey rather than outside reactions.
Johnson later left WWE after deciding she wanted to explore new opportunities and continue developing outside the company. She said her departure was not caused by one specific incident but followed a longer period of consideration.
Source : yahoo.com
