4 things The Rock could do in his highly rumored WWE SmackDown return - Huge change to The Bloodline, massive match to be announced?
Fans have their sights set on the upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown and it will surely prove to be a great show. The blue brand will be airing live from The World's Most Famous Arena: Madison Square Garden. For a long time, this venue was the Stamford-based company's home, so it remains a special place to host shows even if they rarely run shows there compared to the past.
If that was not enough, it appears a major surprise could be in the works. According to recent reports, there is a chance that The Rock will be making an appearance on the upcoming episode of SmackDown.
This would mark the first appearance from The People's Champion in World Wrestling Entertainment since the night after WrestleMania XL. The Rock had returned during the Road to WrestleMania and played a key role in the build-up leading to The Show of Shows.
While nothing is confirmed right now, there is a lot of buzz regarding the rumor. If The Rock were to make his return on SmackDown, what exactly might he do? This article will take a look at a handful of ways he can make an impact on the blue brand's show live from the Madison Square Garden.
Below are four things The Rock could do in his highly rumored WWE SmackDown return.
#4. The Rock could be revealed as the leader of the new Bloodline
The Bloodline is in a brand new era. Roman Reigns is away from television and Solo Sikoa has taken up the role of the leader of the heel faction. In the process, Solo has recruited Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu to the stable.
This new Solo Sikoa-led era has had a few interesting moments, however, where there have been vague hints that someone else is calling the shots. Tama Tonga, for example, has claimed his actions were by order of The Tribal Chief. This might not mean Solo like some fans believe and it certainly does not mean Roman Reigns.
Instead, The Tribal Chief in question could be The Rock. The People's Champion could have been playing Roman Reigns and the entire WWE Universe this entire time and he may reveal that he has been the one in charge during SmackDown.
#3. He could challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2024
Cody Rhodes is the current Undisputed WWE Champion. He won the prestigious belt by defeating Roman Reigns in the main event of Night Two of WrestleMania XL. However, his issues that weekend were not just with The Tribal Chief.
The American Nightmare battled The Rock and Roman Reigns in a tag team match alongside Seth Rollins on Night One of The Show of Shows. The Rock then interfered in Cody vs. Roman on Night Two. As if that was not enough, the fallout episode of RAW after WrestleMania XL saw Cody and The Rock go face-to-face.
This time, the former WWE Champion told Rhodes that their issues were not over and that he would be coming for the latter. This could be proven on SmackDown, as The People's Champion may appear and challenge The American Nightmare to a match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2024. This could be an epic match that fans will never forget.
#2. The Rock could be attacked by the new Bloodline
As noted, Solo Sikoa is leading a new Bloodline. The emphasis of this group is that they are uncontrollable. Paul Heyman regularly states that Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa are "criminals" who should not have been allowed into WWE.
Following Jacob Fatu's debut, that perception will only be worse. The Samoan Werewolf is one of the most intense and violent performers in the world and he will dominate WWE alongside Solo, Tama, and Loa. The heel group may decide that they do not intend to take orders from anyone else, with The Rock included.
As a result, instead of The Great One and the new Bloodline working together, Solo, Jacob Fatu, Tama, and Loa could end up attacking The Rock. This would make it clear that the new-look Bloodline has no interest in taking advice from those from the past.
#1. He could mock and belittle Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns is arguably the biggest star in WWE despite being a part-timer. Excluding those in Hollywood like John Cena and The Rock, he is the biggest needle mover the Stamford-based company has. Unfortunately, he has not been seen in months.
The Tribal Chief last appeared on television during Night Two of WrestleMania XL, where he lost his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship to Cody Rhodes. A moment often forgotten from after the bout concluded as The Rock seemingly yelled at Reigns on the floor while Cody celebrated in the ring.
The Rock has yet to address Roman Reigns' failure properly and he may do so on SmackDown. Not only that, but The Rock may mock and belittle The Tribal Chief. This could then lead to Roman's eventual return and the two clashing at a major premium live event.