The Rock’s announced return to SmackDown this Friday has sparked significant speculation about his potential involvement at WrestleMania 41. Several important clues suggest The Final Boss may be setting the stage for a high-profile match at WWE’s premier event.
The most telling indication came during The Rock’s recent appearance on NXT New Year’s Evil, where he delivered a revealing promo. During this appearance, he made a statement that generated considerable online discussion among fans.
[Rock clarified that fans didn’t know what he was capable of. He noted that he was 20 steps ahead of everyone else]
"The Rock is The Final Boss, thinking 20 steps ahead."@TheRock ALWAYS has a plan… 👀 #WWENXT | #NewYearsEvil pic.twitter.com/gG1hH6q1RB
— WWE (@WWE) January 8, 2025
This statement hints at a calculated plan extending beyond a simple appearance, potentially signaling his intention to announce his WrestleMania 41 status during this week’s SmackDown. Such an announcement could involve a major match against Cody Rhodes on the first night of the two-day event, with the winner potentially facing the Elimination Chamber victor on the second night.
The Rock’s social media announcement about his SmackDown return contained additional evidence of his WrestleMania intentions. His choice of words, describing himself as “disruptive,” suggests he may cause significant shifts to the WrestleMania 41 card. This language mirrors his approach last year when he inserted himself into the WrestleMania 40 storyline.
He also characterized himself as “unpredictable and dangerous,” emphasizing his continued threat to active WWE superstars. This terminology reinforces that The Final Boss remains an active competitor rather than a retired legend, keeping the door open for in-ring competition at WWE’s showcase event.
WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H seemingly added fuel to the speculation with his own social media response to The Rock’s announcement. Triple H wrote that “everything could change in an instant,” suggesting major developments when The Final Boss appears on Friday night.
Triple H also noted that fans understand what typically happens when The Rock makes appearances during this time of year. With WrestleMania 41 approaching, this comment appears to be a deliberate hint about The Final Boss preparing for in-ring competition at The Show of Shows.
The timing of this return is particularly notable, as it comes during WWE’s road to WrestleMania season. The Rock has only made limited appearances since WrestleMania 40, where he teamed with Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night One, before Rhodes defeated Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship on Night Two.
His most recent WWE appearance occurred at the Bad Blood Premium Live Event, where he confronted Reigns, Rhodes, and Jimmy Uso after The Tribal Chief agreed to team with Rhodes against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.
Interestingly, this Friday’s SmackDown will feature Sikoa, Fatu, and Tama Tonga in a six-man tag team match against Rhodes, Damian Priest, and Braun Strowman, potentially creating the perfect scenario for The Rock’s return to advance a WrestleMania storyline.