The Rock’s WWE Return: Is He Setting Up for a Stunning WrestleMania 41 Appearance?

As WrestleMania 41 approaches, one of the biggest questions on the minds of WWE fans is whether or not Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will make an appearance at the grand spectacle. The 52-year-old WWE legend and Hollywood icon has made sporadic returns to the wrestling ring in recent years, but whether he will lace up his boots for a match at this year’s event remains unclear.

A Legendary Career, A Hollywood Star

Before his rise as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, The Rock made his name as one of WWE’s most beloved and successful Superstars. His larger-than-life persona and unforgettable catchphrases made him a fan favorite, and his time in the ring helped solidify WWE’s global reach. But as his acting career took off, particularly with his roles in the Fast & Furious franchise, The Rock transitioned away from full-time wrestling.

Nevertheless, his legacy in WWE has never faded. Last year, he made a much-anticipated return to the ring at WrestleMania 40, marking his first match in over a decade. The Rock teamed up with his cousin, Roman Reigns, to face off against the team of Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. Notably, The Rock himself pinned Rhodes in that historic encounter, further cementing his place as one of the industry’s greatest.

The Rock’s Return to WWE

Since that match, The Rock has made sporadic appearances on WWE programming. After his pivotal role at WrestleMania 40, he briefly supported Rhodes in his pursuit of the Undisputed Championship. But after his commitments to film, The Rock was mostly absent, with only occasional appearances. However, his presence in WWE programming became more consistent after WWE’s partnership with Netflix in January 2024, leading to a flurry of semi-regular show-ups, including his involvement in John Cena’s heel turn at the Elimination Chamber in Toronto.

Despite this, the long-awaited dream match between The Rock and Roman Reigns—long teased by fans and both wrestlers—has yet to materialize. The two stars have discussed the potential for this massive encounter, with The Rock previously commenting on the idea in 2023, saying: “The Rock headlining WrestleMania with Roman Reigns, SoFi Stadium, that was locked. It was in. What can we create for the fans that has never been done before?”

The Rock’s Future at WrestleMania 41

As the hype surrounding WrestleMania 41 builds, many fans are still hoping to see The Rock make an appearance, especially in the context of his long-discussed showdown with Roman Reigns. Both men have acknowledged the massive fan interest in this potential clash, with Reigns stating, “If our fans are loud enough and passionate enough about something, we’re not being dictated to. If the people want it, we’ll make it happen.”

However, as of now, it remains unclear whether The Rock will be involved in this year’s event. Given the close ties between Reigns and The Rock and the widespread anticipation for their clash, it would be a monumental moment if the two finally squared off. But if that match doesn’t materialize, WWE fans shouldn’t expect The Rock to simply appear without the proper storyline or match to go with it.

WrestleMania 41: What to Expect

WrestleMania 41 will take place on April 19 and 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a capacity of 65,000 fans. As always, the event will be spread across two nights, with each show beginning at 1 a.m. UK time. The WWE kickoff show will start at midnight, available for free streaming on WWE’s YouTube channel, while the full event will be broadcast live on Netflix as part of their historic £4 billion, 10-year partnership with the company.

Whether or not The Rock steps into the ring at WrestleMania 41, there is no denying the immense anticipation surrounding the event. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see what WWE has in store, with or without the biggest star in wrestling history.