The Rock made sure WWE kicked off 2024 with a bang on Raw, returning to the company for the second time in a matter of months. The cat was once again out of the bag a few hours ahead of time much like it was when The People's Champ appeared on SmackDown. Fans noted Rock appeared on TV for College Game Day, just a few hours from where Raw would be taking place later that evening, and WWE president Nick Khan was spotted lurking in the background of an image of The Rock that quickly went viral.
The Rock On Raw
After duping fans by having them believe Jinder Mahal was the returning WWE Champion rumored for Day 1, The Rock's music hit and the movie star sent The Maharajah packing. Rock then made a comment that sent the WWE Universe into a frenzy, asking fans if they think he should sit at the head of the table when he eats after the show. A clear reference that we might really be getting the Rock vs. Roman Reigns match that has been teased for a very long time.
Raw Winners And Losers: Cody Cuts a Fire Promo, Lynch vs. Jax
This week's Raw effectively added to the build-up for WrestleMania 40, featuring a wild promo by Cody Rhodes.Much like the SmackDown Rock appeared on in 2023 - and a lot of other WWE shows lately - Reigns was not in attendance on Raw. The Undisputed Champion was clearly watching from home, though. The Tribal Chief took to social media shortly after his cousin's thinly-veiled challenge, posting just one laughing emoji. Not much, but enough to get fans even more excited, and notable considering how infrequently Reigns posts anything on social media.
Where Will It Happen?
Now the match appears to be confirmed, fans are starting to try and figure out when it might happen. The obvious choice is WrestleMania. Rock teased during an episode of Young Rock that a match between the two would be so big, only the main event of WrestleMania would be a worthy stage. However, with WWE still on course to have Cody Rhodes be the one who dethrones Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania, and a stadium show to sell tickets for in Australia, perhaps Rock vs. Reigns happens at Elimination Chamber.
On paper, WWE has options. Not only WrestleMania and Elimination Chamber but potentially Royal Rumble too. In reality, the stars need to align, and it's unlikely Rock will be free for more than one of those dates. Not only does that mean a date for the match is likely already locked in, but it also probably means Reigns will beat The Rock. Since The People's Champ is unlikely to be free to defend the Undisputed Title should he win it, WWE will want to keep it on Reigns and have him beat his cousin, wherever the match happens.
