Editing Dwayne Johnson (section)

==Professional wrestling career==
=== Early career (1996) ===
{{Professional wrestling sidebar}}
After being cut by Calgary, Johnson began his [[professional wrestling]] career the next year, in 1996.<ref name="islandconnections" /> Veteran wrestler [[Pat Patterson (wrestler)|Pat Patterson]] secured several tryout matches for Johnson with the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) in 1996. Wrestling at first under his real name, Johnson defeated [[Steve Lombardi|The Brooklyn Brawler]] at a [[house show]] on March 10<ref>{{cite book |author=The Rock |first2=Joe |last2=Layden |title=The Rock Says... |year=2000 |publisher=Harper Entertainment |isbn=0-06-039298-3 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/rocksaysmostelec00john/page/186 186–188] |url=https://archive.org/details/rocksaysmostelec00john/page/186 }}</ref> and lost matches to [[Chris Candido]] and [[Owen Hart]].<ref name="m&cbio" /> After wrestling at [[Jerry Lawler]]'s [[United States Wrestling Association]] under the name Flex Kavana and winning the [[USWA World Tag Team Championship|USWA tag team championship]] twice with his partner [[Bart Sawyer]] in the summer of 1996, Johnson was signed to a WWF contract. He received additional training from [[Tom Prichard]], alongside [[Achim Albrecht]] and [[Mark Henry]].<ref name="Dworkis">{{cite web |url=http://www.michaeldworkis.com/TheCage/WWE/DrTom.htm |title=Dr. Tom Prichard: The Doctor of Talent |author=Dworkis, Michael |publisher=MichaelDworkis.com |access-date=September 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103141618/http://www.michaeldworkis.com/TheCage/WWE/DrTom.htm |archive-date=November 3, 2013}}</ref><ref name="m&cbio" />

=== World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment ===
==== Intercontinental Champion (1996–1997) ====
Johnson made his WWF debut as Rocky Maivia, a combination of his father and grandfather's ring names, although announcers acknowledged his real name.<ref>{{cite episode |title=Marc Mero, Rocky Maivia, Jake Roberts, and The Stalker vs. Crush, Jerry Lawler, Hunter Hearst Helmsley, and Goldust |series=[[Survivor Series (1996)]] |credits=World Wrestling Federation |airdate=November 17, 1996}}</ref> He was initially reluctant to take this ring name but was persuaded by [[Vince McMahon]] and [[Jim Ross]].<ref name="yahoo" /><ref>{{cite book |author=The Rock |first2=Joe |last2=Layden |title=The Rock Says... |publisher=Harper Entertainment |year=2000 |location=Chapter 10, "Rocky Maivia" |page=[https://archive.org/details/rocksaysmostelec00john/page/146 146] |isbn=0-06-039298-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/rocksaysmostelec00john/page/146 }}</ref> He was given the nickname "The Blue Chipper", and to play up his lineage, he was hyped as the WWF's first third-generation wrestler.<ref name="wwebio" /> A clean-cut [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] character, Maivia was [[Push (professional wrestling)|pushed]] heavily from the start despite his wrestling inexperience. He debuted on ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]'' as a member of [[Marc Mero]]'s entourage on November 4, 1996.<ref>{{cite episode |title=Episode 183 |series=WWF Monday Night Raw |series-link=WWE Raw |network=[[USA Network]] |airdate=November 4, 1996 |minutes=4:15}}</ref> His first match came at [[Survivor Series (1996)|Survivor Series]] on November 17, in an [[Elimination tag team match|eight-man elimination tag match]]; he was the sole survivor and eliminated the final two members of the opposing team, [[Brian Adams (wrestler)|Crush]] and [[Goldust]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1996/results/ |title=Survivor Series 1996 official results |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-date=December 11, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211021831/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1996/results/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 13, 1997, he won the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] from [[Triple H|Hunter Hearst Helmsley]] on a Thursday edition of ''Monday Night Raw''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1997/raw021397 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026201823/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1997%2Fraw021397 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |title=WWF Thursday Raw: February 13, 1997 |publisher=The Other Arena |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/322532 |title=Rocky Maivia's first Intercontinental Championship reign |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070410102450/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/322532 |archive-date=April 10, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode |series=WWF Television |title=[[WWE Raw|WWF Monday Night Raw]] |network=[[USA Network]] |airdate=March 31, 1997 |quote=The camera goes backstage after Steve Austin's in-ring interview, and Jim Ross says: "There, you see The Rock."}}</ref> Maivia then successfully defended the title against Helmsley at [[In Your House 13: Final Four]] on February 16.

Johnson's first [[WrestleMania]] match came at [[WrestleMania 13]] on March 23, where he was victorious in his Intercontinental Championship defense against [[Rikishi (wrestler)|The Sultan]]. WWF fans started to reject his character and push from the company.<ref name="MondayNightWars01-12">{{cite AV media |title=Monday Night War S01 E12:The War Gets Electrified |publisher=WWE}}</ref> He defeated [[Bret Hart]] by disqualification in a title defense on the March 31 episode of ''Raw is War''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thehistoryofwwe.com/97.htm|title=Ring Results: 1997|first=Graham|last=Cawthon|date=January 16, 2023|publisher=The History of WWE|access-date=January 2, 2023|archive-date=January 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102180618/http://thehistoryofwwe.com/97.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Behind the scenes, Hart mentored Johnson for his first year in WWF<ref>{{cite web |author=Oliver, Greg |url=http://www.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/feb24_rocky.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991011034221/http://www.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/feb24_rocky.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 11, 1999 |title=A piece of The Rock |work=Slam! Wrestling |date=February 24, 1998 |access-date=August 26, 2018 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |author-link=Greg Oliver }}</ref> and refused to be booked to take the title from him.<ref>{{Cite book |ref={{harvid|Hart, Bret|2007}} |last1=Hart |first1=Bret |title=Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling |publisher=[[Random House Canada]] (Canada), [[Grand Central Publishing]] (US) |year=2007 |page=420 |no-pp=y |isbn=9780307355676|title-link=Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling }} {{ISBN|978-0-307-35567-6}} (Canada) {{ISBN|978-0-446-53972-2}} (US)</ref> On April 20, at [[In Your House 14: Revenge of the 'Taker]], he lost to [[Savio Vega]] by countout but retained the title. Audiences became increasingly hostile toward Maivia, with chants of "die, Rocky, die" and "Rocky sucks" being heard during his matches.<ref name="slam">{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/rock.html |title=The Rock Bio |last=Milner |first=John |access-date=April 13, 2008 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canoe.com|Canadian Online Explorer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519192214/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/rock.html |archive-date=May 19, 2015}}</ref><ref name="yahoo"/>

After losing the Intercontinental Championship to [[Owen Hart]] on the April 28 episode of ''Raw Is War'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1997/raw042897 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026201852/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1997%2Fraw042897 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |title=WWF Raw: April 28, 1997 |publisher=The Other Arena |access-date=March 18, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Maivia suffered a legitimate knee injury in a match against [[Mick Foley|Mankind]] in June and spent several months recovering.<ref name="slam" />

==== Nation of Domination (1997–1998) ====
{{see also|Nation of Domination}}
Upon returning in August, Maivia turned [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for the first time in his career by lashing out at fans who had been booing him and joining [[Ron Simmons|Faarooq]], [[D'Lo Brown]] and [[Charles Wright (wrestler)|Kama]] in the [[Professional wrestling stable|stable]] called the [[Nation of Domination]].<ref name="nation">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/n/nation-of-domination.html |title=Nation of Domination Profile |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307074516/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/n/nation-of-domination.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He then refused to acknowledge the Rocky Maivia name, instead referring to himself in the third person as The Rock, though he would still be billed as "The Rock" Rocky Maivia until 1998. The Rock would then regularly insult the audience, WWF performers, and interviewers in his [[Promos (professional wrestling)|promos]].<ref name="nation" />

At [[D-Generation X: In Your House]] on December 7, [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] defeated The Rock in under six minutes to retain the Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/inyourhouse19.html |title=In Your House 19: D-Generation X results |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514225935/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/inyourhouse19.html |archive-date=May 14, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The next night on ''Raw Is War'', Austin was ordered by [[Mr. McMahon]] to defend the title in a rematch, but forfeited it to The Rock instead, handing him the title belt before hitting him with the ''[[Stone Cold Stunner]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1997/raw120897 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026202130/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1997%2Fraw120897 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |title=WWF Raw: December 8, 1997 |publisher=The Other Arena |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/322552 |title=The Rock's second Intercontinental Championship reign |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070428234605/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/322552 |archive-date=April 28, 2007}}</ref> The Rock feuded with Austin and [[Ken Shamrock]] through the end of 1997 and beginning of 1998.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811511/results/ |title=Royal Rumble 1998 official results |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-date=May 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501114652/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811511/results/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm14/results/ |title=WrestleMania XIV official results |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313110737/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm14/results/ |archive-date=March 13, 2008}}</ref> On January 19, 1998, at the [[Royal Rumble (1998)|Royal Rumble]], The Rock defeated Shamrock by disqualification to retain the Intercontinental Championship. Later that night, he entered the Royal Rumble match and lasted until the final two before he was eliminated by Stone Cold Steve Austin. On March 29, at [[WrestleMania XIV]], he defeated Shamrock by disqualification once again to retain the title. The next night, on ''Raw is War'', The Rock debuted a new Intercontinental Championship design and would later overthrow Faarooq as leader of the Nation of Domination to spark a feud between the two. He then successfully defended the Intercontinental Championship against Faarooq at [[Over the Edge: In Your House]] on May 31. The stable would then refer to themselves as simply "The Nation".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/inyourhouse22.html |title=In Your House 22: Over the Edge 1998 results |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-date=February 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205170956/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/inyourhouse22.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Rock and the Nation then feuded with [[Triple H]] and [[D-Generation X]] (DX), with the two stable leaders first meeting in the quarter-final of the [[King of the Ring (1998)#King of the Ring bracket|1998]] [[King of the Ring tournament]], which The Rock won. At [[King of the Ring (1998)|King of the Ring]] on June 28, The Rock defeated [[Dan Severn]] in the semi-final match and lost to rival Ken Shamrock in the final. The Rock then resumed his feud with Triple H, as the two had a [[two out of three falls match]] at [[Fully Loaded: In Your House]] on July 26 for the Intercontinental Championship, which The Rock retained in controversial fashion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/inyourhouse23.html |title=In Your House 23: Fully Loaded 1998 results |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905200036/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/inyourhouse23.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This led to a [[ladder match]] at [[SummerSlam (1998)|SummerSlam]] on August 30, where The Rock lost the title to Triple H.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1998/results/ |title=SummerSlam 1998 official results |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070620164459/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1998/results/ |archive-date=June 20, 2007}}</ref>

In the latter half of 1998, The Rock saw a big uptick in fan support. He also started consolidating his famous persona during this time, which would last until 2000.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/791462-video-tributes-ten-things-to-love-about-wwe-legend-dwayne-the-rock-johnson|title=Video Tributes: 10 Things to Love About WWE Legend Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson|first=Kevin|last=Germany|website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> His popularity caused him to be booked in a feud with fellow Nation members [[Mark Henry]] and D'Lo Brown, turning [[Face (professional wrestling)|babyface]] in the process. Henry defeated The Rock at [[Judgment Day: In Your House]] on October 18 after interference from Brown, effectively breaking up the stable.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/breakdown98.html |title=In Your House 24: Breakdown 1998 results |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514225942/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/breakdown98.html |archive-date=May 14, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/judgementday98.html |title=In Your House 25: Judgment Day 1998 results |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128011334/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/judgementday98.html |archive-date=January 28, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==== WWF Champion and rise to superstardom (1998–2000) ====
{{See also|The Corporation (professional wrestling)|l1=The Corporation|Rock 'n' Sock Connection}}
[[File:WWE - Sheffield 020499 (49) b.jpg|thumb|upright=1|As part of [[The Corporation (professional wrestling)|The Corporation]], the Rock feuded with [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] and stole Austin's personalized [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] and his "Smoking Skull" belt.]]
The Rock was then entered into the "Deadly Game" tournament for the vacant WWF Championship. The finals occurred at [[Survivor Series (1998)|Survivor Series]] on November 15, where The Rock defeated Vince McMahon's associate, [[Mick Foley|Mankind]], to win his first WWF Championship.<ref name="rock1wwe">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/3044541401 |title=The Rock's first WWE Championship reign |publisher=WWE |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313105504/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/3044541401 |archive-date=March 13, 2008}}</ref><ref name="Survivor Series – Rock vs Mankind">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1998/mainevent/ |title=The Rock def. Mankind to become new WWE Champion |publisher=WWE |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224064736/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1998/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 24, 2008}}</ref> A "double turn" then occurred as The Rock turned heel again after allying with Vince and [[Shane McMahon]] as the crown jewel of their stable, The Corporation, after the McMahons betrayed Mankind.<ref name="rock1wwe"/><ref name="corporation">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/c/corporation.html |title=The Corporation Profile |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-date=May 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514225923/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/c/corporation.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 13, at the pay-per-view named after him, [[Rock Bottom: In Your House]], The Rock had a rematch with Mankind for the WWF Championship. Mankind appeared to win the match when The Rock passed out to the Mandible Claw submission move, but Vince McMahon ruled that since The Rock did not tap out, he retained his title.<ref name="corporation" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/rockbottom98.html |title=In Your House 26: Rock Bottom results |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-date=January 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107061306/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/rockbottom98.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the main event of the January 4, 1999, episode of ''Raw Is War'', Mankind defeated The Rock for the championship after interference from Stone Cold Steve Austin.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/stone-cold-helps-mankind-win-the-big-one-raw-january-4-1999 |title="Stone Cold" Helps Mankind Win the Big One |access-date=January 2, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> Then at the [[Royal Rumble (1999)|Royal Rumble]] on January 24, The Rock regained the title in an [["I quit" match|"I Quit" match]], a type of submission match that only ends if one of the combatants says "I quit" on a microphone. Intended to show a vicious streak in The Rock's character, The Rock hit Mankind in the head with a steel chair 11 times instead of the scripted five, five shots already being risky (most wrestling matches in the Attitude Era involving steel chairs had at most 2 or 3 shots to the head). After the fifth shot, Mankind was still ringside instead of two-thirds up the entrance ramp where he was supposed to be, and after the eleventh shot, which knocked Mankind out, a recording of Mankind saying "I Quit" from an earlier interview was played over the public address system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881143/results/ |title=Royal Rumble 1999 official results |publisher=WWE |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-date=January 12, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060112160248/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881143/results/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/3044541412 |title=The Rock's second WWE Championship reign |publisher=WWE |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309231225/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/3044541412 |archive-date=March 9, 2008}}</ref> On January 31, during an episode of ''[[WWE Heat|Sunday Night Heat]]'', The Rock and Mankind participated in an [[Professional wrestling match types#Empty Arena match|Empty Arena match]], a match that took place in an arena with 22,000 empty seats where any part of the facility could be used to contest the match. After 20 minutes of chaotic brawling in the ring, the stands, a kitchen, the catering area, an office, the arena corridors and finally a basement loading area, Mankind pinned The Rock using a [[forklift truck]] to win the WWF Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techtimes.com/articles/130790/20160204/wwe-looks-back-super-bowl-halftime-heat-rock-vs-mankind.htm|title=WWE Looks Back At Super Bowl 'Halftime Heat' With The Rock vs. Mankind|first=Mark|last=Lelinwalla|date=February 4, 2016|website=Tech Times|access-date=March 26, 2020|archive-date=January 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129010319/https://www.techtimes.com/articles/130790/20160204/wwe-looks-back-super-bowl-halftime-heat-rock-vs-mankind.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The two faced off again, at [[St. Valentine's Day Massacre: In Your House]] on February 14, in a Last Man Standing match which ended in a draw, meaning Mankind retained the title. Their feud ended on the February 15 ''Raw Is War'', when The Rock won his third WWF Championship in a Ladder Match after a debuting [[Big Show]] interfered on his behalf.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw021599 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026204143/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999%2Fraw021599 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |title=Monday Night Raw: February 15, 1999 |publisher=The Other Arena |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/30445414121 |title=The Rock's third WWE Championship reign |publisher=WWE |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327050913/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/30445414121 |archive-date=March 27, 2008}}</ref> The Rock then lost the WWF Championship to Stone Cold Steve Austin at [[WrestleMania XV]] on March 28.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm15/mainevent/ |title=Stone Cold vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship |publisher=WWE |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223191232/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm15/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 23, 2008}}</ref>
[[File:WWE - London 6+70500 (22) b.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1|The Rock's popularity was fueled by his charisma and speaking abilities, which led to many catchphrases and merchandising opportunities.]]
The Rock's popularity continued to grow and audiences still cheered for him even though he was a heel. He then lost the title rematch against Stone Cold Steve Austin at [[Backlash (1999)|Backlash: In Your House]] on April 25.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash1999/mainevent/ |title=WWE Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin def. The Rock |publisher=WWE |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080221164543/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash1999/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 21, 2008}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw is War'' The Rock was fired from The Corporation after he was betrayed by Shane McMahon, turning him face again and starting a feud with Triple H, [[The Undertaker]] and [[The Corporate Ministry]]. On April 29, 1999, WWF aired the pilot episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'', a term derived from one of The Rock's catchphrases. In the episode, The Rock continued his feud with The Corporate Ministry. This led to a match with Triple H, at [[Over the Edge (1999)|Over the Edge]] on May 23, which The Rock won,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/overtheedge99.html |title=Over the Edge 1999 results |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-date=January 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120002030/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/overtheedge99.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and a match for the WWF Championship against The Undertaker, at [[King of the Ring (1999)|King of the Ring]] on June 27, which The Rock lost.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/kingofthering99.html |title=King of the Ring 1999 results |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217032104/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/kingofthering99.html |archive-date=February 17, 2008}}</ref> The Rock then lost a number one contender's match to Triple H, at [[Fully Loaded (1999)|Fully Loaded]] on July 25, after interference from [[Monty Sopp|"Mr. Ass" Billy Gunn]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/fullyloaded99.html |title=Fully Loaded 1999 results |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-date=February 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207222429/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/fullyloaded99.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Rock then defeated Gunn in a Kiss My Ass match at [[SummerSlam (1999)|SummerSlam]] on August 22. The Rock was also given the privilege of having his own signature match, like The Undertaker with the Buried Alive match, Kane with the Inferno Match and Mankind with the Boiler Room Brawl: the Brahma Bullrope match, a variant of a [[strap match]] was a normal singles match where the components are tied together with a rope used for cattle farming, and the rope and its attached cowbell could both be used as weapons. The Rock contested this match twice, both times in Texas (vs Triple H in Dallas, and vs [[Al Snow]] in Houston).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1999/results/ |title=SummerSlam 1999 official results |publisher=WWE |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070620173807/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1999/results/ |archive-date=June 20, 2007}}</ref>

Shortly after SummerSlam, The Rock began teaming with former opponent Mankind and the two became known as [[the Rock 'n' Sock Connection]].<ref name="Aug40-99">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/_1999/ |title=WWE Raw Results – August 30, 1999 |date=August 30, 1999 |access-date=May 4, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607173232/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/_1999/ |archive-date=June 7, 2008}}</ref> They became [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF Tag Team Champions]] for the first time after defeating The Undertaker and Big Show for the titles on the August 30 episode of ''Raw is War''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132135 |title=Rock 'n' Sock Connection's first World Tag Team Championship reign |publisher=WWE |access-date=March 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325074122/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132135 |archive-date=March 25, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321116 |title=Rock 'n' Sock Connection's third World Tag Team Championship reign |publisher=WWE |access-date=March 19, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224220518/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321116 |archive-date=February 24, 2007}}</ref> The two performed a number of critically acclaimed comedic skits together, including one called "This Is Your Life", which saw Mankind bring parody versions of people from The Rock's past on television, such as his high school girlfriend and his high school football coach, only to have The Rock insult them. The segment earned an 8.4 [[Nielsen ratings|Nielsen rating]], one of the highest ratings ever for a ''Raw'' segment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slashwrestling.com/raw/990927.html |title=Slashwrestling RAW report – with ratings |access-date=January 13, 2007 |author=Christopher Robin Zimmerman |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061102112807/http://slashwrestling.com/raw/990927.html |archive-date=November 2, 2006}}</ref> The two lost the titles back to Undertaker and Big Show on the September 9 episode of ''SmackDown!'' and won them back from them on the September 20 episode of ''Raw is War''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132126 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051013101134/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132126 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 13, 2005 |title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > World Tag Team > 19990909 – Undertaker & Big Show |date=October 13, 2005 |access-date=April 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132117 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051127181916/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132117 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 27, 2005 |title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > World Tag Team > 19990920 – Mankind & The Rock |date=November 27, 2005 |access-date=April 19, 2019}}</ref> The Rock and Mankind then lost the titles to [[The New Age Outlaws]] on the very next episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413218 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051123031447/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413218 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 23, 2005 |title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > World Tag Team > 19990923 – New Age Outlaws |date=November 23, 2005 |access-date=April 19, 2019}}</ref> The Rock and Mankind would win the tag titles for the third and final time after beating the New Age Outlaws on the October 14 episode of ''SmackDown!'' before losing the titles to [[The Holly Cousins]] on the October 18 episode of ''Raw is War''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321116 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051128114939/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321116 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 28, 2005 |title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > World Tag Team > 19991014 – Mankind & The Rock |date=November 28, 2005 |access-date=April 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413211115 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051230211555/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413211115 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 30, 2005 |title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > World Tag Team > 19991018 – Crash & Hardcore Holly |date=December 30, 2005 |access-date=April 19, 2019}}</ref>

At the [[Royal Rumble (2000)|Royal Rumble]] on January 23, 2000, The Rock entered the [[Royal Rumble match]] and was one of the final two remaining, along with Big Show. In an attempt at a "false finish", Big Show intended to throw The Rock over the top rope in a running [[powerslam]]-like position, before The Rock countered the move on the ring apron, sending Big Show to the floor before reentering the ring as the winner.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811411/mainevent/ |title=The Rock (No. 24) wins the Royal Rumble Match |access-date=March 20, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-date=January 17, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060117061721/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811411/mainevent/ |url-status=live }}</ref> But The Rock's feet accidentally hit the floor during the reversal attempt, though those watching the event on television did not see that. This was played up in the storyline as Big Show provided additional video footage showing it and claimed to be the rightful winner. The Rock's number one contendership for the WWF Championship was then put on the line against Big Show at [[No Way Out (2000)|No Way Out]] on February 27, which Big Show won after Shane McMahon interfered.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2000/results/ |title=No Way Out 2000 official results |access-date=March 20, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319121436/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2000/results/ |archive-date=March 19, 2008}}</ref> The Rock then defeated Big Show on the March 13 episode of ''Raw Is War'', to regain the right to face the WWF Champion, Triple H, at [[WrestleMania 2000]] on April 2, in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|Fatal Four-way elimination match]], also including Big Show and Mick Foley.<ref name="raw00">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/_2000/ |title=Raw 2000 results |access-date=March 20, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607173238/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/_2000/ |archive-date=June 7, 2008}}</ref><ref name="wrestlemania00">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm16/results/ |title=WrestleMania 2000 official results |access-date=March 20, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309233852/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm16/results/ |archive-date=March 9, 2008}}</ref> Each wrestler had a McMahon in his corner: Triple H had his wife, [[Stephanie McMahon|Stephanie]], Foley had [[Linda McMahon|Linda]], The Rock had Vince and Big Show had Shane.<ref name="wrestlemania00" /><ref name="wrestlemania00event">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm16/mainevent/ |title=Triple H w/ Stephanie McMahon vs. Mick Foley w/ Linda McMahon vs. Big Show w/ Shane McMahon vs. The Rock w/ Mr. McMahon |access-date=March 20, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080221171738/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm16/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 21, 2008}}</ref> The Rock lasted until the final two but was eliminated by Triple H after Vince betrayed him by hitting him with a chair.<ref name="wrestlemania00event" /><ref name="oww-wrestlemania00">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/wrestlemania16/ |title=WrestleMania 2000 results |access-date=March 20, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218001433/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/wrestlemania16/ |archive-date=February 18, 2009}}</ref>

Due to his image at the time, a ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' deck archetype was named after him.<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzGjBLuSgLc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/IzGjBLuSgLc| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Where Did The Deck Name "The Rock" Come From? {{!}} MTG #Shorts|date=August 17, 2021|last=Olive|first=Saffron|publisher=MTGGoldfish}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==== Record-breaking world champion (2000–2002) ====
[[File:Therockaswwfchampion b.jpg|thumb|upright=1|The Rock as the WWF Champion in 2000]]
In the following weeks, The Rock continued his feud with Triple H and eventually won his fourth WWF Championship, which he won on April 30, at [[Backlash (2000)|Backlash]], after Stone Cold Steve Austin intervened on his behalf.<ref name="backlash00">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2000/mainevent/ |title=The Rock defeats Triple H to become new WWE Champion |access-date=March 20, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219071938/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2000/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 19, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454141111 |title=The Rock's fourth WWE Championship reign |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331191439/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454141111 |archive-date=March 31, 2008}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw is War'', The Rock successfully defended his title against Shane McMahon in a Steel Cage match. On May 21, at [[Judgment Day (2000)|Judgment Day]], The Rock faced Triple H in an [[Iron Man match]] with [[Shawn Michaels]] as the special guest referee.<ref name="judgmentday00main">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2000/mainevent/ |title=The Rock vs. Triple H in a 60-Minute WWE Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship |access-date=March 20, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224054925/http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2000/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 24, 2008}}</ref> With the score tied at five falls each, and with seconds left on the time limit, The Rock was disqualified when The Undertaker attacked Triple H, thus giving Triple H the 6–5 win and the title.<ref name="judgmentday00main" /><ref name="rawmay2000">{{cite web |url=http://www.lordsofpain.net/reports/raw/raw5-22-00.html |title=Raw results – May 22, 2000 |access-date=March 20, 2008 |publisher=Lords of Pain |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219025907/http://www.lordsofpain.net/reports/raw/raw5-22-00.html |archive-date=December 19, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Rock won the WWF Championship for a fifth time at [[King of the Ring (2000)|King of the Ring]] on June 25 by scoring the winning pin in a six-man tag team match, teaming with [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] and The Undertaker against Shane McMahon, Triple H and Vince McMahon, whom he pinned.<ref name="kingofthering00">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/kingofthering00.html |title=King of the Ring 2000 results |access-date=March 20, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216070305/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/kingofthering00.html |archive-date=February 16, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454140 |title=The Rock's fifth WWE Championship reign |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224032006/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454140 |archive-date=February 24, 2008}}</ref> The Rock successfully defended the championship against [[Chris Benoit]] on July 23 at [[Fully Loaded (2000)|Fully Loaded]]. The next month, he successfully defended his title against [[Kurt Angle]] and Triple H at [[SummerSlam (2000)|SummerSlam]] on August 27. The Rock had another successful title defense against Benoit, Kane and The Undertaker on September 24 at [[Unforgiven (2000)|Unforgiven]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://profightdb.com/wrestlers/the-rock-229.html?title=263 |title=The Rock: Profile & Match Listing – Internet Wrestling Database (IWD) |website=profightdb.com |access-date=November 22, 2012 |archive-date=February 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221225015/http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/the-rock-229.html?title=263 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Rock then lost the WWF Championship to Kurt Angle at [[No Mercy (2000)|No Mercy]] on October 22, 2000.<ref name="nomercy00">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2000/mainevent/ |title=The Rock vs. Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219054407/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2000/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 19, 2008}}</ref> The next month, The Rock feuded with [[Solofa Fatu|Rikishi]] and defeated him at [[Survivor Series (2000)|Survivor Series]] on November 19.<ref name="survivorseries00">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2000/results/ |title=Survivor Series 2000 official results |access-date=March 20, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224051027/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2000/results/ |archive-date=February 24, 2008}}</ref> The Rock wrestled a six-man [[Hell in a Cell]] match for the WWF Championship at [[Armageddon (2000)|Armageddon]] on December 10, which Angle won to retain the title.<ref name="armageddon00">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/2000/mainevent/ |title=Six-Man Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE Championship |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224001810/http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/2000/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 24, 2008}}</ref> On the December 18 episode of ''Raw is War'', The Rock won the WWF Tag Team Championship with The Undertaker, defeating [[Edge and Christian]], before losing the titles back to Edge and Christian the next night at a ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'' taping.<ref name="nowayout03">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132112212 |title=Undertaker and Rock's first World Tag Team Championship reign |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319100130/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132112212 |archive-date=March 19, 2008}}</ref> The Rock continued to feud with Angle over the WWF Championship, culminating at [[No Way Out (2001)|No Way Out]] on February 25, 2001, where he pinned Angle to win the WWF Championship for a sixth time.<ref name="nowayout01">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2001/mainevent/ |title=Kurt Angle vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319113212/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2001/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 19, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454141121 |title=The Rock's sixth WWE Championship reign |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331201241/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454141121 |archive-date=March 31, 2008}}</ref> The Rock then feuded with the [[Royal Rumble (2001)|Royal Rumble]] winner, Stone Cold Steve Austin, whom he lost the title to at [[WrestleMania X-Seven]] on April 1 after Austin allied with Vince McMahon, who interfered on his behalf.<ref name="wm17">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm17/mainevent/ |title=Stone Cold vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224052118/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm17/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 24, 2008}}</ref> On the next night's ''Raw is War'', during a steel cage title rematch, Triple H attacked The Rock, allying with McMahon and Austin and helping Austin retain the championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2001/raw040201 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060115131945/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2001%2Fraw040201 |archive-date=January 15, 2006 |title=WWF Raw: April 2, 2001 |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead}}</ref> Austin and Triple H then formed a tag team called [[The Power Trip]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/p/power-trip.html |title=The Power Trip Profile |access-date=April 13, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |archive-date=January 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101015950/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/p/power-trip.html |url-status=live }}</ref> while The Rock was indefinitely suspended in storyline. Johnson used this time off to act in ''[[The Scorpion King]]''.

[[File:WWF RAW 2001-10-15 The Rock at ringside b.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1|The Rock taunting an opponent at ringside at ''[[WWE Raw|WWF Raw]]'', October 2001]]
The Rock returned in late July when the WWF was feuding with rival promotions [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) and [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) during what is known as [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|The Invasion]] storyline. In reality, WCW was purchased by Vince McMahon and the WWF, and ECW had gone out of business in early 2001. Many former WCW and ECW wrestlers were then brought onto WWF television and formed [[The Alliance (professional wrestling)|The Alliance]] to compete with the WWF in storyline. The Alliance and Vince McMahon then both attempted to persuade the Rock to join their team. The Rock then aligned with McMahon and the WWF. The next month, the Rock defeated [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]] at [[SummerSlam (2001)|SummerSlam]] on August 19 to win the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship|WCW Championship]] for the first time.<ref name="summerslam01">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2001/mainevent/ |title=The Rock vs. Booker T w/Shane McMahon for the WCW Championship |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621123202/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2001/mainevent/ |archive-date=June 21, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/304454110223 |title=The Rock's first WCW Championship reign |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331155507/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/304454110223 |archive-date=March 31, 2008}}</ref> He later lost the title to [[Chris Jericho]] at [[No Mercy (2001)|No Mercy]] on October 21.<ref name="nomercy01">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2001/results/ |title=No Mercy 2001 official results |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224055025/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2001/results/ |archive-date=February 24, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321134 |title=Chris Jericho and The Rock's first World Tag Team Championship reign |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311084859/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321134 |archive-date=March 11, 2008}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', he teamed with Jericho to win the WWF Tag Team Championship from [[The Dudley Boyz]]. The two then lost the tag titles to Booker T and Test on the November 1, 2001, episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://profightdb.com/wrestlers/the-rock-229.html?title=261 |title=The Rock: Profile & Match Listing – Internet Wrestling Database (IWD) |website=profightdb.com |access-date=November 22, 2012 |archive-date=February 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221231948/http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/the-rock-229.html?title=261 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Rock defeated Jericho on the November 5 episode of ''Raw'' for his second WCW Championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411028 |title=The Rock's second WCW Championship reign |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080221192855/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411028 |archive-date=February 21, 2008}}</ref>

As part of the WWF's battle against The Alliance, the Rock wrestled in a "winner takes all" five-on-five elimination tag team match at [[Survivor Series (2001)|Survivor Series]] on November 18 where the losing team's company would be dissolved in storyline. He was a member of Team WWF along with Chris Jericho, The Undertaker, Kane, and Big Show. The Alliance's team consisted of Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, Booker T, [[Rob Van Dam]], and Shane McMahon. In the end, it came down to a one-on-one between the Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Rock seemed to have the upper hand, until his teammate Jericho entered the ring and attacked the Rock. Austin tried to capitalize on this by pinning the Rock, but Kurt Angle revealed his true allegiance by attacking Austin. The Rock then pinned Austin, giving Team WWF the victory and forcing The Alliance to disband. The Rock's WCW Championship was renamed the unbranded "World Championship" following the Alliance's loss.<ref name="survivorseries01">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2001/mainevent/ |title=The Rock, Chris Jericho, Big Show, Kane & Undertaker def. Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, Shane McMahon, Booker T & Rob Van Dam; Sole Survivor: The Rock |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224064801/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2001/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 24, 2008}}</ref> At the next pay-per-view, [[Vengeance (2001)|Vengeance]] on December 9, The Rock lost the World Championship to Jericho, who would then unify the WWF and World titles later that night.<ref name="vengeance01">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2001/results/ |title=Vengeance 2001 official results |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224065720/http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2001/results/ |archive-date=February 24, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Rock then unsuccessfully challenged Jericho for the now [[WWE Championship|Undisputed WWF Championship]] at [[Royal Rumble (2002)|Royal Rumble]] on January 20, 2002.<ref name="royalrumble02">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811413/results/ |title=Royal Rumble 2002 official results |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |archive-date=November 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122185729/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811413/results |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Rockwrestling b.jpg|thumb|upright=1|The Rock doing his signature pose before wrestling [[Hulk Hogan]] (bottom right) at [[WrestleMania X8]], March 2002]]
At the next pay-per-view, [[No Way Out (2002)|No Way Out]] on February 17, The Rock defeated The Undertaker in a singles match. The event also saw the WWF debut of the famed WCW faction [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|New World Order]] (nWo), which at the time consisted of [[Hulk Hogan|"Hollywood" Hulk Hogan]], [[Kevin Nash]], and [[Scott Hall]].<ref name="nowayout02">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2002/results/ |title=No Way Out 2002 official results |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |quote=The Rock def. Undertaker |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309220538/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2002/results/ |archive-date=March 9, 2008}}</ref> This later led to a match between The Rock and Hogan at [[WrestleMania X8]] on March 17. The match was billed as "icon versus icon", with both men representing the top tier of two generations of wrestling; ultimately The Rock pinned Hogan at WrestleMania X8 to win the match.<ref name="wmx8">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm18/results/ |title=WrestleMania X8 official results |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311090004/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm18/results/ |archive-date=March 11, 2008}}</ref> Despite The Rock portraying a heroic character and Hogan a villain, a portion of the crowd attending the [[SkyDome]] was rooting heavily for Hogan.<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Gramlich |title=WrestleMania X8 results |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingWM18/mar18_wmgramlich-can.html |publisher=SLAM! Sports |access-date=March 2, 2008 |archive-date=July 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731100656/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingWM18/mar18_wmgramlich-can.html |url-status=usurped }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WrestleMania X8 results |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingWM18/mar18_wrestlemania-can.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630174936/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingWM18/mar18_wrestlemania-can.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=June 30, 2012 |publisher=SLAM! Sports |access-date=March 2, 2008 }}</ref> In an interview in 2013, Hogan said he and The Rock changed the style of the match on the fly based on the crowd's response.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/art/news/263/hulk-hogan-i-changed-rock-match-on-the-fly |title=Hulk Hogan: I Changed Rock Match On The Fly |work=[[Fighting Spirit Magazine]] |date=March 20, 2013 |access-date=April 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325001711/http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/art/news/263/hulk-hogan-i-changed-rock-match-on-the-fly|archive-date=March 25, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> After the introduction of the first-ever [[WWE brand extension|brand extension]], the WWF held a "[[2002 WWF draft lottery|draft lottery]]" on the March 25, 2002, episode of ''Raw''. The Rock was the number one overall pick, going to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown!]] brand before taking a sabbatical from wrestling.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gerweck.net/wrestlemania18.htm |title=WrestleMania 18 review |publisher=Gerweck.net |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=March 17, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324113713/http://www.gerweck.net/wrestlemania18.htm |archive-date=March 24, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Rock made a surprise return on a June episode of ''Raw'' before going to his assigned brand of SmackDown!. There, he was named the number one contender for the WWE Undisputed Championship, which he won for a record-setting seventh time at [[Vengeance (2002)|Vengeance]] on July 21, by defeating Kurt Angle and then-champion The Undertaker in a Triple Threat match.<ref name="rockwwe7">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454141122 |title=The Rock's seventh WWE Championship reign |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311084919/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454141122 |archive-date=March 11, 2008}}</ref><ref name="vengeance02">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2002/mainevent/ |title=The Rock defeats Undertaker and Kurt Angle in a triple threat match to become WWE Champion |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224010913/http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2002/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 24, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Rock successfully defended the title at the [[WWE in Australia#WWE Global Warning Tour: Melbourne|Global Warning]] event on August 10 against Triple H and [[Brock Lesnar]] after pinning Triple H.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/liveevent/020810s.html |title=Global Warming results |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |archive-date=August 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828193410/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/liveevent/020810s.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 25, at [[SummerSlam (2002)|SummerSlam]], The Rock lost the WWE Undisputed Championship to Lesnar along with the record for the youngest WWE Champion, which he had set in 1998.<ref name="summerslam02">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2002/mainevent/ |title=Brock Lesnar w/Paul Heyman vs. The Rock for the Undisputed Championship |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526181034/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2002/mainevent/ |archive-date=May 26, 2007}}</ref> In 2018, writing for ''[[ESPN.com]]'', Sean Coyle noted in a retrospective review of the event, that following his victory over Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X8, The Rock "started to see a dip in fan support" and "that dip turned into a plunge" by the time The Rock had his match with Lesnar at SummerSlam because fans knew he was leaving WWE to pursue an acting career,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Coyle |first1=Sean |title=SummerSlam 2002: A look back at a landscape-shifting moment in WWE history |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/20286399/look-back-landscape-shifting-moment-wwe-history |website=[[ESPN.com]] |publisher=[[ESPN Inc.]] |access-date=December 2, 2018|date=August 8, 2017 }}</ref> as evidenced by the negative crowd response during his match with Lesnar.<ref>{{cite web |first=Rick |last=Scaia |url=http://www.oowrestling.com/recaps/ppv/20020825.shtml |title=WWE SummerSlam |access-date=January 23, 2008 |date=August 25, 2002 |publisher=Online Onslaught |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609224551/http://www.oowrestling.com/recaps/ppv/20020825.shtml |archive-date=June 9, 2008}}</ref> After SummerSlam ended, The Rock was visibly angry at the crowd reaction. When he tried to do a post-show speech for the crowd, the fans booed him. He eventually cut a short promo, declaring that "sing-along with The Rock is over!"<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE SummerSlam 2002 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwe/wweppv/summerslam/summerslam02/ |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-date=February 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221231954/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwe/wweppv/summerslam/summerslam02/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Rock then took time off to kickstart his acting career.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Vaughn |title=Throwback Thursday: Looking back at WWE Summerslam 2002 |url=http://www2.philly.com/philly/blogs/the-squared-circle/Throwback-Thursday-Looking-back-at-WWE-Summerslam-2002.html |work=[[Philly.com]] |date=July 3, 2014 |access-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110233412/http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/the-squared-circle/Throwback-Thursday-Looking-back-at-WWE-Summerslam-2002.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Hollywood Rock (2003) ====
[[File:Rockaustinxix b.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1|The Rock defeated [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] (left) in Austin's final match at [[WrestleMania XIX]] in March 2003.]]
The Rock returned on the January 30, 2003, episode of ''SmackDown!'' to set up another match with Hulk Hogan at [[No Way Out (2003)|No Way Out]] on February 23.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030130.html |title=WWE SmackDown! Results – January 30, 2003 |date=January 30, 2003 |access-date=May 2, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |archive-date=August 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823210316/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030130.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Because of negative fan reaction during previous matches as a result of his budding acting career, The Rock turned heel for the first time since 1999. He also started a new persona that has been called ''Hollywood Rock'', with a new look and a shaved head.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/the-rock-wwe-phases-dwayne-johnson-versions/|title=Every Version Of The Rock, Ranked|date=February 13, 2021|website=TheSportster|access-date=January 24, 2022|archive-date=January 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124162806/https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/the-rock-wwe-phases-dwayne-johnson-versions/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tjrwrestling.net/review/wwe-ruthless-aggression-hollywood-rock/|title=WWE Ruthless Aggression Review: Hollywood Rock – TJR Wrestling|date=July 12, 2021|website=tjrwrestling.net|access-date=January 24, 2022|archive-date=January 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124162802/https://tjrwrestling.net/review/wwe-ruthless-aggression-hollywood-rock/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Rock defeated Hogan at No Way Out before moving to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] brand.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2003/mainevent/ |title=The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219180229/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2003/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 19, 2008}}</ref> There, he had various small feuds, including one with [[Gregory Helms|The Hurricane]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030224.html |title=WWE Raw Results – February 24, 2003 |date=February 24, 2003 |access-date=May 2, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |archive-date=January 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102114330/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030224.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He also began performing "Rock Concerts", segments in which he played the guitar and mocked WWE performers and fans in song.<ref name="mar24-03">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030324.html |title=RAW results – March 24, 2003 |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106224121/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030324.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

After failing to win a number one contendership for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]], The Rock went into another program with Stone Cold Steve Austin. This led to a match at [[WrestleMania XIX]] on March 30, which called back to their previous two WrestleMania encounters, both of which Austin had won.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodward |first=Hamish |date=January 4, 2023 |title=Ranking Every Steve Austin vs The Rock Match At Wrestlemania (Worst To Best) |url=https://atletifo.com/wrestling/wwe/the-rock-vs-steve-austin/ |access-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127225922/https://atletifo.com/wrestling/wwe/the-rock-vs-steve-austin/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Rock won after delivering three consecutive ''Rock Bottoms'', ending their long-running rivalry in what turned out to be Austin's final match, until [[WrestleMania 38]].<ref name="slam" /><ref name="wm19">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm19/results/ |title=WrestleMania XIX official results |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |archive-date=July 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709133741/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/19 |url-status=live }}</ref> The next night, ''Raw'' was billed as "The Rock Appreciation Night", in honor of his victory over Austin. That night, he was attacked by a debuting [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]].<ref name="RAWWM">{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news/1049212077.shtml |access-date=March 9, 2008 |title=WWE Raw (March 31, 2003) Results |last=Moore |first=Wesley |publisher=WrestleView |archive-date=February 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221231947/http://www.wrestleview.com/news/1049212077.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> At [[Backlash (2003)|Backlash]] on April 27, Goldberg defeated The Rock, who then briefly left WWE to film ''[[Walking Tall (2004 film)|Walking Tall]]''.<ref name="slam" /><ref name="backlash03">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2003/mainevent/ |title=Goldberg defeats The Rock |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224033134/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2003/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 24, 2008}}</ref>

==== Final feuds and departure (2003–2004) ====
On the June 2 episode of ''Raw'', The Rock joined the Highlight Reel and attacked [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian]] and [[Chris Jericho]] with [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]], turning face once again.<ref name="Jun02-03">{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2003/06/03/102478.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723162842/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2003/06/03/102478.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 23, 2017 |title=Raw: Rock-ing and rolling in San Diego |first=Nick |last=Tylwalk |access-date=May 2, 2008 |publisher=Slam! Sports}}</ref> He would later return on the December 8 episode of ''Raw'' to help Mick Foley against [[La Résistance (professional wrestling)|La Résistance]]. In 2004, The Rock aided Mick Foley in his feud against [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]],<ref name="wwebio" /><ref name="slam" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040308.html |title=RAW results – March 8, 2004 |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |archive-date=January 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105080322/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040308.html |url-status=live }}</ref> leading to a reunion of the Rock 'n' Sock Connection. They lost against [[Ric Flair]], [[Randy Orton]], and [[Dave Bautista|Batista]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]] at [[WrestleMania XX]] on March 14, 2004, when Orton pinned Foley after an ''[[Cutter (professional wrestling)|RKO]]''.<ref name="slam" /><ref name="wmxx">{{cite web |url=http://wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/results/ |title=WrestleMania XX official results |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319101057/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/results/ |archive-date=March 19, 2008}}</ref> This was Johnson's final wrestling match until November 2011. The Rock appeared in WWE sporadically following WrestleMania XX. He made returns to provide support for [[Nick Dinsmore|Eugene]] against [[Jonathan Coachman]] and made a cameo in his hometown of Miami, where he confronted [[Randy Orton]].<ref name="slam" /> On the August 23 episode of ''Raw'', he hosted a pie-eating contest, as part of the [[WWE Diva Search]], and ended the segment by giving Coachman a ''People's Elbow''.<ref name="slam" /> The Rock's contract with WWE then ended and he started his full-time acting career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rootzoo.com/articles/view/Pro-Wrestling/WWE/The-Great-OneThe-Rock-A-Biography_3277 |title=The Great One, The Rock-A Biography |date=March 30, 2008 |access-date=April 13, 2008 |website=RootZoo.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080614095053/http://www.rootzoo.com/articles/view/Pro-Wrestling/WWE/The-Great-OneThe-Rock-A-Biography_3277 |archive-date=June 14, 2008}}</ref>

==== Non-wrestling appearances (2007–2009) ====
On March 12, 2007, the Rock appeared on a [[WWE]] show after nearly three years, via a pre-taped promo shown during ''Raw''. He correctly predicted that [[Bobby Lashley]] would defeat [[Umaga (wrestler)|Umaga]] at [[WrestleMania 23]] in [[Donald Trump]]'s and Vince McMahon's "Battle of the Billionaires" Hair vs. Hair match.<ref>{{cite web |first=Noah |last=Starr |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03122007/ |title=Billion dollar burn |access-date=March 21, 2008 |publisher=WWE |archive-date=June 30, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630180834/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03122007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 29, 2008, Johnson inducted his father [[Rocky Johnson]] and grandfather [[Peter Maivia]] into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/articles/hoffacts |title=Be a part of the 2008 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 1, 2008 |archive-date=November 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102200851/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/articles/hoffacts |url-status=live }}</ref> His next appearance was through a pre-taped promo on October 2, 2009, during the ''[[List of WWE SmackDown special episodes|Decade of SmackDown]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/10/02/11248986.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107141105/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/10/02/11248986.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2016|title=Smackdown: A decade of memories|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.com|Canadian Online Explorer]]|first=Matt|last=Bishop|date=October 2, 2009}}</ref>

===Independent circuit (2009)===
On September 30, 2009, the Rock appeared at a [[World Xtreme Wrestling]] (WXW) show to support the professional wrestling debut of [[Tamina Snuka|Sarona Snuka]], the daughter of his longtime friend and mentor [[Jimmy Snuka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1254334057.php?style=dark|title=Video: Dwayne Johnson at WXW|publisher=Wrestle View|date=September 30, 2009|access-date=September 30, 2009|first=Adam|last=Martin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004081734/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1254334057.php?style=dark|archive-date=October 4, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 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>