WWE SmackDown witnessed the electrifying return of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson on February 21, 2025, as he took to the ring at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The legendary wrestler, known for his captivating presence and iconic catchphrases, made waves with the announcement of WrestleMania 42, set to take place on April 11 and 12, 2026, at the Caesars Superdome. This significant event will mark WrestleMania's return to New Orleans for the third time, following successful past installations with WrestleMania 30 and 34.
The Rock, who had not appeared on WWE programming since January, was met with roaring applause from fans eager to see the wrestling icon back on their screens. He energized the crowd with his signature introduction, saying, "Finally… the Rock has come back to New Orleans!" before following up with the exciting news of WrestleMania’s return, provoking "holy s***" chants from the audience.
Not one to shy away from theatrics, The Rock then cheekily teased the crowd by singing "When The Saints Go Marching Home," before turning the heat up with some playful ribbing of the city itself, calling New Orleans supporters "STD-having trailer-park trash.” His mixing of humor and bravado set the tone for what would be one of the night’s most pivotal moments.
After basking momentarily in the crowd's energy, The Rock turned his attention to Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, who joined him inside the ring. The two exchanged friendly embraces amid cheers, with The Rock referencing their growing friendship over the past year, including personal anecdotes about their mothers, which added genuine warmth before transitioning to business.
The Rock, now donning the role of TKO Board Director, emphasized his influence, stating he wanted Rhodes to not only be the champion for fans but to become his champion. The Rock made it clear he could open doors and provide unparalleled opportunities if Rhodes accepted his proposition, asking him to contemplate this offer until their next encounter at the Elimination Chamber on March 1.
"If you want to be my champion, I can give you everything... you can be our champion, but I want you to be my champion," The Rock declared passionately, demonstrating both the bond and the stakes at hand.
He concluded his segment with perhaps the most chilling yet intriguing line, saying, "I want your soul." This line drew captivating reactions from both Rhodes and the audience, as chants of "sell your soul!" reverberated throughout the arena.
The dynamic between The Rock and Cody Rhodes promises to be not just memorable but also pivotal to the storylines building up to WrestleMania 42. Their meeting at the Elimination Chamber will serve as the backdrop for fans to understand whether Rhodes will commit to The Rock's vision or retain his loyalty to the WWE Universe as their champion.
This unexpected twist adds layers to the WrestleMania narrative, coupling the thrill of anticipation for the upcoming event with the possibility of significant shifts within the roster. The Rock competently bridges nostalgia with the present, serving as not only the ultimate entertainer but also the harbinger of challenging and exciting times for WWE fans.
With compelling teasers for what’s next and the electrifying atmosphere of SmackDown validated by The Rock's antics and announcements, the road to WrestleMania 42 feels poised to captivate wrestling fans like never before.