Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Avik Das
Finally! The Rock came back home! It happened actually on SmackDown, the first show of the blue brand under the Endeavour brand. The Great One made his first WWE appearance in four years, as the last one was in 2019 when WWE SmackDown debuted on the FOX network. His return was electrifying while confronting Austin Theory. The former WWE Champion teamed up with Pat McAfee and delivered a People’s Elbow to Theory.
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With this appearance, the fans would love to see The Rock in the ring again, even for a brief period. John Cena is doing the same thing at the moment. In this generation, we have many talented stars who could go one-on-one with The Great One, both on the microphone and in the ring.
#5 LA Knight
Probably the hottest and most over name in WWE right now is, LA Knight. His impressive talking skills draw comparisons to Attitude Era legends, including The Rock. His aura, the catchphrase ‘yeah’, wrestling gears, and ability to connect with the audience make him a prospect to be a world champion. His feuds with Bray Wyatt and The Miz have been nothing short of spectacular.
With all those qualities in him, LA Knight is a deserving man to go toe-to-toe with The Great One. Knight is a modern-day wrestler, who can match The Rock’s promo skills and charisma. With microphones in their hands and while confronting each other in the ring, they could produce some greatest promos of this generation. Considering LA Knight’s wrestling experience, their matches could reach the magnitude the fans would hope for.
#4 Jey Uso
After getting a title shot against Roman Reigns and getting separated from both his brothers and cousin in the Bloodline, Main Event Jey Uso has been doing praiseworthy work as a singles wrestler. He is over and undoubtedly one of the top babyfaces in WWE right now. He is on the path to becoming the next big singles Superstar, having spent over a decade as a tag team competitor.
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Jet Uso could be a great next opponent for The Rock because of the family connection. Both men are from the Anoa’i family. This rivalry would add a new direction to the Bloodline storyline, helping it to prolong more. Jey became the first man to pin Roman Reigns in three years; if he does so again against The Rock, it would give him immense confidence going forward in WWE.
#3 Austin Theory
The biggest young talent in WWE now is Austin Theory. The 26-year-old is the youngest United States Champion, enriching his name in the history book. Theory already has had some big rivalries that many youngsters could only dream of. His feud with John Cena culminated at WrestleMania 39, where he picked up the biggest triumph of his career by pinning the former WWE Champion. Upon The Rock’s return, he faced off with Austin Theory. Things got physical when Theory attacked The Great One, and the latter retaliated with the most electrifying move in sports entertainment.
The Rock’s returning segment with Austin Theory hinted that he could be the man to face him if he steps foot in the squared circle again. Even though Theory has a long way to go before he can match the charisma or talking skills of The Rock, the former could learn some of the craft on the mic from the latter, helping Theory’s character eventually if he receives a big push.
#2 Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes’ story with the Bloodline leader, Roman Reigns, is yet to be finished. Their war was the main event of WrestleMania 39. Cody showcased his valor, but the Tribal Chief retained his crown at the end. The fire in that storyline can be reignited with a storyline between Cody Rhodes and The Rock, knowing the latter is the Anoa’i family’s Bloodline.
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Cody’s successful run as Babyface means The Rock would have to turn heel. Nevertheless, The Brahma Bull is adept at excelling whether as a face or heel, showing it in the Attitude Era. Cody, on the other hand, comes with a remarkable ability to cut intense good promos, which is a reason their promo battle would have inconceivable drama, emotions, and personal jabs towards both of their wrestling families.
#1 Roman Reigns
Since The Rock’s surprising appearance on SmackDown, everyone has been speculating about the dream match between Roman Reigns and The Rock. Their family backgrounds, wrestling history, and mainstream popularity make it a money feud. Given the potential magnitude of this feud, it could easily become one of the greatest feuds ever in WWE history.
Roman Reigns, the indomitable force and the Tribal Chief, whose record-breaking champion reign has broken many records, has won against some legendary men, including John Cena, Goldberg, Edge, and Brock Lesnar. While The Rock could be a huge challenge to overcome, his part-time status wouldn’t make him the man to dethrone the Head of the Table.
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Avik Das is the founder of Sportsheed. He is a sports lover with broad knowledge of Professional Wrestling, MMA, Football, and Cricket. He has an English major and has previously written articles for various sports and entertainment websites
