The Rock came back, and everyone was with it on the September 15, 2023 episode of WWE Friday Night Smackdown.
The Rock was on the show that he named for a brief couple of segments on September 15. He helped open the show and opened a can of whoop-ass on Austin Theory along with the returning Pat McAfee. The Rock was then later scene embracing his former rival John Cena backstage.
Many in wrestling, be they currently within the WWE Universe or beyond, reacted to Rock coming home to WWE unexpectedly. Fans can see some of the top reactions from the wrestling world below:
Electrifying. #SmackDown @TheRock @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/Dj9uw81W5M
— Triple H (@TripleH) September 16, 2023
It’s truly wild how much of a different level @TheRock is on.
— DIJAK (@DijakWWE) September 16, 2023
Oh this? Just me and my coworker hangin out. -- -- Man - what an awesome surprise tonight in Denver. @therock never fails to show how much he loves this business, loves his fans, and respects all the superstars following in his footsteps. What. A. Guy. -- pic.twitter.com/hlLOoaeEgM
— Kayla Braxton (@KaylaBraxtonWWE) September 16, 2023
BFab--️---- x @TheRock
— Briana Brandy (@TheVibeBri) September 16, 2023
Friday NIGHTS BE FABULOUS! pic.twitter.com/31f8ggcnum
I still get chills when his music hits https://t.co/KESG34NJwv
— Jessica McKay (@JessicaMcKay) September 16, 2023
If @TheRock does come back for Wrestlemania he’s gonna need an FCC compliance class #SmackDown
— Sam Roberts (@notsam) September 16, 2023
My phone can’t even handle the pop! #SmackDown @TheRock https://t.co/SX0vfFJd8L
— Darryl Sharma (@AdrianButlerWWE) September 16, 2023
I'd have loved to see @PatMcAfeeShow do a Punting motion into that people's elbow ------
— The Jaw-Break Kid (@shane216taylor) September 16, 2023
Anybody in this crazy world we're all apart of has to love moments like this...@TheRock entrance & reaction gives goosebumps every time.#wrestling
Can’t even begin to explain how wild this life is. Wouldn’t trade it for anything, and never take a second of it for granted. #SmackDown @PatMcAfeeShow @TheRock pic.twitter.com/S5Mmfi0KqW
— -------------- ---------------------- (@ViewsFromSant) September 16, 2023
.@TheRock Is In The House!! WOOOOO! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/PXBgX3GVY0
— Ric Flair (@RicFlairNatrBoy) September 16, 2023
------------ ---- @TheRock https://t.co/AfyXfJA7TT
— ---------------------- -- (@ImKingKota) September 16, 2023
-- @TheRock pic.twitter.com/sWnUKAXc2d
— Cathy Kelley (@catherinekelley) September 16, 2023
Even @TheRock came to watch my layeth the Smacketh Down on Asuka!!!!!#SmackDown
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) September 16, 2023
10 Years Later… Chase Your Dreams ---- pic.twitter.com/oIBu7qBoaj
— Top Dolla ---- (@AJFrancis410) September 16, 2023
Things Got A Little Rocky Backstage pic.twitter.com/lW5RPRCVqF
— Tehuti Miles (@tehutimiles) September 16, 2023
Earlier in the day on September 15, the Rock revealed that he was set to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 and is open to facing him at WrestleMania 40. Learn more here.
Fightful Select has more information on The Rock's return and the previous considerations for his potential match with Reigns. Select also reported that The Rock and Pat McAfee would be at the September 15 WWE Friday Night SmackDown event in Denver.
Check out our live coverage of Friday Night SmackDown here. There will also be a review podcast on our YouTube.
