Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is no stranger to a loud ovation, but the reception he received during his return to WWE programming surprised even him.
The former wrestling star said he was “completely blown away by this crowd reaction” when he showed up on Friday Night SmackDown. He added it was a “top 5 loudest crowd reaction of my career.”
I was – I’m still – completely blown away by this crowd reaction in Denver this past Friday night on SMACKDOWN. My appearance was a surprise to everyone and this crowd of 14,000 erupted with the roar of 100,000 strong. Top 5 loudest crowd reaction of my career (which I was like “holy shit” when I walked out ) I’m so grateful and humbled by this. I never take it for granted and “coming home” will always be sacred to me. Thank you my guy PatMac, the talented Austin Theory, @wwe
family backstage, Team Rock behind the scenes – everyone who joined us to go ALL IN. But most importantly, thank you with all my love, gratitude and respect, to THE PEOPLE. Our connection is real. Electrifying. ~ people’s champ
WWE fans got an unexpected surprise when The Rock’s signature music played and he walked onto the stage. After a prolonged back-and-forth with Austin Theory, he delivered the People’s Elbow to the two-time United States champion.
The Rock also crossed paths with John Cena backstage, allowing the two titans to catch up.
This is bound to throw more fuel onto the fire when it comes to a hypothetical WrestleMania main event between The Rock and Roman Reigns. Members of the WWE Universe have thrown around the idea for years without it becoming a reality.
For his part, The Rock said Friday on The Pat McAfee Show he had hoped to get in the ring with Reigns at WrestleMania 39. He added he’s “open” to a match at WrestleMania 40 instead after the original plan for this past year fell through.
Scheduling Rock vs. Reigns would certainly be a way for Endeavor to make a major statement in its first WrestleMania since becoming WWE’s parent company.
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