WWE SmackDown made waves on February 21, 2025, as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson returned to the ring, electrifying fans and significantly altering the night’s match card. Live from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, The Rock's presence stirred excitement, and with it, the acknowledgment of his unpredictable nature, as noted by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque.
Just one day before the show, The Rock took to social media to announce his return, saying, "Bold and disruptive. Unpredictable and dangerous. The Final Boss returns, LIVE on #SmackDown tomorrow at 8ET/7CT on USA Network." This statement set the tone for the evening, giving fans the electric promise of surprises.
The excitement surrounding his visit led to the cancellation of two previously scheduled matches. The first was set to be between Cody Rhodes and his team against The Bloodline, consisting of Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu. General Manager Nick Aldis informed Rhodes he was being pulled from the six-man tag match at The Rock’s request. Such last-minute changes left fans buzzing with speculation about what the wrestling icon might mean for the storyline leading up to WrestleMania 41.
Another match affected was Liv Morgan’s bout against Naomi, which also fell off the card, stirring frustration among fans who were eager to see their favorite superstars compete. Many speculated whether The Rock's return led to these adjustments, with some expressing disappointment. Nonetheless, WWE did not officially confirm this, keeping viewers on edge.
Fans tuned in to see not just The Rock's presence but also the matches he was no longer part of, creating dual narratives throughout the night. The Rock’s return was marked by the sheer chaos he was known for, recalling last year’s Royal Rumble surprises when he teamed up with Roman Reigns against Rhodes and Seth Rollins.
The episode opened with Drew McIntyre facing off against Jimmy Uso. The match showcased McIntyre's strength as he attempted to take control, delivering suplexes and power moves, only for Uso to surprise him with resilience. Despite McIntyre’s apparent dominance, Uso managed to pull off what was deemed an upset victory after countering one of McIntyre's finishing moves.
After the bell rang, McIntyre’s frustrations boiled over, leading him to attack Uso post-match. This sequence escalated the drama and caught the attention of The Rock, hinting at potential future developments involving McIntyre and Uso with the approaching WrestleMania backdrop.
The night also included clashes for the WWE Tag Team Championship, with champions DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) defending their titles against Pretty Deadly—Elton Prince and Kit Wilson. The match was filled with high stakes as DIY looked to fend off challengers eager to dethrone them as champions. The energetic display kept the audience engaged, reflecting the element of competition heightened by The Rock's looming shadow throughout the show.
Following these matches, Tiffany Stratton squared off against Candice LeRae, which took on extra weight after Nia Jax’s interference last week. The energy continued to surge through the arena as Charlotte Flair made her appearance at ringside, watching closely. Despite Jax's attempt to influence the match, Stratton emerged victorious, thereby affirming her status as the reigning WWE Women's Champion.
Post-match reactions showcased the fallout from the night’s events. Fans expressed their thrill and disappointment on social media, overwhelmed by the intensity and drama woven throughout each match.
The return of The Rock not only shifted the narrative of this SmackDown but also set the stage for upcoming showdowns, especially as the clock ticks down to WrestleMania 41. WWE fans are left eagerly wondering how The Rock will shape the whimsy and chaos of upcoming storylines, as hinted throughout the evening.