As WWE’s second-biggest event of the year approaches, fans and insiders alike are buzzing with speculation about a potential return of one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Scheduled to take place at Cleveland Browns Stadium on August 3, SummerSlam promises to be an explosive event, and the possibility of The Rock’s appearance is adding to the excitement.
The Rock’s Last WWE Appearance
The Rock last competed in a WWE ring at WrestleMania 40 in April 2022, marking his first proper match in 11 years. His return was a monumental event, as he teamed with his cousin Roman Reigns to defeat Cody Rhodes, only to be defeated by Rhodes the following night in a one-on-one match. Since then, The Rock has been on the periphery of WWE’s longest-running storyline, which involves his cousin Roman Reigns and current champion Cody Rhodes.
Why the Speculation?
The speculation about The Rock’s return to SummerSlam has been fueled by several factors. Firstly, The Rock’s involvement in the storyline with Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes remains unresolved. At WrestleMania, The Rock vowed to return someday and settle a grudge with the new Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes. This promise has left fans eagerly anticipating his comeback.
Secondly, WWE has a history of using its major events to surprise fans with the return of legendary superstars. Given The Rock’s immense popularity and his ability to draw in both wrestling fans and casual viewers, his return at SummerSlam would be a massive boost for WWE.
Bill Apter’s Insights
Veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter shared his thoughts on The Rock’s potential return during an episode of Sportskeeda’s The Wrestling Time Machine. Apter suggested that WWE might be planning The Rock’s comeback to replicate the buzz and mainstream appeal he generated during his previous appearances.
“When The Rock was involved, there was a significant increase in interest from people who weren’t typically wrestling fans,” Apter noted. “His presence brought a lot of attention from Hollywood and mainstream media, which translated into higher ratings and a broader audience.”
What to Expect at SummerSlam
While nothing has been confirmed, the potential storyline scenarios for The Rock’s return are tantalizing. One possibility is that The Rock could interfere in the main event between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa, setting up a future match with Rhodes. Alternatively, he could align himself with Roman Reigns, who has been absent from WWE programming since losing his title to Rhodes at WrestleMania 40.
There is also speculation that The Rock could confront Roman Reigns, leading to a blockbuster match between the two cousins. This storyline could see Reigns returning as a babyface, siding with The Rock against the heel Solo Sikoa, who has taken over Reigns’s ‘Bloodline’ faction during his absence.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The possibility of The Rock’s return has ignited excitement among WWE fans. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions and theories about how The Rock could fit into the current WWE landscape. Fans are eagerly awaiting any hints or announcements from WWE leading up to SummerSlam.
Conclusion
As SummerSlam approaches, the speculation surrounding The Rock’s potential return continues to grow. Whether he will make an appearance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: if The Rock does return, it will be a momentous occasion that will electrify the WWE Universe and add another unforgettable chapter to his storied career.
With the event set to take place at Cleveland Browns Stadium, fans around the world will be tuning in with bated breath, hoping to witness the return of The Great One. Until then, the excitement and speculation will only continue to build, making SummerSlam 2024 one of the most anticipated events in WWE history.
