diff --git a/.github/workflows/brave.lock.yml b/.github/workflows/brave.lock.yml
index 4662d09a1f4..692f70c34a0 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/brave.lock.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/brave.lock.yml
@@ -87,12 +87,12 @@ jobs:
             setupGlobals(core, github, context, exec, io);
             const { main } = require('/tmp/gh-aw/actions/compute_text.cjs');
             await main();
-      - name: Add eyes reaction to the triggering item
+      - name: Add rocket reaction to the triggering item
         id: react
         if: github.event_name == 'issues' || github.event_name == 'issue_comment' || github.event_name == 'pull_request_review_comment' || github.event_name == 'discussion' || github.event_name == 'discussion_comment' || (github.event_name == 'pull_request') && (github.event.pull_request.head.repo.id == github.repository_id)
         uses: actions/github-script@ed597411d8f924073f98dfc5c65a23a2325f34cd # v8.0.0
         env:
-          GH_AW_REACTION: "eyes"
+          GH_AW_REACTION: "rocket"
           GH_AW_COMMAND: brave
           GH_AW_WORKFLOW_NAME: "Brave Web Search Agent"
           GH_AW_SAFE_OUTPUT_MESSAGES: "{\"footer\":\"\\u003e 🦁 *Search results brought to you by [{workflow_name}]({run_url})*\",\"runStarted\":\"🔍 Brave Search activated! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) is venturing into the web on this {event_type}...\",\"runSuccess\":\"🦁 Mission accomplished! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) has returned with the findings. Knowledge acquired! 🏆\",\"runFailure\":\"🔍 Search interrupted! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) {status}. The web remains unexplored...\"}"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/cloclo.lock.yml b/.github/workflows/cloclo.lock.yml
index ffe97612a98..ebb242cf4a6 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/cloclo.lock.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/cloclo.lock.yml
@@ -121,12 +121,12 @@ jobs:
             setupGlobals(core, github, context, exec, io);
             const { main } = require('/tmp/gh-aw/actions/compute_text.cjs');
             await main();
-      - name: Add eyes reaction to the triggering item
+      - name: Add rocket reaction to the triggering item
         id: react
         if: github.event_name == 'issues' || github.event_name == 'issue_comment' || github.event_name == 'pull_request_review_comment' || github.event_name == 'discussion' || github.event_name == 'discussion_comment' || (github.event_name == 'pull_request') && (github.event.pull_request.head.repo.id == github.repository_id)
         uses: actions/github-script@ed597411d8f924073f98dfc5c65a23a2325f34cd # v8.0.0
         env:
-          GH_AW_REACTION: "eyes"
+          GH_AW_REACTION: "rocket"
           GH_AW_COMMAND: cloclo
           GH_AW_WORKFLOW_NAME: "/cloclo"
           GH_AW_SAFE_OUTPUT_MESSAGES: "{\"footer\":\"\\u003e 🎤 *Magnifique! Performance by [{workflow_name}]({run_url})*\",\"runStarted\":\"🎵 Comme d'habitude! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) takes the stage on this {event_type}...\",\"runSuccess\":\"🎤 Bravo! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) has delivered a stunning performance! Standing ovation! 🌟\",\"runFailure\":\"🎵 Intermission... [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) {status}. The show must go on... eventually!\"}"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/craft.lock.yml b/.github/workflows/craft.lock.yml
index 00c2d309a3c..1d6f19d347d 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/craft.lock.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/craft.lock.yml
@@ -83,12 +83,12 @@ jobs:
             setupGlobals(core, github, context, exec, io);
             const { main } = require('/tmp/gh-aw/actions/compute_text.cjs');
             await main();
-      - name: Add eyes reaction to the triggering item
+      - name: Add rocket reaction to the triggering item
         id: react
         if: github.event_name == 'issues' || github.event_name == 'issue_comment' || github.event_name == 'pull_request_review_comment' || github.event_name == 'discussion' || github.event_name == 'discussion_comment' || (github.event_name == 'pull_request') && (github.event.pull_request.head.repo.id == github.repository_id)
         uses: actions/github-script@ed597411d8f924073f98dfc5c65a23a2325f34cd # v8.0.0
         env:
-          GH_AW_REACTION: "eyes"
+          GH_AW_REACTION: "rocket"
           GH_AW_COMMAND: craft
           GH_AW_WORKFLOW_NAME: "Workflow Craft Agent"
           GH_AW_SAFE_OUTPUT_MESSAGES: "{\"footer\":\"\\u003e ⚒️ *Crafted with care by [{workflow_name}]({run_url})*\",\"runStarted\":\"🛠️ Master Crafter at work! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) is forging a new workflow on this {event_type}...\",\"runSuccess\":\"⚒️ Masterpiece complete! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) has crafted your workflow. May it serve you well! 🎖️\",\"runFailure\":\"🛠️ Forge cooling down! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) {status}. The anvil awaits another attempt...\"}"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/grumpy-reviewer.lock.yml b/.github/workflows/grumpy-reviewer.lock.yml
index 6a70f001190..1fb6c2cd538 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/grumpy-reviewer.lock.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/grumpy-reviewer.lock.yml
@@ -88,12 +88,12 @@ jobs:
             setupGlobals(core, github, context, exec, io);
             const { main } = require('/tmp/gh-aw/actions/compute_text.cjs');
             await main();
-      - name: Add eyes reaction to the triggering item
+      - name: Add rocket reaction to the triggering item
         id: react
         if: github.event_name == 'issues' || github.event_name == 'issue_comment' || github.event_name == 'pull_request_review_comment' || github.event_name == 'discussion' || github.event_name == 'discussion_comment' || (github.event_name == 'pull_request') && (github.event.pull_request.head.repo.id == github.repository_id)
         uses: actions/github-script@ed597411d8f924073f98dfc5c65a23a2325f34cd # v8.0.0
         env:
-          GH_AW_REACTION: "eyes"
+          GH_AW_REACTION: "rocket"
           GH_AW_COMMAND: grumpy
           GH_AW_WORKFLOW_NAME: "Grumpy Code Reviewer 🔥"
           GH_AW_SAFE_OUTPUT_MESSAGES: "{\"footer\":\"\\u003e 😤 *Reluctantly reviewed by [{workflow_name}]({run_url})*\",\"runStarted\":\"😤 *sigh* [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) is begrudgingly looking at this {event_type}... This better be worth my time.\",\"runSuccess\":\"😤 Fine. [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) finished the review. It wasn't completely terrible. I guess. 🙄\",\"runFailure\":\"😤 Great. [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) {status}. As if my day couldn't get any worse...\"}"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/mergefest.lock.yml b/.github/workflows/mergefest.lock.yml
index 8a4230343a1..30854a71515 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/mergefest.lock.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/mergefest.lock.yml
@@ -73,12 +73,12 @@ jobs:
             setupGlobals(core, github, context, exec, io);
             const { main } = require('/tmp/gh-aw/actions/check_workflow_timestamp_api.cjs');
             await main();
-      - name: Add eyes reaction to the triggering item
+      - name: Add rocket reaction to the triggering item
         id: react
         if: github.event_name == 'issues' || github.event_name == 'issue_comment' || github.event_name == 'pull_request_review_comment' || github.event_name == 'discussion' || github.event_name == 'discussion_comment' || (github.event_name == 'pull_request') && (github.event.pull_request.head.repo.id == github.repository_id)
         uses: actions/github-script@ed597411d8f924073f98dfc5c65a23a2325f34cd # v8.0.0
         env:
-          GH_AW_REACTION: "eyes"
+          GH_AW_REACTION: "rocket"
           GH_AW_COMMAND: mergefest
           GH_AW_WORKFLOW_NAME: "Mergefest"
         with:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/pdf-summary.lock.yml b/.github/workflows/pdf-summary.lock.yml
index 2a01111b022..3bc06fd78ef 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/pdf-summary.lock.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/pdf-summary.lock.yml
@@ -105,12 +105,12 @@ jobs:
             setupGlobals(core, github, context, exec, io);
             const { main } = require('/tmp/gh-aw/actions/compute_text.cjs');
             await main();
-      - name: Add eyes reaction to the triggering item
+      - name: Add rocket reaction to the triggering item
         id: react
         if: github.event_name == 'issues' || github.event_name == 'issue_comment' || github.event_name == 'pull_request_review_comment' || github.event_name == 'discussion' || github.event_name == 'discussion_comment' || (github.event_name == 'pull_request') && (github.event.pull_request.head.repo.id == github.repository_id)
         uses: actions/github-script@ed597411d8f924073f98dfc5c65a23a2325f34cd # v8.0.0
         env:
-          GH_AW_REACTION: "eyes"
+          GH_AW_REACTION: "rocket"
           GH_AW_COMMAND: summarize
           GH_AW_WORKFLOW_NAME: "Resource Summarizer Agent"
           GH_AW_SAFE_OUTPUT_MESSAGES: "{\"footer\":\"\\u003e 📄 *Summary compiled by [{workflow_name}]({run_url})*\",\"runStarted\":\"📖 Page by page! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) is reading through this {event_type}...\",\"runSuccess\":\"📚 TL;DR ready! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) has distilled the essence. Knowledge condensed! ✨\",\"runFailure\":\"📖 Reading interrupted! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) {status}. The document remains unsummarized...\"}"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/plan.lock.yml b/.github/workflows/plan.lock.yml
index fce3e79f7ce..9c6c430317a 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/plan.lock.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/plan.lock.yml
@@ -87,12 +87,12 @@ jobs:
             setupGlobals(core, github, context, exec, io);
             const { main } = require('/tmp/gh-aw/actions/compute_text.cjs');
             await main();
-      - name: Add eyes reaction to the triggering item
+      - name: Add rocket reaction to the triggering item
         id: react
         if: github.event_name == 'issues' || github.event_name == 'issue_comment' || github.event_name == 'pull_request_review_comment' || github.event_name == 'discussion' || github.event_name == 'discussion_comment' || (github.event_name == 'pull_request') && (github.event.pull_request.head.repo.id == github.repository_id)
         uses: actions/github-script@ed597411d8f924073f98dfc5c65a23a2325f34cd # v8.0.0
         env:
-          GH_AW_REACTION: "eyes"
+          GH_AW_REACTION: "rocket"
           GH_AW_COMMAND: plan
           GH_AW_WORKFLOW_NAME: "Plan Command"
         with:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/poem-bot.lock.yml b/.github/workflows/poem-bot.lock.yml
index 9de0a73c09f..d0516bba065 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/poem-bot.lock.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/poem-bot.lock.yml
@@ -90,12 +90,12 @@ jobs:
             setupGlobals(core, github, context, exec, io);
             const { main } = require('/tmp/gh-aw/actions/compute_text.cjs');
             await main();
-      - name: Add eyes reaction to the triggering item
+      - name: Add rocket reaction to the triggering item
         id: react
         if: github.event_name == 'issues' || github.event_name == 'issue_comment' || github.event_name == 'pull_request_review_comment' || github.event_name == 'discussion' || github.event_name == 'discussion_comment' || (github.event_name == 'pull_request') && (github.event.pull_request.head.repo.id == github.repository_id)
         uses: actions/github-script@ed597411d8f924073f98dfc5c65a23a2325f34cd # v8.0.0
         env:
-          GH_AW_REACTION: "eyes"
+          GH_AW_REACTION: "rocket"
           GH_AW_COMMAND: poem-bot
           GH_AW_WORKFLOW_NAME: "Poem Bot - A Creative Agentic Workflow"
           GH_AW_SAFE_OUTPUT_MESSAGES: "{\"footer\":\"\\u003e 🪶 *Verses penned by [{workflow_name}]({run_url})*\",\"runStarted\":\"🎭 Hear ye! The muse stirs! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) takes quill in hand for this {event_type}...\",\"runSuccess\":\"🪶 The poem is writ! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) has composed verses most fair. Applause! 👏\",\"runFailure\":\"🎭 Alas! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) {status}. The muse has fled, leaving verses unsung...\"}"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/pr-nitpick-reviewer.lock.yml b/.github/workflows/pr-nitpick-reviewer.lock.yml
index 96236cf29b9..98b93344761 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/pr-nitpick-reviewer.lock.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/pr-nitpick-reviewer.lock.yml
@@ -105,12 +105,12 @@ jobs:
             setupGlobals(core, github, context, exec, io);
             const { main } = require('/tmp/gh-aw/actions/check_workflow_timestamp_api.cjs');
             await main();
-      - name: Add eyes reaction to the triggering item
+      - name: Add rocket reaction to the triggering item
         id: react
         if: github.event_name == 'issues' || github.event_name == 'issue_comment' || github.event_name == 'pull_request_review_comment' || github.event_name == 'discussion' || github.event_name == 'discussion_comment' || (github.event_name == 'pull_request') && (github.event.pull_request.head.repo.id == github.repository_id)
         uses: actions/github-script@ed597411d8f924073f98dfc5c65a23a2325f34cd # v8.0.0
         env:
-          GH_AW_REACTION: "eyes"
+          GH_AW_REACTION: "rocket"
           GH_AW_COMMAND: nit
           GH_AW_WORKFLOW_NAME: "PR Nitpick Reviewer 🔍"
           GH_AW_SAFE_OUTPUT_MESSAGES: "{\"footer\":\"\\u003e 🔍 *Meticulously inspected by [{workflow_name}]({run_url})*\",\"runStarted\":\"🔬 Adjusting monocle... [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) is scrutinizing every pixel of this {event_type}...\",\"runSuccess\":\"🔍 Nitpicks catalogued! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) has documented all the tiny details. Perfection awaits! ✅\",\"runFailure\":\"🔬 Lens cracked! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) {status}. Some nitpicks remain undetected...\"}"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/scout.lock.yml b/.github/workflows/scout.lock.yml
index d001fd9e03d..f9bde75e06b 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/scout.lock.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/scout.lock.yml
@@ -131,12 +131,12 @@ jobs:
             setupGlobals(core, github, context, exec, io);
             const { main } = require('/tmp/gh-aw/actions/compute_text.cjs');
             await main();
-      - name: Add eyes reaction to the triggering item
+      - name: Add rocket reaction to the triggering item
         id: react
         if: github.event_name == 'issues' || github.event_name == 'issue_comment' || github.event_name == 'pull_request_review_comment' || github.event_name == 'discussion' || github.event_name == 'discussion_comment' || (github.event_name == 'pull_request') && (github.event.pull_request.head.repo.id == github.repository_id)
         uses: actions/github-script@ed597411d8f924073f98dfc5c65a23a2325f34cd # v8.0.0
         env:
-          GH_AW_REACTION: "eyes"
+          GH_AW_REACTION: "rocket"
           GH_AW_COMMAND: scout
           GH_AW_WORKFLOW_NAME: "Scout"
           GH_AW_SAFE_OUTPUT_MESSAGES: "{\"footer\":\"\\u003e 🔭 *Intelligence gathered by [{workflow_name}]({run_url})*\",\"runStarted\":\"🏕️ Scout on patrol! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) is blazing trails through this {event_type}...\",\"runSuccess\":\"🔭 Recon complete! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) has charted the territory. Map ready! 🗺️\",\"runFailure\":\"🏕️ Lost in the wilderness! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) {status}. Sending search party...\"}"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/unbloat-docs.lock.yml b/.github/workflows/unbloat-docs.lock.yml
index 7ea8cb33ca4..eeace0f60f1 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/unbloat-docs.lock.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/unbloat-docs.lock.yml
@@ -81,12 +81,12 @@ jobs:
             setupGlobals(core, github, context, exec, io);
             const { main } = require('/tmp/gh-aw/actions/check_workflow_timestamp_api.cjs');
             await main();
-      - name: Add eyes reaction to the triggering item
+      - name: Add rocket reaction to the triggering item
         id: react
         if: github.event_name == 'issues' || github.event_name == 'issue_comment' || github.event_name == 'pull_request_review_comment' || github.event_name == 'discussion' || github.event_name == 'discussion_comment' || (github.event_name == 'pull_request') && (github.event.pull_request.head.repo.id == github.repository_id)
         uses: actions/github-script@ed597411d8f924073f98dfc5c65a23a2325f34cd # v8.0.0
         env:
-          GH_AW_REACTION: "eyes"
+          GH_AW_REACTION: "rocket"
           GH_AW_COMMAND: unbloat
           GH_AW_WORKFLOW_NAME: "Documentation Unbloat"
           GH_AW_SAFE_OUTPUT_MESSAGES: "{\"footer\":\"\\u003e 🗜️ *Compressed by [{workflow_name}]({run_url})*\",\"runStarted\":\"📦 Time to slim down! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) is trimming the excess from this {event_type}...\",\"runSuccess\":\"🗜️ Docs on a diet! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) has removed the bloat. Lean and mean! 💪\",\"runFailure\":\"📦 Unbloating paused! [{workflow_name}]({run_url}) {status}. The docs remain... fluffy.\"}"
diff --git a/docs/src/content/docs/reference/command-triggers.md b/docs/src/content/docs/reference/command-triggers.md
index ab5205cc925..ffc40c298da 100644
--- a/docs/src/content/docs/reference/command-triggers.md
+++ b/docs/src/content/docs/reference/command-triggers.md
@@ -108,13 +108,13 @@ Body: "${{ github.event.issue.body }}"
 
 ## Reactions
 
-Command workflows automatically add the "eyes" (👀) emoji reaction to triggering comments and edit them with workflow run links, providing immediate feedback. Customize the reaction:
+Command workflows automatically add the "rocket" (🚀) emoji reaction to triggering comments and edit them with workflow run links, providing immediate feedback. Customize the reaction:
 
 ```yaml wrap
 on:
   slash_command:
     name: my-bot
-  reaction: "rocket"  # Override default "eyes"
+  reaction: "eyes"  # Override default "rocket"
 ```
 
 See [Reactions](/gh-aw/reference/frontmatter/) for available reactions and detailed behavior.
diff --git a/pkg/parser/schemas/main_workflow_schema.json b/pkg/parser/schemas/main_workflow_schema.json
index cbc0e3a968e..4e5e8b63b31 100644
--- a/pkg/parser/schemas/main_workflow_schema.json
+++ b/pkg/parser/schemas/main_workflow_schema.json
@@ -1264,8 +1264,8 @@
                   "description": "YAML parses +1 and -1 without quotes as integers. These are converted to +1 and -1 strings respectively."
                 }
               ],
-              "default": "eyes",
-              "description": "AI reaction to add/remove on triggering item (one of: +1, -1, laugh, confused, heart, hooray, rocket, eyes, none). Use 'none' to disable reactions. Defaults to 'eyes' if not specified.",
+              "default": "rocket",
+              "description": "AI reaction to add/remove on triggering item (one of: +1, -1, laugh, confused, heart, hooray, rocket, eyes, none). Use 'none' to disable reactions. Defaults to 'rocket' if not specified.",
               "examples": ["eyes", "rocket", "+1", 1, -1, "none"]
             }
           },
diff --git a/pkg/workflow/compiler_safe_outputs.go b/pkg/workflow/compiler_safe_outputs.go
index 0e5f4dded4b..da5881ee26e 100644
--- a/pkg/workflow/compiler_safe_outputs.go
+++ b/pkg/workflow/compiler_safe_outputs.go
@@ -126,9 +126,9 @@ func (c *Compiler) parseOnSection(frontmatter map[string]any, workflowData *Work
 		workflowData.Command = ""
 	}
 
-	// Auto-enable "eyes" reaction for command triggers if no explicit reaction was specified
+	// Auto-enable "rocket" reaction for command triggers if no explicit reaction was specified
 	if hasCommand && !hasReaction && workflowData.AIReaction == "" {
-		workflowData.AIReaction = "eyes"
+		workflowData.AIReaction = "rocket"
 	}
 
 	// Store other events for merging in applyDefaults
diff --git a/pkg/workflow/reaction_none_test.go b/pkg/workflow/reaction_none_test.go
index 05e377f5ce3..3dc600b425f 100644
--- a/pkg/workflow/reaction_none_test.go
+++ b/pkg/workflow/reaction_none_test.go
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ safe-outputs:
 
 # Command Bot with Default Reaction
 
-Test command workflow with default (eyes) reaction.
+Test command workflow with default (rocket) reaction.
 `
 
 	testFile := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "test-command-bot-default.md")
@@ -141,9 +141,9 @@ Test command workflow with default (eyes) reaction.
 		t.Errorf("Expected Command to be 'test-bot', got '%s'", workflowData.Command)
 	}
 
-	// Verify AIReaction defaults to "eyes" for command workflows
-	if workflowData.AIReaction != "eyes" {
-		t.Errorf("Expected AIReaction to default to 'eyes' for command workflows, got '%s'", workflowData.AIReaction)
+	// Verify AIReaction defaults to "rocket" for command workflows
+	if workflowData.AIReaction != "rocket" {
+		t.Errorf("Expected AIReaction to default to 'rocket' for command workflows, got '%s'", workflowData.AIReaction)
 	}
 
 	// Compile the workflow
@@ -160,8 +160,8 @@ Test command workflow with default (eyes) reaction.
 	compiled := string(compiledBytes)
 
 	// Verify that activation job HAS reaction step
-	if !strings.Contains(compiled, "Add eyes reaction to the triggering item") {
-		t.Error("Activation job should have reaction step when reaction defaults to 'eyes'")
+	if !strings.Contains(compiled, "Add rocket reaction to the triggering item") {
+		t.Error("Activation job should have reaction step when reaction defaults to 'rocket'")
 	}
 
 	// Verify that activation job HAS reaction permissions
