Editing Dwayne Johnson (section)

=== Return to WWE ===
==== Feud with John Cena (2011–2013) ====
[[File:The rock en WM !!!!.jpg|thumb|upright|The Rock in the ring as [[WrestleMania XXVII]] host, April 2011]]
On February 14, 2011, The Rock was announced as the host of [[WrestleMania XXVII]] on April 3, 2011, appearing live on ''Raw'' for the first time in almost seven years. During a lengthy promo, he addressed the fans and started a feud with [[John Cena]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1512427-john-cenas-fruity-pebbles-cookiepuss-and-other-unflattering-wwe-nicknames |title=John Cena's Fruity Pebbles, Cookie Puss and Other Unflattering WWE Nicknames |first=Alfred |last=Konuwa |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-date=January 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125042626/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1512427-john-cenas-fruity-pebbles-cookiepuss-and-other-unflattering-wwe-nicknames |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/15/17278316.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016212345/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/15/17278316.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |title=Raw: Finally, The Rock has returned to WWE |last=Bishop |first=Matt |date=February 15, 2011 |access-date=February 15, 2011 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> After numerous appearances via satellite, The Rock appeared live on the ''Raw'' before WrestleMania XXVII to confront Cena. After he and Cena exchanged insults, [[The Miz]] and [[Alex Riley]] appeared and attacked The Rock; he fended off Miz and Riley, only for Cena to blindside him with an ''[[Fireman's carry takeover|Attitude Adjustment]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/28/17788296.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715004938/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/28/17788296.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |title=Raw: One last push toward Wrestlemania |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=March 28, 2011 |access-date=April 4, 2012 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] }}</ref>

[[File:Rock and Cena shake hands.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The Rock and [[John Cena]] (left) on ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', agreeing to a match at [[WrestleMania XXVIII]] one year in advance]]
On April 3, at WrestleMania XXVII, The Rock opened the show by cutting a promo. After appearing in numerous backstage segments, The Rock came to ringside to restart the [[main event]] between Cena and The Miz as a No Disqualification match, after it had ended in a double countout. As revenge for the ''Attitude Adjustment'' Cena had given him on ''Raw'', The Rock hit Cena with the ''Rock Bottom'', allowing The Miz to pin him and retain the WWE Championship. After the match, The Rock attacked The Miz and hit him with the ''People's Elbow''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania27/2011/04/03/17863646.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016212345/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania27/2011/04/03/17863646.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |title=The Rock costs Cena retained the championship at WrestleMania XXVII |date=April 3, 2011 |last=Bishop |first=Matt |access-date=April 4, 2011 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', The Rock and Cena agreed to a match at [[WrestleMania XXVIII]] the next year. They then worked together to fend off an attack by [[The Corre]], which at the time consisted of [[Wade Barrett]], [[Heath Slater]], [[Justin Gabriel]], and [[Ezekiel Jackson]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_49042.shtml |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 4/4: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – The Rock & Austin live, fall-out from WrestleMania 27, Sin Cara debut |date=April 4, 2011 |access-date=April 8, 2011 |last=Caldwell |first=James |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |archive-date=April 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408123358/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_49042.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Rock appeared live on ''Raw'' in his hometown of Miami to celebrate his 39th birthday.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/02/18095156.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723040347/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/02/18095156.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 23, 2015 |title=Raw: Happy Birthday Rock |last=Plummer |first=Dale |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |access-date=May 3, 2011 |date=May 2, 2011}}</ref> On September 16, WWE announced The Rock would wrestle in a traditional 5-on-5 Survivor Series tag team match, teaming with Cena at [[Survivor Series (2011)|Survivor Series]] in November.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2011/the-rock-to-appear-at-survivor-series |title=The Rock to appear in Survivor Series tag team match |publisher=[[WWE]] |date=September 16, 2011 |access-date=December 29, 2011 |archive-date=December 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221043527/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2011/the-rock-to-appear-at-survivor-series |url-status=live }}</ref> But on the October 24 episode of ''Raw SuperShow'', Cena instead suggested The Rock be his partner in a standard tag team match against The Miz and [[Ron Killings|R-Truth]], a team called [[Awesome Truth]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Stephens |first=David |title=Raw Results – 10/24/11 |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1319512277 |publisher=Wrestleview |access-date=April 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126183912/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1319512277 |archive-date=January 26, 2012}}</ref> which Rock agreed to the next week.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stephens |first=David |title=Raw Results – 10/31/11 |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1320118468 |publisher=Wrestleview |access-date=April 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207082859/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1320118468 |archive-date=February 7, 2012}}</ref> On November 14, during the special ''Raw Gets Rocked'', The Rock appeared live, delivering ''Rock Bottom''s to Mick Foley, who had been hosting a "This Is Your Life"-style segment for Cena, and later both members of Awesome Truth.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stephens |first=David |title=Raw Results – 11/14/11 |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1321330953 |publisher=Wrestleview |access-date=April 13, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115034408/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1321330953 |archive-date=January 15, 2012}}</ref> The Rock and Cena defeated Awesome Truth on November 20 at Survivor Series, when The Rock pinned The Miz. After the match, The Rock gave Cena a ''Rock Bottom''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |title=WWE Survivor Series: The Rock and John Cena vs. The Miz and R-Truth |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/pbp/317.php |publisher=Wrestleview |access-date=April 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103170248/http://www.wrestleview.com/pbp/317.php |archive-date=November 3, 2013}}</ref>

[[File:The Rock celebrating Wrestlemania 28 b.jpg|thumb|upright|The Rock celebrating his victory at [[WrestleMania XXVIII]], April 2012]]
Leading up to WrestleMania, The Rock and Cena had several verbal confrontations on ''Raw SuperShow''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 2/27: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – The Rock returns to Raw, WM28 hype |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_58604.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=April 14, 2012 |archive-date=April 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401085448/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_58604.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/12: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Rock Concert vs. Cena Rap, Taker returns |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59046.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=April 14, 2012 |archive-date=April 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415074042/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59046.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> On the March 12, 2012, episode of ''Raw SuperShow'', The Rock hosted his first "Rock Concert" segment since 2004, mocking Cena in his songs.<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/26: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – final WM28 hype, Cena-Rock & Hunter-HBK confrontation |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59548.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=April 14, 2012 |archive-date=March 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330200744/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59548.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 1, at WrestleMania XXVIII, The Rock defeated Cena in the main event after countering Cena's attempt at a ''People's Elbow'' into a ''Rock Bottom'' and pinning Cena.<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=Caldwell's WWE WrestleMania 28 PPV Report 4/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rock-Cena, Taker-Hunter, Punk-Jericho |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_59831.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=April 2, 2012 |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330170241/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_59831.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> This event broke the record for biggest professional wrestling pay-per-view buyrate. The following night on ''Raw SuperShow'', The Rock praised Cena, calling their match "an honor". He then vowed to once again become WWE Champion.<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/2: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WM28 fall-out, how will Cena respond to Rock loss?, two big title matches |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59548.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=April 14, 2012 |archive-date=March 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330200744/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59548.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

On July 23, at ''[[WWE Raw 1000|Raw 1000]]'', The Rock announced he would wrestle for the WWE Championship at the [[Royal Rumble (2013)|Royal Rumble]] pay-per-view. During the show, he encountered then-reigning WWE Champion [[CM Punk]], [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]], and John Cena, all of whom expressed a desire to face him. The Rock later saved Cena from an assault by [[Big Show]], only to be laid out by CM Punk.<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw No. 999 – WWE recognizes 1,000 episodes, WWE Title match, Lesnar, Rock, DX, wedding |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=July 29, 2012 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306062051/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> On the January 7, 2013, episode of ''Raw'', The Rock returned to confront his Royal Rumble opponent CM Punk.<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 1/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WWE Title match, The Rock returns, Cena vs. Ziggler (updated w/Box Score) |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67712.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=January 13, 2013 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403011528/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67712.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 11, he made his first ''SmackDown'' appearance in ten years, getting into an altercation with Team Rhodes Scholars, resulting in him delivering a ''Rock Bottom'' to [[Damien Sandow]] and a ''People's Elbow'' to [[Cody Rhodes]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=Caldwell's WWE Smackdown Results 1/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of The Rock's big return, new World Champ crowned (updated w/Box Score) |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_67812.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=January 13, 2013 |archive-date=January 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115041309/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_67812.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> The Rock closed out the 20th-anniversary episode of ''Raw'', on January 14, with one of his "Rock Concerts", leading to a brawl with CM Punk.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67875.shtml |title=PWTorch.com – Parks's WWE Raw Report 1/14: Complete "virtual time" coverage of the 20th Anniversary of Raw, including Rock Concert, Divas Title Match |website=Pwtorch.com}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', The Rock was attacked by [[The Shield (professional wrestling)|The Shield]]. Vince McMahon then asserted that if The Shield attacked the Rock in his title match with CM Punk, Punk would be stripped of the WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/the-shield-attack-the-rock-raw-jan-21-2013-26086012 |title=WWE videos |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125141540/http://www.wwe.com/videos/the-shield-attack-the-rock-raw-jan-21-2013-26086012 |archive-date=January 25, 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Rock revealed his title.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The Rock revealing the brand new WWE Championship design on ''[[WWE Raw]]'', February 2013]]
On January 27, at the [[Royal Rumble (2013)|Royal Rumble]], CM Punk would seemingly defeat The Rock after the arena lights went out and someone attacked The Rock. Vince McMahon then came out and was about to strip Punk of the championship, however, at The Rock's request, he instead restarted the match. This culminated in The Rock defeating Punk to win his eighth WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble PPV Results 1/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Punk vs. Rock, 30-man Rumble |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68181.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=February 18, 2013 |last=Caldwell |first=James |archive-date=August 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809171417/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68181.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Punk received a title rematch with The Rock, at [[Elimination Chamber (2013)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 17, 2013, with the added stipulation that if The Rock was disqualified or counted out, he would still lose the [[WWE Championship]]. The Rock would pin Punk to defeat him and retain the championship.<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=WWE News: Chamber PPV results & notes – WM29 main event set, World Title match set, Shield big win, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_68728.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=February 18, 2013 |archive-date=June 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623100250/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_68728.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', The Rock unveiled a new WWE Championship design, with a different center plate and removable customizable side-plates which had his "Brahma Bull" logo.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rock unveiled the new WWE Title |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-02-18/wwe-raw-results-26092607/page-13 |access-date=February 18, 2013 |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511000614/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-02-18/wwe-raw-results-26092607/page-13 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Rock then resumed his rivalry with John Cena, who won that year's Royal Rumble to set up a rematch of the previous WrestleMania match between the two at [[WrestleMania 29]], only this time with the WWE Championship on the line.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69088.shtml |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live "Old-School Raw" – Taker returns, Rock-Cena in-ring confrontation, WM29 hype, more |website=Pwtorch.com |access-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-date=September 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926122510/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69088.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69509.shtml |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Rock returns for Q&A debate with Cena, Hunter punts Barrett, latest WM29 hype |website=Pwtorch.com |access-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403010103/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69509.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 7, at WrestleMania 29, The Rock lost the WWE Championship to Cena, ending his reign at 70 days.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_69830.shtml |title=Caldwell's WWE Wrestlemania 29 PPV Results: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV from MetLife Stadium – Rock-Cena II, Taker-Punk, Lesnar-Hunter, more |website=Pwtorch.com |access-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403010032/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_69830.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite being advertised for ''Raw'' after WrestleMania, where it was stated that The Rock was still entitled a rematch for the WWE Championship,<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/8: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WM29 fall-out, new World Champ, no Rock, Taker live, crowd takes over |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=August 3, 2013 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403092537/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> The Rock did not appear because of a real injury sustained during his match with Cena, in which his [[Muscles of the Torso|abdominal]] and [[Adductor muscles of the hip|adductor]] [[tendon]]s tore from his [[Human pelvis#Abdomen|pelvis]].<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE News: New update on Rock's WrestleMania injury |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_69934.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=August 3, 2013 |archive-date=July 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727013537/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_69934.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Johnson underwent surgery on April 23 to reattach the torn tendons.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.news24.com/You/Archive/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-undergoes-successful-surgery-20170728 |title=Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson undergoes successful surgery |date=April 25, 2013 |website=News24 |access-date=April 25, 2019 |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422205210/https://www.news24.com/You/Archive/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-undergoes-successful-surgery-20170728 |url-status=live }}</ref> Post surgery, it made his abdomen look far less muscular than the rest of his body, notably his arms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Landsverk |first=Gabby |title=The Rock says he doesn't have a six-pack, but he weighs his food and lifts weights to sculpt his 'five-and-a-half-pack' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-six-pack-abs-wrestling-injury-2021-8 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |website=Business Insider}}</ref>

==== Part-time appearances (2014–2023) ====
[[File:WWE 2014-04-06 18-22-41 NEX-6 9458 DxO (13918972796).jpg|thumb|left|upright|The Rock (right) confronts [[Hulk Hogan]] at [[WrestleMania XXX]], April 2014.]]
In April 2014, the Rock appeared in the opening segment of [[WrestleMania XXX]] along with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Hulk Hogan.<ref>{{cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |title=WWE Wrestlemania 30 live coverage & results: The Streak is over, Daniel Bryan's reign begins |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/36326-wrestlemania-live-coverage-from-the-superdome-in-new-orleans |work=[[Wrestling Observer]] |access-date=April 10, 2014 |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701230803/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/36326-wrestlemania-live-coverage-from-the-superdome-in-new-orleans |url-status=live }}</ref> On the October 6 episode of ''Raw'', the Rock made a surprise appearance to confront [[Alexander Rusev|Rusev]] and [[Lana (wrestling)|Lana]]; this resulted in the Rock clearing Rusev from the ring.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |title=Raw News: Rock surprise return, Reigns non-live return, Edge back on TV, Lesnar MIA, next week's Raw guest star, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_81098.shtml |website=PWTorch.com |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007072045/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_81098.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> On the 15th Anniversary of ''SmackDown'' on October 10, The Rock would make an appearance in a backstage segment, where he and Triple H would reminisce on their past feud.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |title=Raw News: Rock surprise return, Reigns non-live return, Edge back on TV, Lesnar MIA, next week's Raw guest star, more |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/51132-wwe-smackdown-results-10-10-14-15th-anniversary/ |website=Wrestleview.com |access-date=October 10, 2014 }}</ref>

The Rock appeared at the [[Royal Rumble (2015)|2015 Royal Rumble]] event on January 25, 2015, during the main event match, where he helped his relative [[Roman Reigns]] fend off Big Show and Kane after Reigns eliminated them from the match. Reigns then won the match and the Rock endorsed him in the ring.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Scherer |first1=Dave |title=How and why everything went so badly wrong for WWE last night at the Rumble |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=91127 |website=PWInsider.com |access-date=January 27, 2015 |archive-date=April 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430000021/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=91127 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rock's role, crowd response to Rumble winner, Bully Ray returns & other surprise entrants, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82942.shtml |website=PWTorch.com |access-date=January 26, 2015 |archive-date=January 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127230646/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82942.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Schwartz |first1=Nick |title=Daniel Bryan was eliminated early from the Royal Rumble and fans are furious |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/01/wwe-daniel-bryant-royal-rumble-eliminated-reaction |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |access-date=January 26, 2015 |archive-date=January 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150126100348/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/01/wwe-daniel-bryant-royal-rumble-eliminated-reaction |url-status=live }}</ref> The Rock appeared at [[WrestleMania 31]] on March 29, 2015, alongside [[Ronda Rousey]], getting into an in-ring altercation with [[Triple H]] and [[Stephanie McMahon]]. Rock and Rousey prevailed after he attacked Triple H and she overpowered McMahon.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=John |title=WrestleMania 31 the best Mania ever |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2015/03/26/22309101.html  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704201205/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2015/03/26/22309101.html  |url-status=dead  |archive-date=July 4, 2015 |work=Slam! Wrestling |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |access-date=March 30, 2015}}</ref> On June 27, the Rock appeared at a [[House show|live event]] in [[Boston]], where he confronted [[Bo Dallas]] and gave him a ''Rock Bottom''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gentile |first1=Mark |title=Show Results – 6/27 WWE in Boston, Mass.: Detailed second report – The Rock cameo, Rollins vs. Ambrose steel cage main event, Jericho, Cena vs. Owens, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_85898.shtml |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=April 9, 2016 |archive-date=August 31, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831203810/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_85898.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:The Wyatt Family confronts The Rock at WrestleMania 32.jpg|thumb|upright|[[The Wyatt Family]] confronting The Rock at [[WrestleMania 32]], April 2016]]
On the January 25, 2016, episode of ''Raw'', the Rock was in a segment that saw him converse with The Miz, Big Show, Lana and Rusev before he and his relatives, [[The Usos]], got into an altercation with then-WWE Tag Team Champions, [[The New Day (professional wrestling)|The New Day]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |title=WWE Raw Results – 1/25/16 (The Rock, Fastlane main event) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/57562-wwe-raw-results-1-25-16-live-results-from-miami/ |website=WrestleView.com |access-date=April 29, 2019 |date=January 26, 2016 |archive-date=January 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127204619/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57562-wwe-raw-results-1-25-16-live-results-from-miami |url-status=live }}</ref> The Rock appeared at [[WrestleMania 32]] on April 3, 2016, where he announced that WWE had broken the all-time WrestleMania attendance record before being interrupted by [[The Wyatt Family]]. The Rock got into a verbal back-and-forth with [[Bray Wyatt]] before having an impromptu match with Wyatt Family member [[Erick Rowan]]. The Rock won after giving Rowan a ''Rock Bottom'' and pinning him in [[glossary of professional wrestling terms#squash|six seconds]], which set the record for the fastest win in WrestleMania history. The Rock was then aided by a returning John Cena to fend off Wyatt, Rowan and [[Braun Strowman]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |title=4/3 WrestleMania 32 PPV Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live Report on Main PPV |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/03/wm32liveresults/ |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=April 3, 2016 |archive-date=April 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404040347/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/03/wm32liveresults/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On the February 20, 2017, episode of ''[[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]]'', the Rock made an untelevised appearance after the broadcast had gone off the air, where he promoted and filmed a scene for his then-upcoming film ''[[Fighting with My Family]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/dwayne-johnson-wwe-cm-punk-voicemail/|title=Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Returns to WWE Ring to Leave CM Punk a Voicemail (Video)|work=[[TheWrap]]|first=Jeremy|last=Fuster|date=February 21, 2017|access-date=February 22, 2017|archive-date=February 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222192851/http://www.thewrap.com/dwayne-johnson-wwe-cm-punk-voicemail/|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 3, 2019, the Rock officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Ellis |first1=Philip |title=The Rock Just Announced His Official Retirement From Wrestling |url=https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a28597187/the-rock-wwe-wrestling-retirement/ |access-date=September 1, 2019 |magazine=[[Men's Health]] |date=August 3, 2019 |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129081223/https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a28597187/the-rock-wwe-wrestling-retirement/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 30, 2019, after weeks of speculation, the Rock announced that he would appear on [[WWE SmackDown's 20th Anniversary|''SmackDown''{{'}}s 20th Anniversary]] on October 4, 2019, marking his first appearance on ''SmackDown'' since October 2014 and his first televised appearance since April 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/dwayne-johnson-the-rock-returns-to-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-fox-1202748570/|title=Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Rolls Back To WWE For Fox's 'SmackDown!' Debut|last=Pedersen|first=Erik|date=September 30, 2019|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=October 2, 2019|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016060023/https://deadline.com/2019/09/dwayne-johnson-the-rock-returns-to-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-fox-1202748570/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the event, he cut a promo with [[Becky Lynch]] before they were interrupted by [[Baron Corbin|King Corbin]]. After attacking Corbin, the Rock and Lynch celebrated in the ring.<ref name="SmackDown20th">{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=10/04 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of The Rock's return, Kofi Kingston vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon in a career vs. career ladder match, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks and Bayley|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/04/10-04-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-rocks-return-kofi-kingston-vs-brock-lesnar-for-the-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-shane-mcmahon-in-a-career-vs-career-ladder-m/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=October 4, 2019|date=October 4, 2019|archive-date=October 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006060619/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/04/10-04-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-rocks-return-kofi-kingston-vs-brock-lesnar-for-the-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-shane-mcmahon-in-a-career-vs-career-ladder-m/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 15, 2023, the Rock made a surprise return to [[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]], in a segment with [[Pat McAfee]] and [[Austin Theory]], who Rock took out within the segment. This marked his first televised appearance in WWE since October 4, 2019.<ref>{{cite web | last=Mahjouri | first=Shakiel | title=The Rock surprises with return to WWE SmackDown in segments with John Cena, Pat McAfee | website=CBSSports.com | date=September 16, 2023 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/watch-the-rock-surprises-with-return-to-wwe-smackdown-in-segments-with-john-cena-pat-mcafee/ | access-date=September 16, 2023 | archive-date=September 19, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919032557/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/watch-the-rock-surprises-with-return-to-wwe-smackdown-in-segments-with-john-cena-pat-mcafee/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

==== The Final Boss (2024–present) ====
{{See also|The Bloodline (professional wrestling)|l1=The Bloodline}}
[[File:The Rock and Roman reigns and Seth Rollins at WMXL (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|200px|The Rock and [[Roman Reigns]] face to face with [[Cody Rhodes]] and [[Seth "Freakin" Rollins]] at [[WrestleMania XL]].]]
It was teased that a former [[WWE Champion]] would be appearing on the [[WWE Day 1 (2024)|Day 1]] edition of ''Raw'' on January 1, 2024; the unidentified champion was at first revealed to be [[Jinder Mahal]], who insulted the crowd before being interrupted by The Rock in his first live appearance on ''Raw'' since 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Raw results (1/1): Powell's live review of Day 1 with Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship, Rhea Ripley vs. Ivy Nile for the Women's World Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/01/wwe-raw-results-1-1-powells-live-review-of-day-1-with-seth-rollins-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship-rhea-ripley-vs-ivy-nile-for-the-womens-world-championship-becky-ly/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 1, 2024|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102010745/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/01/wwe-raw-results-1-1-powells-live-review-of-day-1-with-seth-rollins-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship-rhea-ripley-vs-ivy-nile-for-the-womens-world-championship-becky-ly/|url-status=live}}</ref> The two brawled and The Rock emerged victorious, after which he asked the crowd if he should sit at "the head of the table" in a direct reference to [[Undisputed WWE Universal Champion]] [[Roman Reigns]], his relative whose nickname is "The Head of the Table".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/01/01/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-appears-on-day-1-wwe-raw-asks-crowd-if-he-should-sit-at-the-head-of-the-table/|title=Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson appears on Day 1 WWE Raw, asks crowd if he should sit at the 'head of the table'|date=January 1, 2024|last=Thompson|first=Andrew|work=[[POST Wrestling]]|access-date=February 5, 2024|archive-date=February 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205085955/https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/01/01/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-appears-on-day-1-wwe-raw-asks-crowd-if-he-should-sit-at-the-head-of-the-table/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Boone |first=Matt |date=January 2, 2024 |title=Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Makes Surprise Return At WWE Raw: Day 1 |url=https://wrestlingheadlines.com/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-makes-surprise-return-at-wwe-raw-day-1/ |access-date=January 2, 2024 |website=Wrestling Headlines |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102031832/https://wrestlingheadlines.com/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-makes-surprise-return-at-wwe-raw-day-1/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Rock also appeared on the February 2 episode of ''SmackDown'', where he confronted Reigns after [[Royal Rumble (2024)|Royal Rumble]] winner [[Cody Rhodes]] decided against choosing Reigns as his [[WrestleMania 40]] opponent to allow The Rock to face Reigns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barrasso |first=Justin |date=February 2, 2024 |title=The Rock Returning for WrestleMania |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/news/the-rock-returning-for-wrestlemania |access-date=February 3, 2024 |website=Sports Illustrated Wrestling News, Analysis and More|archive-date=February 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203034032/https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/news/the-rock-returning-for-wrestlemania |url-status=dead }}</ref> This was met by intense backlash from fans who wanted Rhodes to face Reigns; the [[WrestleMania XL]] media event on February 8 thus saw The Rock align himself with Reigns, chastise Rhodes for reversing his decision not to choose Reigns as his WrestleMania opponent, and slap Rhodes for speaking out against the [[Anoaʻi family]] (of which The Rock and Reigns are both members), thus turning heel for the first time since 2003.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/127613-the-rock-volvera-a-su-personaje-heel-de-hollywood | title=WWE quiere traer de vuelta al personaje 'Hollywood' the Rock | work=Solowrestling | date=February 12, 2024 | access-date=March 13, 2024 | archive-date=March 13, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313105535/https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/127613-the-rock-volvera-a-su-personaje-heel-de-hollywood | url-status=live | author1=Solowrestling }}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/08/wrestlemania-xl-kickoff-press-conference-live-coverage-cody-rhodes-announces-his-decision-the-rock-roman-reigns-seth-rollins-rhea-ripley-bianca-belair-and-triple-h-appear/|title=WrestleMania XL Kickoff press conference live coverage: Cody Rhodes announces his decision, The Rock, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and Triple H appear|date=February 8, 2024|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=February 8, 2024|archive-date=February 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217032828/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/08/wrestlemania-xl-kickoff-press-conference-live-coverage-cody-rhodes-announces-his-decision-the-rock-roman-reigns-seth-rollins-rhea-ripley-bianca-belair-and-triple-h-appear/|url-status=live}}</ref> As WWE's chief creative officer [[Triple H]] was being interviewed backstage over what had just transpired, The Rock and Reigns walked by and told him to "fix it" or they would, though Triple H would later appear on ''SmackDown'' to stand by Rhodes' decision.<ref name="auto2"/>

[[File:The Rock in 2024.jpg|thumb|upright=1|The Rock with "the People's Championship" at the [[WWE Hall of Fame (2024)|2024 Hall Of Fame]] ]]
On the February 16 episode of ''SmackDown'', The Rock officially joined Reigns' faction [[The Bloodline (professional wrestling)|The Bloodline]]; he also debuted a new persona that incorporated facets of his arrogant "[[#Hollywood Rock (2003)|Hollywood Rock]]" incarnation from 2003, such as insulting the audience, wearing gaudy expensive clothes, and entering the arena to a new entrance theme that began with his heroic character's music before transitioning into his "Hollywood Rock" music.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_IqiDsEldI|title=FULL SEGMENT — Rock and Reigns lay the SmackDown on the WWE Universe: SmackDown, Feb. 16, 2024|date=February 16, 2024|work=WWE YouTube|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=April 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402222859/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_IqiDsEldI|url-status=live}}</ref> He then appeared on the March 1 episode of ''SmackDown'', where he gave his new character the nickname of "[[Boss (video games)#Final boss|The Final Boss]]" and issued a challenge to Rhodes and [[Seth "Freakin" Rollins]]: if they beat him and Reigns in a tag team match at WrestleMania Night 1, Rhodes' championship match against Reigns on Night 2 would be free of interference from The Bloodline, but if Rhodes and Rollins lost, the championship match would be contested under "[[No disqualification match|Bloodline Rules]]". Rhodes and Rollins accepted the challenge the following week. On the March 25 episode of ''Raw'', The Rock attacked Rhodes backstage, leaving him beaten and bloody in the parking lot.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beaston |first=Erik |title=WWE Raw Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights From March 25 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10114330-wwe-raw-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-march-25 |access-date=October 14, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=November 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127213112/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10114330-wwe-raw-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-march-25 |url-status=live }}</ref> During the 2024 [[WWE Hall of Fame (2024)|WWE Hall of Fame]], The Rock received a "People's Championship" from [[Muhammad Ali]]'s wife Lonnie, which he would begin carrying over his shoulder whenever he appeared onscreen.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ewy4jDf_Tr8|title=The Rock receives the People's Championship from Lonnie Ali: 2024 WWE Hall of Fame highlights|date=April 5, 2024|work=WWE YouTube|access-date=April 5, 2024}}</ref> In the Night 1 main event of WrestleMania XL, The Rock and Reigns defeated Rhodes and Rollins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=411MANIA |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/slimmers-wwe-wrestlemania-xl-night-one-review/ |access-date=April 7, 2024 |website=Slimmer’s WWE WrestleMania 40 Night One Review |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407044946/https://411mania.com/wrestling/slimmers-wwe-wrestlemania-xl-night-one-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During the Night 2 main event between Reigns and Rhodes, multiple people interfered on behalf of both men; The Rock appeared and hit [[John Cena]] with a Rock Bottom after the two stared each other down, but [[The Undertaker]] then appeared and chokeslammed The Rock. Rhodes went on to defeat Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rathi |first=Ishaan |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Cody Rhodes Wins Undisputed WWE Championship In Match Filled with Surprises at WrestleMania 40 Sunday |url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2024/04/07/cody-rhodes-wins-undisputed-wwe-championship-in-match-filled-with-surprises-at-wrestlemania-40-sunday/ |access-date=April 8, 2024 |website=Ringside News |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408025749/https://www.ringsidenews.com/2024/04/07/cody-rhodes-wins-undisputed-wwe-championship-in-match-filled-with-surprises-at-wrestlemania-40-sunday/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', The Rock interrupted Rhodes' celebration to congratulate him and reveal that he would be leaving for a while, but would be coming after Rhodes when he returns; this allowed Johnson time off to film the biopic ''[[The Smashing Machine (2025 film)|The Smashing Machine]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOqwZwh4wPo|title=FULL SEGMENT: Cody Rhodes and The Rock's story has just begun: Raw highlights April 8, 2024|date=April 8, 2024|work=WWE YouTube|access-date=April 8, 2024|archive-date=April 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409052440/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOqwZwh4wPo|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-a24-s-smashing-machine-starring-rock-set-begin-filming-may-1 | title=Report: A24's 'The Smashing Machine', Starring the Rock, Set to Begin Filming on May 1 &#124; Fightful News | access-date=May 23, 2024 | archive-date=May 23, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523133812/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-a24-s-smashing-machine-starring-rock-set-begin-filming-may-1 | url-status=live }}</ref> During his hiatus, [[Solo Sikoa]] became the new leader of The Bloodline, starting the Bloodline Civil War.<ref name="SmackDown04122024">{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (4/12): Barnett's review of the appearances of new champs Cody Rhodes and Bayley, Triple Threats for a shot at the WWE Universal Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/12/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-12-barnetts-review-of-the-appearances-of-new-champs-cody-rhodes-and-bailey-triple-threats-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 12, 2024|date=April 12, 2024|archive-date=May 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518041802/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/12/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-12-barnetts-review-of-the-appearances-of-new-champs-cody-rhodes-and-bailey-triple-threats-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BacklashFrance">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Backlash France results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, Damian Priest vs. Jey Uso for the World Hvt. Title, Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women's Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/04/wwe-backlash-france-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-jey-uso-for-the-world-hvt-title-bayley-vs-naomi-vs-tiffany-str/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 4, 2024|access-date=May 4, 2024|archive-date=May 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505144507/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/04/wwe-backlash-france-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-jey-uso-for-the-world-hvt-title-bayley-vs-naomi-vs-tiffany-str/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Six months later, in the main event of [[Bad Blood (2024)|Bad Blood]] on October 5, Rhodes and Reigns teamed up to face members of The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa and [[Jacob Fatu]]) from which Reigns had been ousted, defeating Sikoa and Fatu with the help of a returning [[Jimmy Uso]]. Following the match, The Rock returned and stood at the top of the entrance ramp, where he silently counted to three and made a [[List of gestures#Made with other body parts|throat slashing gesture]] to Reigns, Rhodes, and Uso before leaving.<ref name="BadBlood2024">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Bad Blood results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu, CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre in a Hell in a Cell match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/05/wwe-bad-blood-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-and-cody-rhodes-vs-solo-sikoa-and-jacob-fatu-cm-punk-vs-drew-mcintyre-in-a-hell-in-a-cell-match/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 5, 2024|access-date=October 5, 2024|archive-date=October 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006115412/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/05/wwe-bad-blood-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-and-cody-rhodes-vs-solo-sikoa-and-jacob-fatu-cm-punk-vs-drew-mcintyre-in-a-hell-in-a-cell-match/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Rock returned on the [[WWE Raw premiere on Netflix|''Raw'' premiere on Netflix]] on January 6, 2025, thanking Rhodes for all his work as the face of the company and hugging him. Later that night, The Rock embraced Reigns after the latter defeated Sikoa to reclaim his Ula Fala and Tribal Chief title.<ref name="RawpremiereNetflix">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Raw results (1/6): Powell's live review of the Netflix premiere with CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins, Solo Sikoa vs. Roman Reigns in a Tribal Combat match, The Rock, John Cena, Logan Paul|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/01/06/wwe-raw-results-1-6-powells-live-review-of-the-netflix-premiere-with-cm-punk-vs-seth-rollins-solo-sikoa-vs-roman-reigns-in-a-tribal-combat-match-the-rock-john-cena-logan-paul/|work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]|date=January 6, 2025|access-date=January 6, 2025}}</ref> The next night at [[NXT: New Year's Evil (2025)|New Year's Evil]], The Rock made his first appearance on the [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] brand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McPherson |first=Chris |date=2025-01-09 |title=Dwayne Johnson's Special Appearance on WWE NXT Earns Biggest Ratings in Five Years |url=https://collider.com/dwayne-johnson-wwe-nxt-ratings/ |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=2025-01-08 |title=NXT's 'New Year's Evil' Draws Show's Biggest Viewership in Five Years |url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/nxt-new-years-evil-ratings-cw-1236270377/ |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> He sought advice from his daughter, NXT general manager [[Ava (wrestler)|Ava]], and spoke to [[Ethan Page]]. In a promo that closed out the television special, he addressed criticism towards his actions the night before on Raw.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mueller |first=Doc-Chris |title=WWE NXT New Year's Evil 2025 Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10149977-wwe-nxt-new-years-evil-2025-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-08 |title=The Rock Addresses Criticism Of His Raw On Netflix Promo During NXT Appearance |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/the-rock-addresses-criticism-of-his-wwe-raw-on-netflix-promo-during-nxt-appearance |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Wrestling On Fannation |language=en-US}}</ref> On the February 21 episode of ''SmackDown'', The Rock made an appearance to announce that [[WrestleMania 42]] will take place in [[New Orleans, Louisiana]], where ''SmackDown'' was being taped. The Rock also called out Cody Rhodes, where he offered to elevate Rhodes as a star in exchange for Rhodes' loyalty and cryptically stated that he wanted Rhodes' soul.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-22 |title=WWE SmackDown live results: The Rock returns |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-the-rock-returns-2/ |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=F4W/WON |language=en-GB}}</ref> On March 1 at [[Elimination Chamber: Toronto]], Rhodes refused The Rock's offer, who responded by signalling Elimination Chamber match winner John Cena to attack Rhodes, leaving him beaten and bloodied in the assault.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes responding to The Rock's offer, two Elimination Chamber matches, Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn in an unsanctioned match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/03/01/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-responding-to-the-rocks-offer-two-elimination-chamber-matches-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-in-an-unsanctioned-match/|date=March 1, 2025|work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]|access-date=March 1, 2025}}</ref>