The Rock had some huge news for the city of New Orleans with his return to WWE.
Ahead of the February 21st edition of WWE SmackDown, it was announced that The Rock would once again be appearing live. With WWE fast approaching WrestleMania 41, fans were expecting something big from The Final Boss ahead of the biggest show of the year in Las Vegas.
Receiving a great ovation from the fans upon his return, Rock promised that he was going to drop some “big gospel sh*t” for the fans in New Orleans. Kicking things off with the big news, the Hollywood star confirmed that WrestleMania 42 would be taking place from the SuperDome, which was shortly accompanied by a graphic confirming the dates for the show would be April 11th and 12th 2026.
Reverting back to his heel persona, The Final Boss then insulted the fans before calling out Cody Rhdoes, which was referenced earlier in the night. Following an embrace from both men, Rock first referenced their friendly previous interaction at the Raw on Netflix premiere before getting down to business.
First noting that they have become good friends, the Hollywood star reminded the fans that he is a Director of the Board and therefore one of the most powerful in the company. Rock then made his offer, asking Rhodes to be “his champion.” Rhodes noted that he is in fact the fans’ champion, but The Final Boss reminded Rhodes of his success and how the WWE Champion could have even more success in the process.
With Rhodes not giving an answer, both men will be at Elimination Chamber on March 1st, where The American Nightmare will make his decision.
Will The Rock Face Cody Rhodes?
Although Rock confronted Rhodes on the Raw after WrestleMania 40 and has had multiple interactions with The American Nightmare since, there has been no clear indication that there will be an eventual match between the current and former WWE Champion. While speaking at the SmackDown post-show press conference, Rock spoke about the possibility of the match and how he does not have to have a match with Rhodes to culminate the rivalry:
“I grew up in the world of pro wrestling. My dad, my grandfather. To be able to come back in this way as the Final Boss and to be able to get into the Final Boss’ skin and to be able to become that in this venue in New Orleans, and really take the audience on a fun experience and ride where I’m singing, I’m dropping the announcement for WrestleMania. ‘Oh when the Saints…you can’t sing with me. The Final Boss is singing.’ To bring Cody Rhodes out and offer him this big ideology of, ‘You are our champion and you are amazing, but I want so much more for you.’ At the end, The Final Boss says, ‘I want your soul.’ I think what that does, in this wild and crazy world of pro wrestling, is that, to me, it just becomes something that is unpredictable. In the world of pro wrestling, as we all know, everything will culminate to a match. Whatever happens, it will end up in the ring. What I really love about this rare air space that we’ve gotten to with the character of the Final Boss, it’s like this white whale unicorn in that with Final Boss and Cody Rhodes, it’s not about the WWE Title or having a match or punching, kicking or bleeding that is so part of our world. It never has to culminate to a match. That’s a really special place to be, I think. Creatively and character-wise and how much fun you can have. To be able to have a storyline and two characters who are very popular, to never have to get in the ring for a match, but yet still hold this really unique, compelling, off-putting, kinda weird, he wants his soul, what does that mean? I love it and I loved every moment of it. Cody did too as well. We had a few tequilas after tonight,”
H/t to Fightful.
Featured image: WWE
