Over the past few months, speculation has been mounting that Dwayne Johnson will return to the ring for the first time in seven years during 2023.
The Rock has been rumoured to be in line to take on Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39, which takes place in Hollywood on April 1st and 2nd. There has also been speculation that, in order to set up the blockbuster bout, The Great One will first win the 2023 Royal Rumble match on January 28th.
BT Sport tease Dwayne Johnson’s return at the Royal Rumble
Now, more fuel has been added to the fire by the official Twitter account for WWE’s broadcasting partner in the UK, BT Sport. The account tweeted the poster for the event saying it looks “electrifying”, a subtle hint at Johnson’s nickname of “The Most Electrifying Man In All Of Entertainment”.
“The official #RoyalRumble poster is electrifying”
The lightning on the poster itself is reminiscent of that used in many of The Rock’s entrance videos during the active phase of his wrestling career.
The official #RoyalRumble poster is electrifying 😍⚡️ pic.twitter.com/Bs3FOK2w6F
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) January 6, 2023
Speculation of The Rock’s return has led to him being one of the favourites to win the 30-man bout according to Sky Bet. The UK-based gambling company has given his victory odds of 11/4.
This puts him third in the list of possible winners, topped only by Sami Zayn at 2/1 and Cody Rhodes who is by far the favourite at 11/10.
Dwayne Johnson has not wrestled since WrestleMania 32. At this event, he clashed with Eric Rowan of The Wyatt Family in an impromptu match, which Johnson won in just six seconds.
Before that, his last proper match was against John Cena for the WWE Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 29. Johnson went into the bout as the reigning champion after ending CM Punk’s 434 title reign at the 2013 Rumble. However, Cena ended his reign on The Grandest Stage Of Them All. Afterwards, The Rock hugged Cena and raised his arm to close the show.