The Rock makes his return to SmackDown on February 21, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. According to @WrestleVotes, New Orleans is the frontrunner to host WrestleMania 42 in 2026, and The Rock will be at the show to make the announcement—not to confront his WrestleMania 41 opponent, as previously speculated.
The Rock addressed his upcoming appearance on social media with a message about his plans for the broadcast.
The Final Boss is coming to handle business, deliver a big beautiful gift to the city of New Orleans and f**k up a certain someone’s life with the Final Boss gospel
Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline provided insight into The Rock’s current in-ring status regarding WrestleMania 41.
I don’t know what commitments he has, but as far as timing goes, he has said he needs nine weeks of hard training to get in Mania wrestling shape and we are nine weeks away.
WWE has made other plans for Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.