Action star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a surprise appearance on this past week’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown.
The “Fast and Furious” and “Red Notice” star was seen tearing down Austin Theory in the opening, along with embracing fellow wrestler-turned-film star John Cena backstage.
This marks Johnson’s first WWE programming appearance since SmackDown’s FOX premiere in 2019, so the event went viral over the weekend with countless social media posts and YouTube clips.
Today, Johnson took to Twitter to thank fans for their overwhelming reaction to his return:
“I was – I’m still – completely blown away by this crowd reaction in Denver this past Friday night on SMACKDOWN. My appearance was a 100% surprise to everyone and this crowd of 14,000 erupted with the roar of 100,000 strong. Top 5 loudest crowd reaction of my career (which I was like ‘holy s—‘ when I walked out).
I’m so grateful and humbled by this. I never take it for granted and ‘coming home’ will always be sacred to me. Thank you my guy PatMac, the talented Austin Theory, @wwe family backstage, Team Rock behind the scenes – everyone who joined us to go ALL IN. But most importantly, thank you with all my love, gratitude and respect, to THE PEOPLE. Our connection is real. Electrifying.”
Johnson revealed hours before he popped up on SmackDown that he was in talks with WWE for a match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 this past April – but the plans were never finalized.
I was – I’m still – completely blown away by this crowd reaction in Denver this past Friday night on SMACKDOWN.
My appearance was a surprise to everyone and this crowd of 14,000 erupted with the roar of 100,000 strong.
Top 5 loudest crowd reaction of my career. pic.twitter.com/IYXcD0yCzN
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) September 17, 2023
