The Rock reunites with John Cena on WWE return as the former rivals stare off before sharing a warm embrace: ‘Welcome home’
- The Rock returned to WWE for the first time in almost four years on SmackDown
- He shared a warm moment with longtime opponent Cena backstage during Friday’s show
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The Rock came face to face with John Cena on Friday night in his long-awaited return to WWE – and his old rival couldn’t resist a wry smile.
Just hours after appearing on The Pat McAfee Show – live on the University of Colorado campus – The Rock appeared at the wrestling promotion where he made a name for himself when he wowed fans during an edition of SmackDown in Denver.
McAfee, a WWE commentator, was in the ring with 2022 United States Champion Austin Theory when the wrestling great suddenly made his entrance.
After causing a frenzy in the arena, The Rock exchanged words with Theory before both he and McAfee landed his People’s Elbow finishing move on the WWE star.
And later in the show there was time for him to face one of his most iconic opponents.
The Rock came face to face with John Cena in his highly anticipated return to WWE
After a brief staredown, the former rivals enjoyed a warm embrace on the SmackDown show
The Rock also appeared on The Pat McAfee Show in Denver before leaving for WWE on Friday
While speaking backstage, McAfee told The Rock to turn around and look at someone who “can’t see you” – referencing Cena’s famous catchphrase.
Then the Rock said, turning toward Cena, “I can see him.”
The pair, who had memorable fights at both WrestleMania 28 and 29, then stared at each other for a few seconds.
“I see you’re trying to smile,” The Rock said.
Cena couldn’t contain his obvious joy at seeing his former opponent before saying, “Yes, welcome home.”
The Rock defeated Cena at WrestleMania 28 before his great foe evened the score a year later.
Both men are widely regarded as two of the greatest WWE athletes to ever step foot inside the squared circle.
He famously battled Cena at WrestleMania in 2012 (pictured) and 2013
It marks the first time Johnson has wrestled in any capacity since that October 2019 appearance, which took place around the time he announced his retirement from professional wrestling.
It’s unclear if ‘Rocky’ will return to the WWE or if this was a one-time appearance as he was already in the Centennial State.
But Johnson’s time in Colorado isn’t over yet. He will appear live on College GameDay from the University of Colorado Boulder campus, just a half hour north of Denver.
The Rock will appear on the show as a celebrity ‘guest selector’ to select the winners of Saturday’s US college football games.