The Rock was left humbled by the reception to his appearance on WWE SmackDown.
Ahead of the September 15th episode of SmackDown, The Rock appeared on the Pat McAfee Show to discuss all things WWE, revealing he almost wrestled at WrestleMania 39. Although the show was filmed just down the road from where SmackDown was due to be held, there was still no guarantee that this was anything more than a coincidence.
However, to the shock of the packed arena, just moments after Pat McAfee made his own return, The Rock made his way to the ring to a monster reception.
The WWE legend ended up taking down Austin Theory after some back and forth, leaving to the same huge cheers.
Posting on social media, The Rock said he was “blown away” by the reception before tipping his hat to Theory and McAfee.
I was – I’m still – completely blown away by this crowd reaction in Denver this past Friday night on SMACKDOWN.
My appearance was a 💯 surprise to everyone and this crowd of 14,000 erupted with the roar of 100,000 strong.
Top 5 loudest crowd reaction of my career 🤯🥹🙏🏾
(which I was like “holy shit” when I walked out 🤣)I’m so grateful and humbled by this.
I never take it for granted and “coming home” will always be sacred to me.Thank you my guy PatMac, the talented Austin Theory,
@wwe
family backstage, Team Rock behind the scenes – everyone who joined us to go ALL IN.But most importantly, thank you with all my love, gratitude and respect, to THE PEOPLE.
Our connection is real.
Electrifying.
The Rock Helps Secure Impressive Rating For SmackDown
The Rock’s return helped SmackDown bounce back in the ratings, with the show seeing an increase of 24% in total viewership. There was also a healthy increase in the 18-49-year-old demographic.