April 19, 2025

Finally! The Rock returns to WWE SmackDown, sends fans into frenzy

Finally! The Rock returns to WWE SmackDown, sends fans into frenzy
Instagram/WWE

Lest people forget, The Rock made Dwayne Johnson.

The famous actor known for his roles in the Fast and Furious franchise, Hercules, and The Scorpion King first made his name as The Rock, laying the smackdown on the WWE’s Raw and SmackDown brands for years.

But, as The Rock transitioned to acting more and more, the WWE universe saw him less and less.

In fact, the last time The People’s Champ came to WWE’s SmackDown was on its 20th anniversary way back in 2019.

That all changed on Friday night as The Rock shocked the entire WWE universe by returning to SmackDown after five long years—and electrifying the crowd in Denver. He even landed his famed People's Elbow on everyone's most-hated heel, Austin Theory.

Naturally, WWE fans were shookt, and they took to X (formerly Twitter) to let their thoughts and feelings be known.

X user Bunt just couldn't resist the urge to save The Rock's promo versus Austin, saying, "I saved this clip instantly."

Roman Reigns SZN described The Rock's return in the best of terms: "What a moment!"

Ryan could only write, "Holy s**t!"  

Of course, The Rock also had this cool backstage moment with rival-turned-pal John Cena:

And it gave Public Enemies Podcast all the feels. 

"The Rock and John Cena together again…" he wrote. "WHO IS CUTTING ONIONS?"

Apparently, Seth was in his feelings, too, as he could only write "OH MY GOD" thrice.

These strong reactions and emotions are to be expected. After all, The Rock had long been one of the WWE's biggest stars. And it appears he is still loved by quite a lot of fans. 

Now, imagine if The Rock returns to, say, Wrestlemania. That would be something for sure. 

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