The Rock’s tribute to PAC has reportedly caught some people in WWE off guard after he praised AEW and its contribution to professional wrestling.

In a video shared on Instagram earlier this week, Dwayne Johnson offered his condolences following PAC’s passing. He described AEW as “growing into this phenomenal wrestling company” and referred to Tony Khan as his friend.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that the praise surprised some within WWE, particularly given The Rock’s position on the TKO board of directors.

“Rock and Nick Khan are close. I do not believe that has changed. Were there people in WWE who were very surprised at his wording and what he said, especially with him being on the TKO board of directors? Yes, okay. They were very surprised. Nick may not have been. He may have told Nick ahead of time. Maybe he didn’t. He can do whatever he wants.”

Meltzer explained that the reaction centred on what The Rock said about AEW during the tribute.

“Not that he did the video, but the wording in the video, where he praised them and essentially gave the stamp of, ‘Yeah, you guys are good for business and work hard, and you’re helping make wrestling.’

“That’s not the message I think the company wants out. No one’s going to be mad at him doing the video, but the wording, people brought it up to me.”

The Rock’s message also highlighted the bonds shared across wrestling. Describing the industry as a “tight-knit group,” he sent condolences to the AEW locker room and his WWE “colleagues” who knew PAC.

He also thanked PAC for his contribution to professional wrestling, offering a tribute that reached across company lines.