The electrifying chant of “If you smell what the Rock is cooking” ignited the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, thrilling WWE fans who had long awaited Dwayne Johnson’s return. The anticipation had built up among the millions of Rock’s fans, fueled further by a dynamic show with Pat McAfee that set the WWE universe abuzz. Now, let’s delve into the recent SmackDown episode and recount the epic return of The Rock, his meeting with John Cena, and more stuff that happened.
WWE SmackDown: Return Of The Rock
Fans received a promising clue about The Rock’s return to the ring during his appearance on the Pat McAfee show. Mentioning their closeness to headlining WrestleMania 39 alongside Roman Reigns at SoFi Stadium and expressing openness to WrestleMania in Philadelphia fueled the anticipation. Initially thought to be a rumor, the buzz became a reality as The Rock’s return unfolded on the recent episode of SmackDown, stealing the spotlight and confirming the excitement.
The company appeared to be on the rise with soaring profits and potential for growth. However, recent updates reveal a different story for WWE. Following the completed merger of WWE and UFC into TKO Holdings Group, there was a sudden wave of layoffs, a grim day indeed for the company. Reports from PWInsider indicate that over 100 employees were terminated abruptly from different sections, heightening the distress within WWE.
The WWE show kicked off with Pat McAfee, fresh from hosting duties, engaging in a fiery verbal exchange with Austin Theory. Amidst the banter, a familiar tune blared—the legendary entrance theme of The Rock. And he wasted no time in reminding Austin that this was his domain, urging him to silence his chatter and confidently asserting that he would dominate him.
Suddenly, Theory swung a microphone at The Rock, setting off a brawl. Fists flew as Theory relentlessly attacked, but The Rock countered with a powerful SpineBuster, leaving Theory reeling. A thunderous People’s Elbow from The Rock was the finishing touch. As the electrifying segment reached its pinnacle, Pat McAfee joined the action, delivering his own People’s Elbow to conclude the explosive opening.
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John Cena On SmackDown
During WWE SmackDown, there was a buzzworthy moment when DJ, a renowned figure, reunited with his former rival turned friend, John Cena, in a much-discussed homecoming video. Later in the show, Cena made a surprise appearance at the invitation of Grayson Waller, who had shifted from rivalry to friendship. Waller, in a boastful tone, insulted Cena’s diminishing fame and claimed he could revive Cena’s career.
However, the situation escalated as Jimmy Uso intervened, confronting Cena and demanding he vacate the ring. The tension heightened with Solo Sikoa joining the fray, attacking Cena alongside Uso. In a dramatic turn, AJ Styles rushed to Cena’s defense, causing a chaotic end to the show.
Here are the results from WWE SmackDown:
1. Asuka vs. Bayley w/Damage CTRL: Asuka emerged victorious in the match against Bayley.
2. LA Knight vs. The Miz: LA Knight secured the win against The Miz.
3. The Street Profits w/Bobby Lashley vs. Joaquin Wilde & Raul Mendoza w/The LWO: The Street Profits claimed victory in their match against Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza.
4. AJ Styles vs. Finn Balor w/The Judgment Day: Finn Balor emerged victorious in the intense match against AJ Styles.