Roger Cook has formally invited wrestling legend Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to Perth, challenging him to square up to the “out-of-towners talking trash” about him in the lead up to the WWE extravaganza.
In an open letter published to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Premier tried to entice The Rock to make an eleventh-hour dash to WA for Saturday’s Elimination Chamber at Optus Stadium.
The Rock teased a potential visit to Perth on Thursday, publishing a video vowing to visit and deal with the “trash talk” from fellow wrestlers.
“As a matter of fact, if they talk trash, The Rock will fly down there to Perth before that interview is over and he’ll do it,” he said.
“Don’t wonder why The Rock can make it that quick. The Rock makes magic happen.”
And Mr Cook, writing on behalf of “the people of Western Australia”, has now called on him to deliver on his threat.
“As Premier of Western Australia I feel compelled to inform The Rock there has been a lot of out-of-towners talking trash in the lead up to the Elimination Chamber,” the Premier wrote.
“I am sorry to have to inform The Rock, I feel much of this trash talk has been directed at The Rock himself.”
Mr Cook, even offered “logistical support” to make his visit possible, using The Rock’s famous catchphrase in a further bid to provoke a response from the wrestler.
“The State of Western Australia stands ready to assist The Rock in making ‘magic’ happen and provide logistical support so you can respond to this outrageous trash talk,” he wrote.
“Western Australians would love to smell what The Rock is cooking.”
Speculation is mounting that The Rock could surprise fans with an appearance tomorrow, with Thursday’s video giving a strong hint a visit was on the cards.
The Rock not only apologised for not being in Australia but turned on the theatrics to threaten fellow wrestlers Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, who arrived in Perth with the WWE entourage on Wednesday.
“And if those guys, those guys meaning Cody and his little girlfriend Seth, if they start talking trash, let The Rock know,” he said.
“Tell The Rock because here’s what’s going to happen. The Rock is going to slap the piss out both of them just like that.”
But wrestling veteran Triple H seemingly poured cold water over fans’ hopes, telling Perth’s 6PR the dates would clash with The Rock’s other commitments.
“When you’re a superstar in Hollywood, your schedule’s pretty tight,” he said.