An insight into The Rock’s preparation for WrestleMania 40 has been provided.
For the first time since 2013, The Hollywood star will step back inside the squared circle to compete in a major wrestling match. Wrestling alongside Roman Reigns, Rock will compete against Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes in a match that will determine the fate of the main event of night 2 of the weekend of action.
Having been out of the ring for over a decade and wanting to give the fans the same electrifying performance that the fans know and love, The People’s Champion has put together a team of wrestlers and producers to ensure that his comeback match will be a memorable one.
Providing a behind-the-scenes look at the Hollywood star’s training, ESPN reports that 2 rings have been shipped by WWE so that The People’s Champion can get ready for the Mania match. One is stationed in Los Angeles and the other is stationed in Rock’s family home in Hawaii.
While The Great One trained alone in Hawaii, the training in LA has seen Rock simulate matches with NXT faction Gallus, which consists of Wolfgang along with Mark and Joe Coffey. It is stated that 3 wrestlers were required so that the in-ring sequences for the tag team match could be pushed through and so Rock could perfect his timing. Along with Gallus, Michael “P.S.” Hayes and Bobby Roode have also been present at training sessions. Referee Chad Patton provided officiating duties and medical staff were also on hand.
Despite being out of the ring for more than 10 years, Rock admitted in the interview that the ring rust is minimal, if at all:
“Suplexes, a launch off the top rope, a catch, like bodies hitting bodies,” Johnson said. “It’s things like that that you have to do and have to prepare for. And you’re getting bruised up, you’re hitting the ropes. It comes back fairly quick. … It’s like riding a bike.”
Along with the training in Los Angeles, Rock has also been part of additional rehearsals on the road, having already gone through the match once with Reigns, Rhodes and Rollins on April 1st. An additional rehearsal is also scheduled to take place.
Recently WWE revealed its set design for WrestleMania 40.
The Rock Praises WWE Fan With Generous Gesture
Although the Hollywood star has become the vicious heel in the storyline due to his transformation as The Final Boss, Rock recently broke character on social media. Following a recent interaction with a WWE fan, The Rock had a very special surprise in store.
Also in the interview, The Rock addressed his WWE status moving forward.