The WWE Universe was in for a treat on the first Raw of 2024, as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a stunning return to the show after four years. The Hollywood star and former WWE champion interrupted Jinder Mahal, who was bragging about his victory over Drew McIntyre at TLC. The Rock delivered a Rock Bottom to Mahal and then cut a promo, teasing a potential match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40.
The Rock returns to WWE after four years
The Rock had not been seen on WWE television since he appeared on the premiere episode of SmackDown on FOX in October 2019. He had a memorable segment with Becky Lynch and Baron Corbin, where he coined the term “STD” for the latter. The Rock had also announced his retirement from wrestling earlier that year, but he has changed his mind.
The Rock’s return on Raw surprised the fans, who gave him a thunderous ovation. The Rock thanked the fans for their support and said he was happy to return home. He then addressed Jinder Mahal, who was still lying in the ring. The Rock mocked Mahal’s claim of being the modern-day Maharaja and said that he was more like the modern-day Jabroni. The Rock then asked the fans if they wanted to see him face Mahal at WrestleMania, but the crowd booed the idea.
The Rock challenges Roman Reigns for the Universal title
The Rock then turned his attention to Roman Reigns, the current WWE Universal Champion, and his cousin. The Rock praised Reigns for his dominant run as the champion but said that he was not the true head of the table. The Rock said that he was the one who put the Anoa’i family on the map and that he was the real leader of the bloodline.
The Rock then challenged Reigns to a match at WrestleMania 40, saying that he wanted to prove who was the best in the world. The Rock said that he had nothing but respect for Reigns, but he also had a score to settle with him. The Rock reminded Reigns that he had booed him at the Royal Rumble in 2015 when he helped him win the match. The Rock said that he had never forgotten that moment and that he wanted to make Reigns pay for it.
The Rock then asked the fans if they wanted to see him face Reigns at WrestleMania, and the crowd erupted in cheers. The Rock said that he was ready to face Reigns anytime, anywhere, and that he would bring the fight to him. The Rock then ended his promo with his catchphrase, “If you smell what The Rock is cooking,”.
What does this mean for WrestleMania 40?
The Rock’s return and challenge to Roman Reigns have set the stage for a blockbuster match at WrestleMania 40. The Rock and Reigns are two of the biggest stars in WWE history, and they share a family bond. The match would be a dream come true for many fans, who have been waiting to see them clash for years.
However, the match is not confirmed yet, as Reigns has not responded to The Rock’s challenge. Reigns is currently scheduled to defend his title against Cody Rhodes at the Royal Rumble after Rhodes won the men’s Rumble match last year. Reigns and Rhodes have a history of their own, as they faced each other at WrestleMania 39, where Reigns retained his title.
Reigns may accept The Rock’s challenge after he defeats Rhodes at the Rumble, or The Rock will interfere in the match and cost Reigns the title. Either way, the stage is set for a monumental showdown between The Rock and Reigns at WrestleMania 40, which will take place on April 7, 2024, at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
