The chances of WWE icon The Rock appearing in Perth in February have increased dramatically after he made a stunning return to the ring on Tuesday.
A packed San Diego crowd went wild when The Rock’s entry music played and he stepped into the ring for the first edition of “Raw” in 2024.
The WWE had teased the return of a former champion leading into Raw. They brought back Jinder Mahal, much to the disappointment of the crowd, but then “The People’s Champ” interrupted him and sent the fans into raptures. The Rock tore him apart verbally and then dropped the People’s Elbow.
But just as he appeared set to leave the ring, The Rock asked the crowd where he should sit when eating dinner that night – in a booth, at the bar or at the head of the table?
WWE champion Roman Reigns is known as The Tribal Chief who sits at the head of the table. He and Johnson are related, have always teased a match and the WWE quickly went into promotional mode about the possibility of it happening.
The news comes less than two weeks after The Sunday Times revealed the WA government wrote to WWE staff and asked about the prospect of The Rock coming to Perth for the event at Optus Stadium on February 24.
“What ability does the host have to dictate key talent to participate in a standalone premium live event? For example, could we aim to secure WWE alumni such as Dwayne Johnson?” Tourism WA staff asked. WWE’s response was redacted.
A match between The Rock and Reigns is more likely for Wrestlemania, but the Elimination Chamber is the last Premium Live Event before the WWE’s annual extravaganza in April. It is likely the Elimination Chamber would be used to build anticipation and storylines for Wrestlemania.
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Now a massive movie star, The Rock last wrestled in a WWE ring at Wrestlemania 32 in 2016 but that was a six second match. His last significant match was against John Cena at Wrestlemania in 2013.
Tens of thousands of fans are expected to pack Optus Stadium for the Elimination Chamber. Last month the WWE sent their Women’s Champion – Australian Rhea Ripley – and her Judgment Day faction partner Dominik Mysterio to Perth to promote the event.
The Undertaker will also appear at Fremantle Prison for a speaking event the night before the Elimination Chamber is held.