The Rock’s Legendary Status Forces WWE Vet to Apologize for Mocking Fans

The Rock’s star power humbles former WWE star Karl Anderson

The Rock’s global fame forced former WWE star Karl Anderson to eat his words after he mocked colleagues for chasing the People’s Champion’s autographs. Anderson, speaking on TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast this month, admitted he now understands why wrestlers lined up to meet the legend backstage.

What happened with Karl Anderson and The Rock?

Anderson and Luke Gallows appeared on TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast in June 2026. When hosts asked about interactions with The Rock, Anderson recalled past handshakes with the icon. He then revisited comments he’d made on the Talk N Shop podcast last year, when he dismissed fellow wrestlers as “marks” for wanting photos with The Rock.

“He came one time, and I said something one time,” Anderson explained. “All the boys were running up to him in Gorilla [Position] asking for pictures. I was thinking, ‘Ah, these f*g bunch of marks.’ I even said it on a podcast one time, just trying to get people worked up.”

Why Anderson’s regret matters for The Rock

Anderson’s apology shines a light on The Rock’s unmatched status in wrestling. The People’s Champion remains the biggest superstar in the world, a fact Anderson now grasps. “I get it,” he said. “It’s The Rock. He’s the biggest superstar in the whole entire world.”

The Rock’s ability to stay approachable despite his fame also stood out to Anderson. “He’s able to be there, be himself, and not be bothered,” Anderson noted. “The Rock’s always been really cool with us.”

What comes next for The Rock’s legacy?

Anderson’s shift from mockery to respect reflects The Rock’s enduring pull. The legend’s backstage presence still draws crowds, even years after his last WWE match. His reputation as a gracious icon now extends beyond the ring into locker-room culture.

WWE’s upcoming events, like Survivor Series: WarGames 2026, will keep The Rock in the spotlight. Anderson’s apology only adds to the narrative of a star whose shadow never fades.