Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena had an unexpected reunion on WWE SmackDown, more than 10 years after their iconic WrestleMania matches. The encounter happened on Friday night, following surprise appearances by The Rock and Pat McAfee during the show’s opening segment.
Pat McAfee, who used to work as a WWE commentator and part-time wrestler, appeared on the show without any prior announcement. Austin Theory, a former United States champion, interrupted McAfee, which led to a heated exchange. McAfee then introduced the evening’s second surprise, The Rock.
The Rock didn’t hold back in his verbal assault on Theory, prompting the crowd to chant “you’re an asshole” at him. Theory, a cocky superstar, retaliated by attacking The Rock. However, The Rock quickly gained the upper hand and performed his signature spinebuster and People’s Elbow moves. He then invited McAfee to do his own version of the People’s Elbow.
Later backstage, The Rock and John Cena, both former WWE champions turned actors, embraced each other. The two had previously main-evented WrestleMania 28 and WrestleMania 29, with each winning one match.
Earlier in the day, The Rock appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” where he revealed that plans for a match between him and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 fell through. He hinted that there’s a possibility of facing Reigns at WrestleMania 40 in April next year, which will take place in Philadelphia.
