WWE’s reported backstage reaction was surprise at The Rock’s praise for AEW and Tony Khan—not objection to his tribute to PAC. That account comes from Dave Meltzer, as quoted by Wrestling Noticias; it is not an official WWE or TKO statement.
What The Rock said in the tribute
Wrestling Noticias reported that The Rock posted a video tribute to PAC—Benjamin Satterley, known in WWE as Neville—on September 29, 2026, two days after Satterley’s death. The report says the video referred to Satterley’s WWE run, called AEW a “phenomenal” company on the rise, and described AEW president Tony Khan as a friend. Wrestling Noticias
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What was the reported reaction inside WWE?
In a Wrestling Observer Radio discussion, Garrett Gonzales asked Dave Meltzer about the response in WWE. Wrestling Noticias quoted Meltzer saying: “Were there people in WWE who were very surprised at his wording and what he said, especially with them being on the TKO board of directors? Yes. Okay. They were very surprised.”
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Meltzer’s quoted explanation distinguished the tribute from its wording: “Not that he did the video or anything like that, but the wording in the video, you know, where, you know, he praised them and, you know, essentially gave the stamp of, yeah, you guys are good for business and work hard and you’re helping make wrestling.” The account describes surprise at the positive remarks about AEW, not reported anger about honoring Satterley.
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This is a qualitative backstage account relayed by Meltzer and reported by Patricki Chites at Wrestling Noticias on October 3, 2026. It does not identify how many people reacted or establish that WWE staff broadly shared that view. The article does not document a formal WWE or TKO response.
What does Nick Khan’s reaction have to do with it?
Meltzer did not say he knew whether WWE President Nick Khan was bothered. He speculated that The Rock might have spoken with Khan before posting, but said he could not say what Khan thought. The report therefore does not confirm that a conversation took place or establish Khan’s personal reaction.
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Why does the TKO board come up?
The Wrestling Noticias article notes that The Rock has served on TKO’s board since January 2024. Meltzer’s quoted comment frames the reported surprise against that board context. The report does not say that TKO’s board discussed the tribute or took any action.
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- TrueFX Technology! Each figure is detailed with a life-like face for added collectability.
- Dynamic Posing! Fans can recreate signature moves with 14 points of articulation.
- Play and Display! Reenact favorite WWE Main Event matches or create new rivalries and moves.
- Super Collectible! WWE fans can find their favorite Superstar figures (each sold separately, subject to availability).
What the report establishes—and what it doesn’t
- Reported: The Rock’s tribute included praise for AEW and a friendly reference to Tony Khan, and Meltzer described some people in WWE as surprised by that wording.
- Not established: An official WWE or TKO objection, a formal board response, Nick Khan’s view, or a confirmed pre-posting conversation.
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