The Rock Returns: Who’s in His Crosshairs on SmackDown?

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The WWE Universe is buzzing as The Rock makes his highly anticipated return to SmackDown tonight from the Smoothie King Center, promising dramatic implications for WrestleMania. The event, part of the four-week buildup to the Elimination Chamber, will see significant matches that could shape the landscape of WWE.

After taking to social media, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson hinted at his intentions: “The Final Boss is coming to handle business, deliver a big beautiful gift to the city of New Orleans and mess up a certain someone’s life with the Final Boss gospel. #smackdown.” While speculation mounts about the nature of this ‘gift,’ many believe it could relate to WrestleMania 42, rumored to be hosted in New Orleans in 2026.

As fans eagerly await his return, questions linger around whom The Rock may target. Will he pursue a showdown with Roman Reigns or potentially disrupt WWE Champion Cody Rhodes‘s plans? The Rock has the clout to alter outcomes, and recent tensions within The Bloodline may provide the perfect backdrop for his actions.

The Bloodline’s dynamics are complicated, especially with Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa‘s current conflicts. Should The Rock choose to intervene, it could lead to chaos as he navigates these storyline intricacies. Meanwhile, speculation about his involvement in John Cena’s retirement tour also adds to the intrigue.

Tonight’s episode features high-stakes matches, including a six-man tag team showdown pitting Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest, and Braun Strowman against Sikoa, Fatu, and Tama Tonga. Given the recent tensions in The Bloodline, observers will be keen to see how those alliances play out in the ring.

In a twist, fans will also witness the WWE Tag Team Champions, Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano, defending their titles against the underdog duo Pretty Deadly. Their recent fluke victory over the champs raises questions about whether they can capitalize on this shot and dethrone the champions.

Also on the card, Naomi will face Liv Morgan, with an underlying tension stemming from accusations surrounding a mysterious attack on Jade Cargill. Naomi is determined to retaliate, setting the stage for an intense encounter.

Tonight’s SmackDown also features a one-on-one bout between Drew McIntyre and Jimmy Uso, following a backstage altercation. McIntyre is poised for retribution, and it will be interesting to see how this rivalry unfolds.

As The Rock’s return looms, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque remarked, “When The Final Boss shows up at this time of year, the audience knows absolutely anything is possible. Everything could change in an instant.” With anticipation high, viewers are encouraged to tune in at 8 p.m. ET to witness these developments.