Finally…The Rock has returned to the WWE.
This time, though, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is back due to some unique circumstances. With the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike stopping many actors from working their massive film schedules, Johnson returned to his former stomping ground of professional wrestling to keep his name relevant.
The Rock returned on the latest Friday Night Smackdown episode, where he appeared alongside Pat McAfee and WWE superstar Austin Theory. Later in the show, he met with John Cena, his one-time foe turned close industry buddy. Cena has also recently returned to WWE as the wrestler-turned-actor is looking for additional work.
For those wondering how Johnson and Cena are allowed to work while there’s an actor’s strike, WWE is notoriously a non-union company, and the writers being used in the productions are not part of the WGA. It’s still murky waters, and there’s been some backlash to the return online.
Nonetheless, this hasn’t stopped The Rock from celebrating. The professional wrestler and action movie icon addressed his return in a new tweet across social media.
Johnson mentions, “I was – I’m still – completely blown away by this crowd reaction in Denver this past Friday night on SMACKDOWN. My appearance was a 100% 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 s—’ when I walked out).
He adds, “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.
Johnson ends the tweet with one simple catchphrase: “Electrifying.” Check out the post below…
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 🤯🥹🙏🏾… pic.twitter.com/IYXcD0yCzN
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) September 17, 2023
WWE Raw airs on Monday Nights, while WWE Smackdown airs on Fridays.
