Following his surprise return during WWE SmackDown on September 15, 2023, The Rock had still not spoken at the events.
Indeed, The Rock seemed to have taken advantage of the moment in the ring by enjoying the reaction of the crowd and now he confirmed that he was still blown away by this crazy reaction 48 hours later:
”I was – and still am – completely blown away by the reaction of the Denver crowd Friday night on SmackDown. My presence was a 100% surprise to everyone and this crowd of 14,000 people erupted with a loud roar as if there were 100,000 of them. Top 5 strongest reaction of my career (and when I arrived I said to myself that it was huge). I am so grateful and humbled by this. I never take it for granted and coming back ‘home’ is always scary for me.
Thanks to my guy Pat Mac and the talented Austin Theory, the WWE family backstage, Team Rock backstage and everyone who joined in all in on the project. But above all, a thank you with all my heart, gratitude and respect, to the PEOPLE. Our connection is real. Electrifying. Champion of the people.”
The Rock’s return caused WWE’s numbers to explode on social media and on television. A return which was appreciated by the fans and also by The Rock following his statement.
The Rock’s return for a WWE match is always about one thing: creating something new that has never been done before for the fans (details here). It now remains to be seen whether WWE and The Rock will be able to implement this project for 2024.
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
Photo credit: WWE