The Rock Reflects On Surprise WWE SmackDown Return

Published: Sep 17, 2023 by Connel Rumsey | Last Updated: Sep 17, 2023 by Connel Rumsey

Connel has over five years of wrestling journalism experience writing about some of the biggest stories from across the wrestling world. Being a fan for 20 years, Connel has an expansive knowledge from a wide range of various wrestling promotions, including WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA and Joshi.

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The Rock Reflects On Surprise WWE SmackDown Return

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson made a surprise appearance on this week’s (September 15) episode of WWE SmackDown in Denver, Colorado.

The Rock appeared on the show after appearing on the Pat McAfee Show earlier in the day.

McAfee introduced The Rock on the show, where he confronted and laid out Austin Theory to open up the show.

Taking to Twitter today, The Rock reflected on his return on the show, claiming the reaction he received in Denver was one of his ‘top 5 loudest crowd reactions’ of his career.

He said:

I was – I’m still – completely blown away by this crowd reaction in Denver this past Friday night on SMACKDOWN.

My appearance was a surprise to everyone and this crowd of 14,000 erupted with the roar of 100,000 strong.

Top 5 loudest crowd reaction of my career (which I was like “holy shit” when I walked out )

I’m so grateful and humbled by this. I never take it for granted and “coming home” will always be sacred to me.

Thank you my guy PatMac, the talented Austin Theory, @wwefamily backstage, Team Rock behind the scenes – everyone who joined us to go ALL IN.

But most importantly, thank you with all my love, gratitude and respect, to THE PEOPLE. Our connection is real. Electrifying. ~ people’s champ

The Rock’s return obviously drew incredible eyes to SmackDown, drawing over 100 million views over WWE’s social media platforms.

The Rock mentioned that a match with Roman Reigns was ‘locked in’ for WrestleMania 39.

I was – I’m still – completely blown away by this crowd reaction in Denver this past Friday night on SMACKDOWN.

My appearance was a 💯 surprise to everyone and this crowd of 14,000 erupted with the roar of 100,000 strong.

Top 5 loudest crowd reaction of my career 🤯🥹🙏🏾… pic.twitter.com/IYXcD0yCzN

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) September 17, 2023

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