Posts Tagged ‘The Rock’

The Rock Takes Over WWE SmackDown with Explosive Musical Segment

WWE fans have seen a lot more of The Rock since he returned for his WrestleMania 40 program. This week on the blue brand, Dwayne Johnson showed off his musical side.

The Rock dropped his heel persona in Memphis for SmackDown this week. He opened up the show, without The Bloodline, to sing a few songs on the road to WrestleMania 40.

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The Rock’s Musical Segment

The Rock started out by saying that he normally torches every city he’s in, but Memphis is different. That being said, he just couldn’t be mean to the fans, and they cheered him in a big way for it.

He dropped the heel gimmick, and he spoke about starting his career in Memphis. Then he said “Finally, The Rock has come … home.”

The Rock suggested that he sing a little song for the Memphis fans about what is going to happen to Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40. That song included lyrics that said Rollins is a clown, and Rock may just beat his opponents with his fanny pack.

He brought up Cody Rhodes’ mother in the lyrics as well, and he mentioned how Cody was born. The Rock claimed that the story is historically accurate. During the verse, Rock showed a photo of Stardust on the screen as he said that Dusty Rhodes knew his son was weird.

The Rock also threw some shade at Seth Rollins, because his wife, Becky Lynch, is more popular than he is. This was followed by a verse about the Cody Crybabies.

Then, Dwayne Johnson brought Cody Rhodes’ promo from RAW into thing, and he directed his attention on Cody’s mother. He promised to make Cody bleed at WrestleMania, and when he hands Cody’s mother his bloody weight belt, he will say, “What can I say, except you’re welcome,” as he sang his line from Moana.

What’s Next On The Road to WrestleMania 40

Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins will be on SmackDown this week to answer The Rock’s WrestleMania challenge. A tag team match with Rock and Roman Reigns versus Cody and Seth is in the pipeline, with night two ramifications in play.

If the Bloodline wins that Mania tag match on night one, then it will be “Bloodline Rules” for Cody vs Roman in the main event of night two. If Cody and Seth win, then the Bloodline will be barred from the event.

SEScoops will have complete coverage of WWE SmackDown this week. Keep checking back for more updates.

Cody Rhodes’ Mom Takes Fire: The Rock Drags The American Nightmare’s Family Into New Promo

The Rock is back in WWE, and he is a heel on the road to WrestleMania. He’s not afraid to throw anyone under the bus, and now Cody Rhodes’ own mother is taking shots from Dwayne Johnson.

Since he returned to WWE, The Rock has been on fire with his social media promos. After all, nobody is going to tell him to wrap it up on a social media video. He can go as long as he wants. This time around, he decided to pay special attention to Cody’s mother.

The Rock’s Latest Promo

The Rock’s latest social media promo targets Cody’s recent actions. Ahead of Friday’s WWE SmackDown, he addresses Cody’s slap from last Friday and his emotional moment on Monday’s WWE Raw.

While acknowledging Cody’s slap, The Rock expressed pride in Cody for his bold move, even smiling at the pain it caused. The whole time, he played with a weight belt, like the one Cody wears to the ring.

The Rock then referenced Cody’s tearful moment on Raw, where Cody spoke about giving the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship to his mother after winning it.

In his promo, The Rock ridicules Cody’s display of emotion and threatens to use his weight belt to make Cody bleed. He also promised to hand the bloody weight belt to Cody’s mother after Cody’s defeat to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. It was quite a vivid picture as Dwayne Johnson kept painting in his heel master brush strokes.

The caption he picked really summed everything up as well, just in case you don’t have nine minutes to watch the whole thing.

A message from the hottest heel pro wrestling has seen since the 80’s. Mama Rhodes, you’re now in the Rock’s crosshairs. Your son’s blood will be on the Rock’s belt, that I will personally deliver to you at WrestleMania. I’m gonna put a whuppin’ on that boy, in front of his…

Road to WrestleMania 40

The Rock and Roman Reigns will team up to take on Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40 during the first night of the show of shows. That big tag team match will be important, because if the heels win the match, then it will be Bloodline rules for the Undisputed Universal Title match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes during the second night.

Only time will tell if the Bloodline rules match becomes a bloody occasion. Cody Rhodes is not opposed to bleeding in a big match situation, as he’s worn a crimson mask many times in the past. It seems that The Rock has some bold WrestleMania plans for the American Nightmare.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more, as we approach WrestleMania 40. Keep checking back for more updates and the headlines you need!

After WrestleMania 40: The Rock’s Next WWE Move Unclear Due To Hollywood Commitments

The Rock returned to jump on the road to WrestleMania 40, but when will he be back. It appears that he is leaving irons in the fire, but his Hollywood career keeps going despite the fact that he has settled back into his old WWE persona.

It is not very likely that The Rock will be able to make a trip to Saudi Arabia for the WWE event in May. He is starting a new movie, and that schedule might make SummerSlam very difficult as well.

The Rock’s Move After WrestleMania 40

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that The Rock’s next film, The Smashing Machine, will start filming on May 1st. That being said, he won’t be able to make WWE’s next Saudi Arabian event.

The report also noted that SummerSlam will be tough as well, especially depending on The Rock’s schedule. He is slated to perform at WrestleMania 40, but we may be looking at another situation where Dwayne Johnson has to wait until WrestleMania 41.

Johnson starts filming “The Smashing Machine on 5/1. This rules him out of the May Saudi Arabia show and makes SummerSlam tough depending on the schedule. It could mean the earliest he could do another match would be the second Saudi Arabia show. And I could see him waiting for WrestleMania

What’s Next for The Rock

The Rock is back for a WrestleMania match, but his career in Hollywood certainly needs attention as well. That being said, there isn’t a lot of time for The Rock to do both. So, he will likely head back to his Hollywood commitments as soon as his road to WrestleMania is over.

You never know if The Rock will take Cody Rhodes up on his offer for a one-on-one match. He also wants a battle with Roman Reigns in his future. Only time will tell what The Rock decides to do, but it appears that The Smashing Machine is going to get his full attention on May 1st.

The Rock to Join The Undertaker in Exclusive Club with WWE WrestleMania 40 Match

The Rock will make his long-awaited return to the ring at WrestleMania 40 and will become the second member of a very exclusive club in the process.

At the upcoming two-night show, The Rock will team with Roman Reigns to face Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. Should the Bloodline win, the following nights Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match will be under ‘Bloodline Rules.’ If Rhodes and Reigns are triumphant, then the title match will see no Bloodline involvement.

The Rock’s WrestleMania Accolade

With his match at WrestleMania, The Rock will become the second-ever Superstar to compete at four decades of WrestleMania. The Brahma Bull, as Rocky Maivia, made his Wrestler debut in 1997 and would compete at the event in 1998 and 1999.

The 2000s saw The Rock headline the Showcase of the Immortals twice, at ‘Mania 16 (2000) and X-Seven (2001.) The Great One also competed at WrestleMania 18 and 19 before closing out his run with a handicap loss at WrestleMania 20 in 2004.

The 2010s saw The Rock return to WrestleMania and the main event spot. The Brahma Bull headlined in 2012 with his ‘Once in a Lifetime’ match with John Cena and faced the 16-time World Champion once again the next year. 

Joining the Club

The only Superstar to have competed at four decades of WrestleMania is The Undertaker. After making his debut against Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka in 1991, the Phenom’s final match was at WrestleMania 36 in April 2020 in the cinematic Boneyard match.

WWE WrestleMania 40

This year’s WrestleMania will be the fifth annual two-night WrestleMania, a tradition that began with the Covid-19 pandemic. The show will also be the first WrestleMania following the launch of TKO Group Holdings last September. The card for the show so far is as follows:

  • Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)
  • IYO SKY (c) vs. Bayley (WWE Women’s Championship)
  • Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Becky Lynch (WWE Women’s World Championship)
  • Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
  • Seth “Freakin” Rollins & Cody Rhodes Vs. Roman Reigns & The Rock
  • GUNTHER (c) vs. Sami Zayn (WWE Intercontinental Championship)
  • The Judgment Day (c) vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA vs.TBA (Six-Pack Ladder Match, Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships)

Crackhead Karens: The Rock Explains Freedom Behind Latest WWE Heel Run

John Cena has taken on some daring roles in Hollywood so far, stretching his comfort level to flex his acting muscles. The 96th annual Academy Awards certainly included a side of Cena that some fans never expected to see.

Cena did a streaking skit at the Oscar Awards this year alongside Jimmy Kimmel. Cena was the only nude one, and The Rock had a very good view of the whole spectacle. He also made it clear why he didn’t want to make Cena’s night any worse. The Rock is also loving his role as a heel on WWE television, and he couldn’t wait to open up about that, either. 

The Rock Reacts to John Cena Stunt

The Rock crossed paths with his fellow WWE Superstar, John Cena, backstage at the 96th Oscars ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. However, Cena appeared in an unusual attire, donning a toga instead of his typical formal wear, which he changed into after his nude stunt.

Cena’s unique appearance garnered significant attention from fans, with his act receiving widespread applause. While reflecting on his interaction with Cena the day before, The Rock shared his perspective during an appearance on Monday night’s edition of Jimmy Kimmel Live.

During the interview, Kimmel humorously suggested that The Rock missed an opportunity to confront Cena, to which The Rock responded with laughter, implying that a half-naked Cena wasn’t a suitable target for him. When asked if he would consider confronting Cena if he were “fully naked,” The Rock humorously replied that he would need Cena to be completely unclothed before considering such an action, clarifying that it was a playful remark.

“Right, a half-naked John Cena isn’t the guy who I want to attack [laughs],” The Rock said.

When Kimmel asked him if he would attack Cena if he was “fully naked?” To this, The Rock replied, “I need him fully naked before I attack him. That was his joke, by the way.”

The Rock and John Cena shook hands backstage at the Oscars, but Kimmel still joked that he felt a WrestleMania moment coming on. No steel chairs were busted out in that meeting, but you never know what else The Rock is capable of during this heel run.

The Rock on his Heel Turn

The Rock also had a chance to speak about his heel role in the road to WrestleMania. Kimmel played a clip of Dwayne Johnson in Phoenix berating the “Crackhead Karens,” and that line received a great response from the crowd.

He also explained how great it is to come back and really cut loose during this run of his career.

It is the best to go back to WWE in this Rock 10.0 version, where I can become a heel and say the things that people wanna say.

Road to WrestleMania 40

The Rock is back in WWE on the road to WrestleMania 40. He will team up with Roman Reigns during the first night of WrestleMania to take on Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins.

John Cena has not been officially booked for WrestleMania 40 yet. As I exclusively reported in a recent edition of SEScoops’ Daily Drop, WWE is still working on making that happen for the 16x World Champion.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more in the pro wrestling world. So, keep checking back for more updates, because you never know what can happen on the road to WrestleMania.

The People’s Schedule: What’s Next for The Rock After WWE WrestleMania 40?

The Rock will return to the ring next month at WrestleMania 40, but fans may be waiting for some time for his next match after that.

On WrestleMania 40: Saturday, The Rock & Roman Reigns will face off against Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins in what’ll presumably be the main event. Should The Bloodline win, then the Undisputed WWE Universal title match the next night will be under ‘Bloodline Rules.’ Should Rhodes and Rollins win, there’ll be no Bloodline involvement when Rhodes challenges Reigns on WrestleMania 40: Sunday. 

What Comes Next?

While Rock and Reigns are currently allies, there is a belief that the two will face off one day in a match WWE initially intended to have at WrestleMania. It has been reported that WWE are hoping to get the Brahma Bull for the match at their next event in Saudi Arabia. 

That may prove to be easier said than done thanks to The Rock’s Hollywood career. PW Insider reports that Johnson is poised to begin work on a new project after WrestleMania 40 titled The Smashing Machine. The report adds that casting is underway for a series of supporting characters and that filming is currently scheduled to last from May to August. This will keep Rock out of doing anything physical for WWE

The Smashing Machine

The Smashing Machine will be produced by The Rock’s Seven Bucks Productions and will focus on the life of UFC fighter Mike Kerr. The film will follow Kerr’s struggle with addiction and fights both in and out of the Octagon. The Rock is set to play Kerr. 

Daily Drop (3/11): Brock Lesnar’s WWE Creative Status, AEW Talking To Released WWE Veteran

Welcome to SEScoops: the Daily Drop, your go-to for the latest news and rumors in wrestling for Monday, March 11. There are also a ton of great stories to take a look at, including RAW tonight. Let’s jump right into it.

Days until WrestleMania 40: 26

WWE:

– Brock Lesnar is back on WWE.com’s roster, and that was very interesting. I asked around to see if there is any word about his return, and was I was told that the creative team has not heard anything new about him since his stories were nixed after Janel Grant’s lawsuit went public.

– John Cena got totally naked for the 96th annual Academy Awards last night. It was quite a segment, and you can check it out here.

– For some reason, Sheamus has decided to deactivate his Twitter/X account.

Maryse had an update for fans about her current cancer issues.

WWE finally filed a trademark related to Shawn Spears, who is now back in NXT with a lot of steam after his run with AEW concluded.

John Cena revealed his guilty pleasure movie, and it is rather NSFW.

WWE RAW Card for 3/11:

  • Intercontinental Champion Gunther to face the winner of a Gauntlet Match at WrestleMania
  • Liv Morgan is on a collision course with The Man
  • Shayna Basler & Zoey Stark to challenge WWE Women’s World Champions The Kabuki Warriors

AEW:

AEW is talking to Shelton Benjamin, so we will have to see if Tony Khan can pull in another ex WWE Superstar.

Matt Hardy also reacted to Sammy Guevara’s suspension. Of course, Guevara was suspended after injuring Jeff Hardy.

Britt Baker made a special appearance at a Luke Bryan concert. She got to sing a duet during the show.

Jay Lethal paid tribute to his late mother during AEW Collision on Saturday.

– We ran a story about AEW’s original plan for Sting’s retirement match, and we welcome you to check it out.

Upcoming Major Pro Wrestling Events:

  • AEW Dynamite: Big Business will be hosted at Boston’s TD Garden on March 13th.
  • WWE NXT Stand & Deliver is slated for the afternoon of April 6th, just before the start of WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia.
  • WrestleMania XL is set to take place on April 6th and 7th at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a two-part event.
  • AEW is coming to St. Louis, MO with AEW: Dynasty LIVE on PPV on Sunday, April 21st at Chaifetz Arena
  • Backlash France is scheduled for May 4th at LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, France.
  • WWE NXT Battleground is booked for May 26th at Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia, exclusively available on the WWE Network and Peacock.
  • WWE Money in the Bank will be held on July 6th at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, followed by WWE NXT Heatwave on July 7th at the same venue.
  • WWE Bash In Berlin is marked for August 31st at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin, Germany.

WWE Megastars Collide: The Rock & John Cena Reunite Backstage At 2024 Oscars

WWE’s own John Cena was able to reunite with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson following the 16-time World Champion’s viral appearance at the 2024 Oscars. 

Cena was on hand to present the award for ‘Best Costume’ but was hardly dressed for the occasion. In a throwback to the 1974 ceremony that saw a streaker interrupt a speech by David Niven, Cena appeared in the ‘nude’ and covered his unmentionables with a large envelope. During a video package for the nominees, Cena and co-host Jimmy Kimmel were able to fashion a makeshift outfit for the WWE megastar turned Hollywood powerhouse. 

John Cena & The Rock Reunite

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was also present for this year’s Oscars as he presented an award with fellow WWE alum Bad Bunny. In a photo shared online, Cena can be seen greeting his friend and former WrestleMania rival. 

What’s Next? 

The Rock will make his return to the ring at WrestleMania 40: Saturday. He will team with Roman Reigns to face Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins. Should The Bloodline win, the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match the next night will be under ‘Bloodline Rules.’ Should Rhodes and Rollins win, then the Bloodline will not be involved in the next night’s main event. 

As for John Cena, his future in WWE remains unclear. Cena is hoping to do something at WrestleMania, but no plans have been confirmed for the 16-time WWE World Champion. Cena was part of last year’s WrestleMania event where he lost to then-U.S. Champion Austin Theory in the Saturday opener. 

The Rock & Bad Bunny Link Up For 96th Academy Awards

The Rock is back in WWE as a big-time heel, but he was all smiles at the Oscar Awards on Sunday night. The People’s Champion also had a chance to rub elbows with another WWE Superstar that he hadn’t had a chance to meet yet.

Bad Bunny is a bona fide WWE Superstar at this point, but he is just very busy with his career as a global celebrity and rapper. He was on hand at the Academy Awards, and he also shared the stage with The Rock.

The Rock and Bad Bunny

The presence of wrestling extends far beyond the confines of the ring, permeating various aspects of entertainment and pop culture. This fact was more than proven at the 96th Academy Awards on March 10, where Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Bad Bunny appeared together. They presented the Best International Film at the awards.

Despite their distinct career paths in acting and music, both individuals have left their mark on the world of professional wrestling. The Rock is obviously known as one of the most iconic Superstars in WWE history. Similarly, Bad Bunny, known for his chart-topping hits and persona in the music industry, has made waves in the wrestling world, including appearances at WrestleMania and a San Juan Street Fight at WWE Backlash 2023.

John Cena Bears All At Oscars

John Cena also had quite a time at the 96th Academy Awards. He showed up without any clothes on and had a nude streaker bit on stage.

During the ceremony, The Rock encountered John Cena backstage, coinciding with Cena’s appearance as he prepared to present the award for Best Costume Design.

SEScoops will have continued coverage of this story, and so much more in the pro wrestling world and beyond. Keep checking back for more stories and updates.

The Next WWE Hall of Fame 2024 Inductee Could Be Related To The Rock

The Rock has a lot of pull in WWE as a member of TKO’s board of directors. That is a shoot, and so is the idea that he may place someone very close to him in the WWE Hall of Fame this year.

It was previously noted that The Rock has a say in picking the WWE Hall of Fame this year. He apparently pulled for one name in a big way and now we know who it is. His own grandmother.

Lia Maivia Rumored For 2024 WWE Hall of Fame

Reports from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select suggest Lia Maivia as a potential inductee into this year’s class. While not confirmed, this speculation aligns with previous reports indicating The Rock’s involvement in selecting this year’s inductees.

Maivia’s legacy is noteworthy, and she had a big hand in pro wrestling history as a promoter. She took over Polynesian Pro Wrestling in 1982 following the passing of her husband, “High Chief” Peter Maivia. As one of the first female wrestling promoters, Maivia led PPW to its best year in 1985, drawing a crowd of 20,000 fans. She sadly passed away in 2008, but she remained a part of the pro wrestling world until her death.

2024 WWE Hall of Fame Inductees

WWE has already started the process of unveiling names for the upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony, with Paul Heyman notably taking the spotlight as the first announcement under the Triple H era.

Additionally, The US Express (Mike Rotunda & Barry Windham) and Bull Nakano have been confirmed. More names are expected to follow in the upcoming weeks. Haku is also rumored for this year’s class.

The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is scheduled to coincide with WrestleMania weekend, following SmackDown on April 5th, at the Wells Fargo Center, the night before Mania’s first night.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so many more. Please keep checking back for the stories you need.

The Rock’s Daughter Ava Takes on Amanda Huber’s Remark After SmackDown with Fierce Response

The Rock is going all out when it comes to being a big time heel this time around in WWE. He took a shot at Cody Rhodes this week that drew a lot of attention, and it cut deep for some people.

There was a bit of outrage when The Rock dropped his line about Cody Rhodes being a “mistake,” because of the age gap between him and his siblings. Amanda Huber made a crack at this line as well, and Dwayne Johnson’s own daughter read the message.

Ava Claps Back

Ava is an NXT Superstar now, and he is currently serving as the brand’s General Manager. She was formerly with The Schism, but that faction disbanded as their members found new places in the pro wrestling world. The Rock’s daughter was watching her father on SmackDown this week, and she also paid attention to social media.

Amanda Huber fired back at this line from The Rock about Cody being a mistake. She said, “Talking about an age gap when your own daughters are almost 20 years apart is a weird choice.”

When Ava saw that post on Twitter/X, she only commented back to say, “What a mark,” with a re-post. It seems that she isn’t going to let this negative backlash shake her. 

Ava Received Death Threats Over The Rock’s WrestleMania Story

Ava is back on Twitter/X after leaving the platform. She actually deactivated her account for a minute after heat on her father’s WWE return was so severe that she started getting death threats. 

The Rock actually commented on Ava getting death threats, so it was a serious situation. He said it was a “crazy” situation. Thankfully, she is back on social media to chime in on matters like this. 

WrestleMania 40 Plans & Beyond

WWE confirmed this week that WrestleMania 40 will see The Rock and Roman Reigns take on Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the main event of night 1 this year. If the heels win, then it’s Bloodline Rules in the night two Mania main event. However, if Cody and Seth can defeat Rock and Roman, then the Bloodline will be barred from ringside during night 2. 

It is also rumored that The Rock may wrestle again, next time in Saudi Arabia. So, he may still get that singles match against Roman Reigns after all, or he may just have to take Cody Rhodes up on that one-on-one challenge. 

SEScoops will have continued coverage of this story, and everything else in the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back for more updates on the stories you need.

Teil Rhodes, Amanda Huber & More Fire Back After The Rock Brands Cody “A Mistake”

Teil Rhodes, the sister of Cody, has fired back at The Rock following scathing comments from the Bloodline member made on this week’s SmackDown.

During the March 8, episode of the blue brand, The Rock and Roman Reigns came face to face with Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes, in the first confrontation between the four since the explosive WrestleMania 40 kick-off event. Amid a barrage of insulting comments, The Rock questioned why there is a 20-year age difference between Cody and his older brother Dustin Rhodes (it is actually a gap of 16 years.) The Rock concluded that such a gap shows that Cody was an unplanned child or a “mistake” as the Brahma Bull put it. This infuriated Rhodes who slapped The Rock to close the show. 

Teil Rhodes on The Rock’s Comment

The Rock’s comment against Rhodes would catch the attention of Teil, who often weighs in on storylines surrounding her brother. Taking to Twitter, Teil reminded The Rock that there is only a three-year difference between herself and Cody. 

Teil, the EVP of Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, also responded to a fan who questioned why Rhodes didn’t bring her up on SmackDown. 

More Responses

Teil Rhodes wasn’t the only woman connected to Cody to have a strong response to what The Rock has had to say. AEW’s Amanda Huber questioned the Great One’s comment about an age gap, considering the notable gaps in his own family. 

Not satisfied with just mocking Cody, The Rock has had some insulting comments about Rhodes’ dog Pharoah. In a tweet, Brandi Rhodes made it clear she’s ready to fight for her beloved pet. 

What’s Next? 

The Rock didn’t just insult Rhodes this week, but also flexed his muscles as a TKO board member. On SmackDown, Rock announced that if Rhodes loses to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, he’ll never get another opportunity at the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. 

Watch What Happened With The Rock After 3/9 SmackDown Went Off Air

The Rock got a taste of his own medicine at this week’s explosive episode of SmackDown from American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on the road to WrestleMania.

The Great One posted another lengthy promo on social media before tonight’s show once again mocking Cody Rhodes and his dog Pharoah.

The blue branded show then saw a confrontation between teams of The Rock & Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins where a lot of heated words were exchanged.

During the promo, The Rock challenged his opponents to a tag team match at WrestleMania once again with the same stipulations as before. This time, Seth Rollins went ahead and accepted the bout.

Roman Reigns then declared that Cody won’t be getting another shot at him if he doesn’t finish the story this time while The People’s Champion reminded Rhodes and Rollins that he was their boss now.

Everything That Happened After SmackDown Went Off Air

Rock talked about the Rhodes family once again and told The American Nightmare that he was actually a mistake. This riled up Cody enough that he responded with a slap to the Hollywood star.

The show abruptly went off air after this development making fans wonder if there was more to this segment which was cut from the broadcast due to time constraints.

In a video that has since emerged however, we can see that after SmackDown went off air, the two sides exchanged some more words before The Rock’s music hit and he retreated alongside The Tribal Chief.

Multiple fan videos show that The Rock had to be escorted out of the arena by security while Rhodes and Rollins stayed in the ring to pose for the fans.

Later in the night, Becky Lynch had a dark match with Nia Jax. Becky won the bout after putting Jax through a table and she ended the show with a short promo for the crowd.

WrestleMania 40: The Rock’s Blockbuster Match Confirmed During 3/8 WWE SmackDown

WWE is less than 30 days away from WrestleMania 40, and they booked a huge match during SmackDown this week. The Rock issued a challenge to Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, and this week he got his answer.

During the closing segment of WWE SmackDown this week, they confirmed that Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins will take on Roman Reigns and The Rock during Night One of WrestleMania 40. They did so with a very tense closing segment on the show this week.

WWE SmackDown Closing Segment

The Bloodline took to the ring during the closing segment of SmackDown this week. The Rock joined them, and then Reigns told Dallas to acknowledge them, because greatness stands before them.

Before they could get much further, Cody Rhodes’ music hit, and he entered the screen from the crowd. He didn’t come alone, as Seth Rollins was there in the crowd as well as his backup.

Cody Rhodes admitted that it is very tense in the ring. Then he suggested that they just soak up that moment in Dallas, Texas. Then Cody asked if The Rock had the authority to make any stipulations for WrestleMania, because he acknowledged Roman as his Tribal Chief last week on SmackDown.

The Rock cut Cody off, and then he laid down a bit of a promo about being a family. Then he made it clear that he was serious about the stakes of the match. Suddenly, “diarrhea” chants broke out and interrupted him. Seth Rollins laughed at this, because it was his “Diarrhea Dwayne” line from RAW that inspired the chant.

Finally, The Rock continued, and then Seth Rollins told him to “shut the hell up,” while calling him “Mr. Midlife Crisis.” Then he accepted the tag team match at WrestleMania 40.

The whole segment ended with The Rock taking things too far, and then it was Cody Rhodes who nailed him with a slap this time.

WrestleMania 40 Stipulations

The Rock made it clear that this tag team match at WrestleMania will have big consequences for the main event of WrestleMania 40. If Cody and Seth can win, then The Bloodline will not be around for the main event match. If the Bloodline wins, then it will be “Bloodline Rules” for the main event.

Then The Rock said that, as a member of the TKO board, he has another thing to say. He made it clear that Cody will never get another shot at the title if he loses at WrestleMania 40. Interestingly enough, that is the same stipulation he had in AEW that stuck with him throughout his run with the company, where he was never allowed to challenge for their World Title.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and the rest of the road to WrestleMania. Keep checking back for more updates.

Cody Rhodes’ Warning Doesn’t Matter: The Rock Mocks Pharaoh Again In Promo Before WWE SmackDown

The Rock has said a lot since returning to WWE this time around. Last week’s 21-minute promo was brutal, but one thing really stuck out for Cody Rhodes, and he drew attention to that fact. The People’s Champion made fun of Cody’s dog, Pharaoh, and The American Nightmare didn’t like that.

It seems that The Rock didn’t get Cody’s message from his promo on RAW this week. Cody made it clear that Dwayne Johnson needs to keep Pharaoh’s name out of his mouth, and that didn’t seem to matter to the Jumanji star.

The Rock’s New Promo

The Rock brought up Pharaoh in his new online promo. He also mocked the name of The American Nightmare’s four-legged friend.

Before mocking Pharaoh’s name, The Rock also called him a “goofy ass dog.” It seems that was on purpose, as he continued to twist the knife a little with a jab at Cody’s dog. This was especially clear after he was warned not to.

We will have to see if Pharaoh becomes a part of this WrestleMania storyline, but fans just may see him again on the road to WrestleMania. If anything, this extra jab from The Rock will give Cody even more reason to take some aggression out on him at WrestleMania 40.

The Rock’s Actual Power in WWE

The Rock has a bit of pull this time around. As a member of the TKO Board of Directors, his say certainly matters. He received $30 million in stock after taking that job, which came with a match at WrestleMania.

It seems The Rock also got to make his mark on the WWE Hall of Fame this year. It was previously reported that The Great One got to pick some of those inductees.

SEScoops will have more on The Rocks’ time in WWE, and everything else that involves. 

The Rock Had A Hand In Selecting This Year’s WWE Hall of Fame Inductee Class

The Rock took a seat on the TKO board of directors, and that came with $30 million in company stock. He also has a lot more say in things than some fans realized at first.

Currently, Paul Heyman, Bull Nakano, and the U.S. Express duo of Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda have been confirmed as inductees for the ceremony scheduled on April 5, 2024.

WWE is starting the process of announcing Hall of Fame inductees this year. Although fans thought that Triple H was the only man in control of those names, it seems that The Rock’s new deal has given him some say in that as well.

Rock’s Involvement

The Rock is making significant moves, both behind the scenes and in the wrestling ring. Not only is he set to wrestle at WrestleMania, but he also holds a position on the board of TKO and has secured the intellectual property rights for all Rock-related terms and names.

Johnson’s influence extends beyond his upcoming tag team match with Roman Reigns against Seth Rollins & Cody Rhodes during WrestleMania weekend.  According to Fightful Select, WWE sources have confirmed The Rock has provided input on this year’s WWE Hall of Fame inductees. 

Rock’s influence should become more apparent once the remaining members of this year’s class are announced, but it’s worth noting that one WWE source told Fightful Rock had a hand in selecting all of this year’s inductees

The Rock is scheduled to appear on tonight’s SmackDown, where Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins answer the WrestleMania challenge laid out last wee by the Bloodline. If (and when) that match is made official, it will be his first time wrestling a full match in nearly a decade. 

Aside from an impromptu 6-second victory over Erick Rowan at WrestleMania 32 in 2019, the People’s Champ hasn’t wrestled since 2013, when he dropped the WWE Championship to John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania 29.

WrestleMania 40 will be huge, but The Rock didn’t get in ring shape for just one match. There’s still big money in Rock vs. Roman Reigns, and WWE has a plan for when that match could happen:

SmackDown Spoiler: WWE Planning Musical Segment For The Rock

WWE SmackDown will air live in Memphis, Tennessee next week. Since they are in the heart of country music territory, The Rock is going to apparently play to the crowd in a big way on March 15.

Dwayne Johnson is a man with many skills. He isn’t limited to physical abilities, because he is also a man of artistic talent as well. He flexed his vocal prowess in the past, and this week’s SmackDown may see him put on another Rock Concert.

Spoiler for WWE SmackDown 

The Rock has graced WWE fans with concerts in the past. With a guitar in tow, The Great One is known to bust out a song for a promo. Since his return to the fold on the road to WrestleMania 40, The People’s Champ has been on a tear.

Wrestle Votes posted on Twitter/X to reveal that sources have told them that The Rock might have a bit of a musical flare to his segment next week. This is a plan that has apparently been in the pipeline for a while.

According to sources, the much-anticipated return of ‘The Rock Concert’ could light up next week’s SmackDown, live from Memphis, TN. I’m told this idea has been brewing for weeks, with a possible announcement of it tonight on SD.

What’s Next On The Road to WrestleMania 40

Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins will be on SmackDown this week to answer The Rock’s WrestleMania challenge. A tag team match with Rock and Roman Reigns versus Cody and Seth is in the pipeline, with night two ramifications in play.

If the Bloodline wins that Mania tag match on night one, then it will be “Bloodline Rules” for Cody vs Roman in the main event of night two. If Cody and Seth win, then the Bloodline will be barred from the event. 

SEScoops will have complete coverage of WWE SmackDown this week. Keep checking back for more updates.

The Rock’s WWE Return Sparks Buzz of Multiple Matches in the Pipeline

Dwayne Johnson is one of the busiest men in Hollywood, but The Rock is back with WWE on a full-time basis through WrestleMania 40. The People’s champ has been heavily involved in the main event mix and will wrestle his first full match in a decade.

Although the match has not been finalized as of this writing, the challenge has been issued for The Rock and Roman Reigns to battle Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania XL: Saturday (night one). The match would have implications for the following night’s ultimate showdown: Rhodes vs. Reigns 2.

So, what happens with The Rock after WrestleMania? According to this week’ Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE fans should expect to see The Rock compete at least one more time in the coming months. 

WWE Wants The Rock to Wrestle in Saudi Arabia This Year

It’s been a rocky road to WrestleMania (pun indented). From the moment that Roman Reigns’ pinned Cody’s shoulders to the mat last April in Los Angeles, fans have expected the American Nightmare to rise from the ashes and ‘Finish The Story’ at this year’s big event. The Rock’s return changed everything and a lot of the chaos that we saw on television mirrored the changes and uncertainty going on behind the scenes.

The Rock got himself in shape for a WWE run, which is no easy task and there’s still blockbuster money in Rock vs. Reigns. According to the Observer, WWE is optimistic The Rock will wrestle again this year and there is “definitely a push” for this match to take place at one of the Saudi Arabia premium live events.

“When asking if Rock will be working that show, we’re told there are a lot of variables in play and a variety of factors, but obviously the company would like it if he would.

While nothing is set in stone, the belief as of right now is that Mania won’t be his only match in 2024 and there is definitely a push to get him to work at least one Saudi Arabia event this year.”

WWE is scheduled to run the first of this year’s two Saudi shows over Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 25, the day before AEW Double or Nothing 2024.

The Rock & WrestleMania 40

The Rock’s original WrestleMania 40 plans were derailed by a negative fan reaction, and he coined the term Cody Crybabies because of it.

In the end, The Rock decided to concede the main event of WrestleMania 40 to Cody Rhodes. That being said, the story is far from over between the two, especially since The Rock may still want that one-on-one match against Roman Reigns.

We will have to see what WWE can arrange with Dwayne Johnson’s incredibly busy schedule, but he seems to be able to block off time for WWE right now.

SEScoops will have continued coverage of the road to WrestleMania 40, and everything afterward. This could be an exciting time for pro wrestling fans, because The Rock might just get more than one match in this time around.

Dwayne Johnson Locking Up With Men’s Skin Care With New ‘Papatui’ Line

Dwayne Johnson is stepping in the ring of men’s skin care with his new Papatui line of skin care products. 

The line of products includes a collection of hair, body and tattoo care products, and is available today on papatui.com. The products will be available in Target stores on March 10. 

The Papatui name comes from Johnson’s deep connection to his family and his roots. As he explained to GQ, Tui is a nickname granted him by his grandfather ‘High Chief’ Peter Miavia. The papa part comes from what Johnson considers his most rewarding role; being a father to his children. 

Other Ventures

Papatui is hardly the first venture that Johnson has committed to. In addition to his work in WWE and in Hollywood, Johnson also has his own brand of Tequila called Teremana. Johnson also has his own brand of ZOA energy drinks and recently launched his ‘Big Dwayne Energy’s line of flavors.

What’s Next? 

When not launching new skin-care line, Johnson can be found on WWE programming as the newest member of The Bloodline. Last week, The Rock threw out the challenge for a tag team match that’d put himself and Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania. All four men are set to appear on this week’s SmackDown. The showdown will be the first time the four have shared the screen since the chaotic WrestleMania 40 kick-off press conference. 

Battle of the Shirts: The Rock & Cody Rhodes Take Beef to WWE’s Merchandise Store

The Rock and Cody Rhodes have taken their WrestleMania feud to a whole new level: WWE Shop, pro wrestling’s premiere merchandise store.

At last month’s WrestleMania XL Kickoff event from Las Vegas, the ‘American Nightmare’ announced his intention to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The decision enraged The Rock, who envisioned himself battling Reigns in what he saw as the biggest match in WWE history. 

Rhodes delivered a scathing message to the Bloodline, claiming their ancestors would be ashamed of them. The Rock responded by slapping the lips off Cody’s face in what Paul Heyman would later dub, The People’s Slap. 

Battle of the Shirts

If you’ve been following WWE television as closely as most of our readers, you know things haven’t quieted down since then. 

The Rock’ “Slap” T-Shirt

First, The Rock released a new t-shirt mocking Cody Rhodes, his ‘Cody Crybabies’ fanbase and the The People’s Slap. As seen below, the shirt invokes the popular ‘Batman slapping Robin’ meme.

WWEShop: The Rock “Slap” T-Shirt

Cody Rhodes “Slap” T-Shirt

Now, Rhodes has fired back with a shirt of his own. While this one still includes The Rock’s slap last month, the defiant Rhodes makes clear that the Brahma Bull should ‘get ready to learn the lyrics to Kingdom.’

Rhodes’ message is clear: No matter what, his theme will be playing after the main event of WrestleMania 40 with Cody standing tall as the new Undisputed WWE Champion

WWEShop: Cody Rhodes “Slap” T-Shirt

What’s Next? 

Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins will be at this Friday’s episode of SmackDown, where they will confront The Rock and Roman Reigns. The show will be the first face-to-face between the four men since the WrestleMania 40 kick-off event. It is believed that Rhodes and Rollins will respond to the challenge laid out last week for a tag match at WrestleMania 40. 

John Cena Reveals Abandoned WWE Heel Turn Before Classic WrestleMania Match

John Cena is a shoo-in WWE Hall of Famer at this point, and he is a bona fide Hollywood heavy-hitter as well. Although he’s been a good guy for his entire career, there was one big plan that would have changed history.

The Rock and John Cena battled at two consecutive WrestleMania events in a row at Mania 28 and 29. It seems that WWE had a plan to turn Cena heel during that first encounter, and he even had new gear made. So, the idea got far enough along for Cena to drop money on the idea of a new character.

John Cena’s Nixed Heel Turn

During the conversation with Chris Van Vliet on Insight, John Cena reflected on his experience while preparing for his first Once In A Lifetime match against The Rock. It seems that a heel turn may have been in the pipeline for a time.

Upon learning about the plan, Cena swiftly took action, recording a new song, acquiring fresh gear, and contemplating his character’s direction. However, he admitted feeling unprepared for the transition to “Ruthless Aggression.” 

Despite the rush, Cena embraced the challenge, delving into the mindset of a heel. He deliberately contrasted his previous persona by embodying traits opposite to his usual demeanor, such as laziness, untrustworthiness, and disrespect. Rather than focusing solely on physicality, Cena prioritized crafting compelling narratives and character development to evoke a genuine sense of antagonism. Ultimately, he acknowledged that while the concept had potential, it was ultimately deemed impractical.

“I heard rumblings of, we’re going to do it, and in 48 hours, I had a new track, a new studio mix theme song, and a final mix. I had seven new singlets, low-cut singlets with boxing-type robes. I already had the boots in storage, so I dusted them off. I was ready to go and already thinking about what I could do with the story. Okay, what is a heel? A heel is not just new gear. The objectivity, or the message behind the singlet and the boxing robes and the boots is the exact opposite of what you saw with the street gear, the jeans shorts, the t-shirt, the ball cap, the sneakers.”

John Cena’s WWE Future

Of course, John Cena never turned heel, and he will probably never be a full-on bad guy in WWE at this point. His career may not be over, because he still wants to, at least, do something at WrestleMania 40. The fact is that WWE makes way too much money with Cena as a babyface.

Only time will tell what is in the future for WWE. They may just find themselves with another career babyface, because it would be hard to turn someone like Cody Rhodes at this point. There will certainly never be another John Cena, because no matter how many times they could have turned him heel, Vince McMahon never pulled that trigger.

SEScoops will have continued coverage of this story in case there are any additional updates. 

Seth Rollins Drops Bombshell Injury News While Responding To The Rock During Fiery RAW Promo with Cody Rhodes

WWE RAW kicked off this week by addressing The Rock’s challenge that he laid down on SmackDown. Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins targeted The People’s Champion, and that came with a big announcement, too.

Seth Rollins is now 100% medically cleared. He confirmed that he will be on SmackDown this week to confront the Bloodline, and he’s ready to go.

Cody to the ring first this week, and after some words for fans, he invited Seth Rollins to join him, and that is what happened. Fans sang Rollins’ song for him, and then Cody had a chance to speak.

Seth Rollins Joins the Situation

The American Nightmare thanked Seth Rollins for having his back before. Then he made things very interesting. He said that if he wants to get out of this match against the Bloodline and focus on his match with Drew McIntyre, then he could do that.

Rollins appreciated Cody giving him an out, but he didn’t take it. He then said that taking down the Bloodline is the biggest thing they can do. Because it’s not just Cody’s story that needs to be finished, it’s Seth’s too.

Rollins and Roman Reigns have a long history with each other. From The Shield, they formed quite a bond, but then their paths split up. They are now on different sides of the equation, and “they are so close to Roman Reigns having absolute power” with The Rock in the Bloodline.

The decision was then made that Seth is not backing down, as “Rocky Sucks” chants rang out from the crowd. Rollins then invented a new nickname for The Rock: Diarrhea Dwayne. This is in reference to The Rock’s long promos, and then a “Diarrhea” chant rang out from the fans.

WWE SmackDown This Week

Rollins said he will be on SmackDown this week. He is medically cleared, and he’s ready to answer the Great One. Cody Rhodes has quite a message to deliver as well.

SEScoops will have continued coverage of this story, and so many more, on the road to WrestleMania 40.

How WWE Made Up For The Rock SmackDown Segment Going Way Over Time

The Rock is back in WWE, and he’s getting a tremendous amount of heat. Never to be beaten, WWE fans also have figured out a new way to let him know how much they care, while bringing back an old favorite chant.

Sean Ross Sapp noted on Fightful Select that, during The Rock and Roman Reigns segments, blackouts and muting occurred due to the presence of “Die Rocky Die” signs and chants. Additionally, a sign referencing “Rock shops at BALCO” was removed. BALCO, a business implicated in a sports steroid scandal in the 2000s, was the subject of this sign.

The Rock’s segment with Roman Reigns exceeded its allotted time by over ten minutes. As a consequence, Naomi’s entrance and other elements were omitted from the broadcast.

Die Rocky Die

As we previously reported, Die Rocky Die also trended on social media. This was quite a shock, and the fact that WWE and FOX censored the sign and chant means that fans will probably just keep doing it.

This fan chant is a throwback, but a lot of things have changed since the late 90s when it was somewhat acceptable to chant that at Dwayne Johnson in WWE.

What’s Next For The Rock

WrestleMania 40 night one will see The Rock and Roman Reigns team up against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in tag team action. If the heels win, then it will be Bloodline rules for the Undisputed Universal Title match at WrestleMania’s second night. If Cody and Seth win, then the Bloodline will be barred from ringside.

The Rock is certainly getting a lot of heat, and we are here for it. Hopefully, fans know it’s all in good fun, but any chant that wishes death upon someone could be taken seriously.

SEScoops will keep our eye on this story, and everything else on the road to WrestleMania. Only time will tell what fans come up with next, and how much of it will need to be censored. 

“Die Rocky Die” Trends On Social Media After The Rock’s Explosive WWE SmackDown Segment

The Rock knows how to get under fans’ skin, and he went all out with his heel work on the road to WrestleMania 40. Now, it seems that the fan outrage has carried over into bringing an old phrase back for a new era.

Following WWE SmackDown’s March 1st episode, a peculiar trend emerged: “Die Rocky Die.” Now that phrase is blowing up social media after WWE censored a fan sign during the show.

Die Rocky Die

Social media buzzed with reactions after the broadcast momentarily blacked out to avoid displaying a fan’s sign bearing the contentious phrase “Die Rocky Die.” Some users speculated it was merely a mistranslation of “The Rocky The” in German, prompting amusement rather than offense. Needless to say, fans were talking.

However, the incident stirred discussions about censorship and support for The Rock. While many fans expressed disbelief at the sign’s presence, others highlighted the ongoing efforts to stifle such sentiments. As we reported last night, that “Die Rocky Die” sign was the reason why SmackDown was blacked out a few times during the segment.

Overall, the trending topic sparked a mix of confusion, humor, and scrutiny, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of live television and fan interactions. We will have to see if fans will start bringing back that throwback phrase, because it was one of the first negative responses in the 90s that The Rock received from the crowd to really spark his heel turn.

What’s Next For The Rock in WWE

The Rock’s segment on SmackDown this week went way over time. I was told that he went over by “A LOT.” That being said, the company did not include any photos of him on the company’s website for their SmackDown gallery. That is very interesting considering the fact that he was on television for around 20 minutes.

If anything, now that WWE fans know that the company doesn’t want them to say “Die Rocky Die,” it kind of gives them a brand-new reason to dust off that old chant and sign.

SEScoops will have more coverage of The Rock’s road to WrestleMania 40, no matter what fans think of it.

Watch: Cody Rhodes Responds To The Rock’s Promo After 3/1 SmackDown Went Off Air

Cody Rhodes made an appearance on tonight’s episode of SmackDown from the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona but only after cameras stopped rolling.

Tonight’s show saw some big developments in the ongoing storyline between The Bloodline and The American Nightmare with The Rock’s return to WWE TV.

Roman Reigns opened the show with other members of The Bloodline but almost left the arena when the crowd didn’t acknowledge him. He was stopped by Paul Heyman who reminded The Tribal Chief that they had other business to conclude.

The Rock then finally made his entrance. He first called out the fans in the arena and then replying to Cody Rhodes’ Elimination Chamber challenge, made a huge WrestleMania match official.

Elsewhere in the show, we saw the return of Rey Mysterio. He took out the LWO to help Carlito pick up a victory over Santos Escobar in their street fight.

What Happened After SmackDown

The main event of the show featured Randy Orton who defeated Austin Theory in a singles bout. Both Grayson Waller and Kevin Owens who were at the ringside got involved after the match was over. The show ended with Orton and KO standing tall.

The first dark match after SmackDown went off air saw Damian Priest taking on The Miz. ‘We want R Truth’ chants broke out during one point in the match before Priest picked up the victory.

The second dark match of the night featured Cody Rhodes taking on Drew McIntyre. Mid-match Rhodes tried to introduce a table in the mix but he accidentally pulled out a broken table used in the Street Fight earlier in the night.

After the match was over, Cody finally addressed the crowd. He didn’t respond to the challenge for a WrestleMania match but acknowledged Rock’s promo, before hyping up the crowd to send them home happy.