In an emotional and triumphant return to the WWE ring, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reminisces about the standout moments from his match at WrestleMania 40 that filled him with joy. Wrestling fans worldwide had eagerly awaited The Rock’s return to the grandest stage after an 11-year hiatus, discounting his brief appearance at WrestleMania 32. Facing immense pressure, The Rock teamed up with Roman Reigns to take on Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the highly anticipated Saturday main event.
The Rock’s Preparation and Match Outcome
In the months leading up to WrestleMania, The Rock underwent rigorous training with WWE NXT wrestlers Gallus (Wolfgang, Joe Coffey, and Mark Coffey) to prepare for his in-ring comeback. His dedication paid off as the match, which lasted over 45 minutes, showcased his enduring prowess. The climax saw The Rock pin Cody Rhodes after delivering a Rock Bottom and a People’s Elbow, securing the victory for his team.
Reflecting on the event in an in-depth interview with ESPN, The Rock expressed his satisfaction with how the match unfolded. “We were rolling the dice, and, as you saw, everything worked out, I thought, phenomenally well,” he said, acknowledging the successful execution of the high-stakes match.
A Joyful Moment in the Ring
The Rock shared a particularly joyful moment during the match when he first locked up with Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. He recalled the intricate Cody Cutter off the ropes, a move requiring impeccable timing that they had never performed together before. The Rock’s elation was palpable as he lay on the mat, overwhelmed by the crowd’s explosive reaction. “We connected with that big Cody Cutter off the ropes, which required insane f—ing timing, which we had never done before. We were like, all right, we have some confidence in our abilities here. When he hit me with that and the way the crowd responded, I remember laying there and just being so f—ing happy, but I don’t want to laugh or smile.”
Additionally, The Rock detailed his initial interactions with his opponents, emphasizing the significance of his first lockup with Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes. “My very first lockup with Seth Rollins, that’s when it all clicked. It’s like you have a shift-and-click moment. It’s riding the bicycle. Then he tagged in Cody. First time ever, I locked up with Cody and the lockup feels good.” He elaborated on the instant connection and understanding between wrestlers during a lockup, appreciating the smoothness and control displayed by both Rollins and Rhodes.
Praise from Triple H
WWE’s Chief Content Officer and The Rock’s longtime on-screen rival, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, commended The Rock’s incredible performance at WrestleMania 40. In the same ESPN article, Triple H highlighted the difference between announcing a comeback and delivering a stellar performance. “It’s one thing to announce a comeback. It’s another to go through a full training camp. But to execute the way Rock did at WrestleMania is a different level,” Triple H praised.
The Future of The Rock in WWE
As The Rock continues to bask in the glory of his WrestleMania 40 performance, speculation about his future matches has already begun. Fans are buzzing with excitement over potential matchups at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, with a showdown against Cody Rhodes or the dream match with Roman Reigns being the top contenders.
The Rock’s return has undoubtedly reinvigorated the WWE Universe, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move. Whether he faces Rhodes, Reigns, or another formidable opponent, The Rock’s presence guarantees electrifying entertainment and unforgettable moments.