Finally, The Rock Has Come Back! Now what?
 

Ok, I know there is already a thread for the Wrestlemania Guest Host, which was better suited for speculation of who it would be. Now that we know that The Rock has come back to WWE, lets talk about what "always being here" and "coming face to face" with the Miz and John Cena means.

Will he guest referee a match? Will he be doing some guest commentary? Will he actually wrestle?

I doubt he will do any of that, but just because a guy says he will never wrestle again has pretty much meant he will wrestle again. If he changes his mind...Wrestlemania will be off the charts. I haven't marked out like this since Bret and Shawn hugged on RAW last year.

So what do the candy asses of TPWW think The Rock will do as guest host?

I hope he shows up a few more times on RAW, especially if the Rock finally comes back...to Chicago! (RAW before Mania.)

Honestly?

I think The Rock is back to help WWE improve their ratings, to turn Cena heel, and to help with WWE Films.


I think The Rock will help put over young wrestlers in WWE Films.

People like The Miz, John Morrison, Santino Marella, Christian, etc, would do much better in a comedy or drama, then a guy like CENA because it's just more believable if the people look normal, not like they live in a gym.

He has a lot to offer, but I doubt he will want to take much away from the young talent that now dominates Raw/Smackdown.

Have you ever seen a person that "looks normal"?

He is inevitably going to get bitten by the bug...

They usually don't look like John Cena, that's for damn sure.

It's kind of the same thing with Triple H, being a Chaperone for a bunch of kids...

I mean, he's no Kindergarten Cop here...

They can be used for Action Films, but other than that, it's just not plausible to use big beefy stars for comedies or family movies...

I would've been more than content with him just showing up and being awesome but now he put a seedling of Rock vs Cena in my head and I can't get it out. I would like very much for that to happen.

He's going to host Wrestlemania 27 followed by Wrestlemania 34.

Triple H!
Triple H!
Triple H!
Triple H!
Triple H!
Triple H!

The Rock & Undertaker v John Cena & Sting

It will be VERY interesting to see if there is a public disclosure or a leak of a contract being signed. That will be the sign if this is a short term thing to help plug his upcoming Fast and the Furious movie or if this indeed is something long term.

I'm torn as to what's going on. On the one had he sure made it SOUND like this wasn't a one month deal. On the other hand I can't see why Dwayne Johnson would want to do such a thing, other than a fact he misses the business.

The fact is, it'd take a HUGE contract to lure him in no? I mean he's about to come out with an action movie that looks pretty good and he's a bona fide B-List movie star that can headline the kind of movie that will go #1 in the box office on a down week.

WWE Films are in shambles and an embarrassment so unless there were guarantees they'll put real money into it a film i.e. at least $50 million, he shouldn't touch that with a ten foot poll. While HHH is making the Chaperone, the Rock is chilling out with the Hollywood elite.

Pretty much to bring him in here's what I think he'd command...

1) A major yearly salary in the $5 to $7 million range.
2) IF he did any WWE Films, a cut on the profits (10%?)
3) A cut on merchandise sales

He is not coming back for good, are you insane? And he SURE as hell is not doing any WWE films.

I loved how he brought up he's been gone 7 years, and yet we have our infamous 7 year rule.

He is definitely coming back for good, and he SURE as hell is doing a few WWE films.

The Rock appeared live on tonight's show and received a major ovation from the crowd. The Rock said that he has finally returned home and wasn't back for the money or to promote a movie, but he was back for the fans. He thanked the fans and said he would never, ever be going away.

I just got done watching RAW. I managed to avoid any type of spoiler and MARKED THE FUCK OUT! He came back after all this time, broke kayfabe, jumped back in it and still had the crowd in his hands. After I gathered myself, I realized something about that promo... did... did The Rock just become the voice of the IWC???

Think about this for a sec. Volare just mentioned the 7 year rule, which I didn't catch, but helps my case. He got into the whole "Cena talking trash" thing, which was all over the 'net. He voiced the view of the "We Hate Cena" crowd, and both walked all over what he's "allowed" to say with the rating anymore (which is annoying if you're editing, on a delay, and have the show taped at this point, and STILL miss the words you're trying to dub out. Why bother?) and took a swipe at the PG/Cena link.

That also answered a question brought up awhile back about what would change about The Rock's promos if he came back in the PG era... not a damn thing.

We enjoy it. The Rock returning is surely the mark out moment of the year so far. The WWE landscape has changed, and for The Rock to now be involved in it perpetuates more interest in it. It's great publicity for his movie and the WWE -- it's actually a beneficial agreement for both the WWE, The Rock and whatever movie studio is putting out Fast Five.

I doubt we'll see The Rock as a full-time WWE presence ever again, but two good things could come of this:

1) Wrestling seems "cool" again. Just reading what The Rock said in his promo made me mark out. Can't actually wait to watch it tomorrow. It'd added to a new edge to the current way the audience will look at guys like John Cena and The Miz.

2) If this deal works out well for The Rock's side and the WWE's side, then more business dealings will probably be done in the future. If The Rock's exposure on the WWE boosts his new movie, then the next movie he has will probably get a similar marketing campaign. Instead of playing against his time in the WWE, The Rock will embrace it. If he has a good time (which he always seems to), and money is generated -- it would only be natural to see more of The Rock and the WWE working together.

I also expect we will see The Rock's profile on the RAW Superstars page on WWE.com for the next six months to a year after his last WWE appearance.

And for the record -- I can't see the WWE turning John Cena heel out of this, but I can definitely see The Rock as the Special Guest Referee in the WrestleMania main event.

I wish Michaels would come out of retirement, so I can see the last real dream match that I want to see, but he seems very content with how his career ended. Don't see it happening.

The Rock Raw GM?
 

The following speculations made me wonder.

1. Michael Cole becomes the guest speaker for the GM.
Note: We all know that back in 1999 The Rock and Cole shared promo's together, along with funny scenes.

2, Perfect reason to make Cena join Nexus and give Wade the orders.
not to re higher him.

3. The Rock has his beef with Chris Jericho too. Remember it was Jericho that
interrupted The Rock's speech back when Jericho first made his appearance.

4. Last night on Raw when The Rock returned. He told Cole to ignore the Gm!!. Hence because the GM was in the ring at the time??.

These are just my reasons why I'm thinking this Mystery GM has been The Rock from day 1.

What do you people think?

Why/how would he email if he was in the ring?

I have no idea, to make fun of COLE?.

Remember when it beeped The Rock laughed....

Plus didn't the GM also mention "If You Smell" or something other like that a few months back. during one of the emails?

And made references to Austin etc. too

Exactly, Austin and Rock have had a feud together and are good friends.
so it all fits into place.

Fucking hell, I just watched this on youtube and marked out like a kid.

But I wonder about one thing. There quite a few fans with The Rock signs there. And I haven't even seen people here really thinking it was gonna be The Rock showing up, so how the fuck could they know? Do they just bring random signs of retired wrestlers to shows or were there actually any leaks?

There was a poll on WWE.com asking which former superstar you thought was gonna be the WM guest host, so i guess folk took a guess.

What were the other options?

Only saw it mentioned on another thread, 100k replies maybe, i didnt want to look at the poll incase it gave it away.

There's always that promo Punk made calling out the Rock.... And I quote: "You know who I'm better than? The Rock. I don't drink, I don't smoke, and I don't make crappy movies like the Tooth Fairy." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWqvQSpenXA

All in all, I hope Cena vs. The Rock happens..... I HOPE.

Even now, the next day, I don't know what to make of it.

Given the movies he's done - and yeah, none were blockbusters but I hadn't heard that any of them lost money - he's probably got enough money that he doesn't need to do much and certainly wouldn't need to throw himself out on the road 300 days per year.

But at the same time, he did imply that it was a long term situation. Maybe its the rare occasion when an athlete does something for the love of the craft rather than money - doubt it - but I guess its possible.

<font color=goldenrod>The Rock will not be wrestling at WrestleMania 27. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm 90% certain that he won't. He's said time and time again that he's done and I don't think he's bullshitting there, especially since he's probably in line to make more movies.

My guess is the build is all about Cena spending 6 weeks trying to earn The Rock's respect. He wins at WM, Rock hugs him and raises his arm. Bam, there's your annual WM moment.</font>

Or all this happens and then at WM The Rock gives Cena a Rock Bottom and a People's Elbow and everyone cheers?

The GM also mentioned not liking Bret Hart and as far as we know on screen they weren't feuding and off screen Bret was like a mentor to him. If the GM is being truthful and it's not a swerve

They probably had a feeling it was The Rock and brought a sign in anticipation or they bring blank posters and wrote on it lol.

Well, he did mention Cena AND The Miz I'm thinking maybe a Special Ref thing is on the horizon if he doesn't have a match.

There were also Rocky chants throughout the show.

I think it was just such an obvious choice, plus with the online rumors running rampant and just the way it was promoted. Basically, if it was anyone but Rock, there were going to be A LOT of let down fans.

I'd do that. Would cross the name of the wrestler I cheer for after his match, write another and so on. My sign would look awesome at the end of the show.

Am I like the only person who doesn't give a damn that the Crock is back, and was happier with him gone?

Not gonna lie, I am still marking out over this.

<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6Oh2FKENMoM?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6Oh2FKENMoM?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object>

I would of loved if IF Cena did come out last night before Rock mentioned him and he did the whole "Who in the blue hell are you" bit with him.

The Rock, although classic last night, has also done the impossible..made me root for John Cena.. Cena has helped carry this company since Rock left and now he comes back 7 years later and takes cheap shots? Nothing that Cena said about Dwyane was incorrect..

True, but who else would The Rock talk about? Zack Ryder?

You send your big dogs after your big dogs.

I wonder how Cena will respond next week, because if he gets into a promo war against The Rock he's going to get ripped to shreds.

You do realize he was pretending, right?

Oh yes, let's throw out all 14 of The Rock's tired, overused, formulaic promo catchphrases. He was boring 7 years ago, and I doubt anything has changed. He certainly wasn't entertaining last night.

the rock won't be in any matches, he said a few weeks ago he would never wrestle another match.

and he sure as hell won't be doing any WWE studios movies, are you people kidding me with that shit?

he's just around to stir up the pot a bit, provide some classic segments, throw down a peoples elbow or two and most importantly increase the WM buyrates.

OK, after reading two pages of "Rock-talk" and other subsequent posts, I feel the need to comment:

1. It is HIGHLY unlikely The Rock will come back in a full-term wrestling capacity. IF he does anything long-term with WWE, it'll most likely be the occasional on-air spot leading to WrestleMania, and maybe some afterward if creative can't find a good way to end a storyline. Outside of that, he's probably going to be used as a talent agent like Arn Anderson and Finlay are currently doing. Basically there to mentor the younger guys, and let them know where/how to improve.

2. As it's already been stated, the biggest reason the Rock is back is to increase the hype and buy-rates for WM27..especially since the numbers aren't where WWE would like them to be with the other PPVs. This is the biggest event of the year for them, both entertainment wise, and financially speaking. Vince McMahon is a business man, and a damn good one at that, and he's going to pull out all the stops he can to make this as memorable and profitable as possible (hence trying to get Justin Beiber to sing the National Anthem)...however, that being said...

3. STING WILL NOT BE AT WRESTLEMANIA!! The man is 51 years old and hasn't worked for WWE in years. As much as I'd like to be wrong, lets face it, it's not a draw McMahon seems to have interest in, plus, what capacity could he really be used in? Doesn't make alot of sense to bring the guy back JUST to have him wrestle one match at WM..especially when there are plenty of people on the roster who could use the push. What angle could he possibly use? He's been in TNA for how long, what's he gonna say "I was in TNA watching 'Taker destroy opponent after opponent at WrestleMania, now I wanna be next"!? C'mon people..

4. I don't know how many people have been to a live WWE show, but if you don't know already, they generally have arena staff hand out signs before the show starts. So it's not entirely impossible for them to have pre-made "Rock" signs on hand. But at the same time, its not impossible to think fans brought them in as well..but chances are they were hand outs.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz@some people in this thread. If you're not marking out over this and probably whats going to be one of the best Wrestlemania's ever, quit watching now.

I only agree with #2. I've been to about 20 WWE events, and I've NEVER seen anyone handed a sign. There's a thing called the internet, where people can read rumors about The Rock coming back.

And yes, Sting has not worked in WWE for years. Make that every year of his life.

And Rock would not come back to be a road agent. A mentor? Maybe when he shows up for TV, but he will not be an agent.

Some buzzkillers on TPWW.

Its The Rock, hes back.

Enjoy.

If you don't like what the WWE has to offer, then go watch TNA.

Very well put Ermax, if The Rock is boring why does he always blow the roof off of the building?

wrestling isn't real

http://boards.altgn.com/gallery/file..._me_dammit.jpg

IT"S STILL REAL TO ME DAMNIT!!!

I know that..I was speaking in kayfabe terms..if this is going to be a short-term fued, I am taking Cena's side based on the issues that will be brought up

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZcIYOgcCcnM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And what did you hear John Cena say again? And not the British Tabloid, either.

Hasn't worked for WWE in years? Doesn't make since to bring him back? ...When the hell did Sting ever wrestle for the WWE?

I agree that it's highly doubtful Rock will be in WWE long term. I still wonder what he meant when he said "he's never leaving again". Maybe it was just in the excitement of the moment I don't know. But I'm more then sure that if he were to be with the WWE long term, if even as an on camera role only. The WWE would be more then happy then to work around his film career. Hell they let Jericho do his fucking Fozzy thing.

This thread has led me to believe one of two things:

1. The trolls are trying too hard these days and need to work on their craft

or

2. Some people have become to "Smart" to appreciate what a great moment it was on Raw last night. Regardless of what rumours have been thrown around, and what we may or may not have been expecting, if you couldn't enjoy seeing The Rock back last night you should stop watching wrestling, because nothing will ever meet your expectations.

I loved what happened last night and am greatly looking forward to seeing what happens coming up, but it just so happens I have a little bit of fan left in me and I will be rooting for John Cena

<font color=goldenrod>For what it's worth, most of Rock's insults about Cena were edited off of the version WWE posted on its YouTube account.</font>

My bad...I could've swore he used to wrestle in WWF back in the day when he did the multi-color outfit and paint as opposed to his black/white theme now..maybe I've had one too many drunken nights in my time. I can hear the "you fucked up" chants starting already, lol :nono:

The WWE like other promotions have a 'stock' of signs that they hand out at some events when the crowd looks thin on camera side. The same Cena sign was on 7 episodes of Raw last year held by 7 different people.

Do they pay people for holding Cena signs?

They should.

I have no idea, I would imagine they offer better seats for people willing to hold them.

The Rock is the biggest he's ever been, in his best ever condition, and he has said that he still practices wrestling, but for "body conditioning" purposes. However, I'm sure he can still go.

If it is true what he said, that he will NEVER go away...the guy's going to wrestle again.

However, I wouldn't say he is going to wrestle at WM27. He told Cena "I'll see you at WrestleMania", but he also said "I'll also see The Miz, and everyone else". So, all he did was play with words and stuff.

What I am wondering is if having The Rock at WrestleMania, and HBK being already announced as a HOF Inductee, if in any way, shape or form, the "thunder" is being stolen from HBK, as before Rock came into the equation, it was being viewed as HBK's weekend. Now, you throw The Rock into the mix, and people aren't even thinking about Shawn...

...I don't even know if I expressed my point of view correctly...

i don't know what you want.

i did not expect the rock and was thoroughly delighted. i must have re-watched the part when his music hit 7 or 8 times. nobody can detonate the crowd like that.

and i never disliked cena, but now i actually care what he has to say.

I'd love to see Stone Cold, HBK, Rock, HHH, Undertaker, Edge, Christian, Big Show and Kane in a backstage skit of some kind. This would steal the show for sure. No one stealing anyone's thunder, but just seeing them all together would be awesome.

I'm curious to see how often he will appear on Raw leading to Wrestlemania. Every week?

I'm going to be completely honest, when he came out I went 'MEH'.

and that promo he cut was like watching a really tan Cena cut a promo on Cena.

Sorry, the Rock just doesn't do it for me. Never did.

Nexus > The Rock

I have zero complaints about The Rock and his way to come back

I was laughing my ass off - both at some of his jokes (overused or otherwise), but also at the poor editing people trying desperately to mute out his language! And failing miserably :D

As far as the future goes - I'm gonna put on my naive hat and just pretend like The Rock is back for good in a semi-fighting condition! (And I wouldn't want to see Cena Vs. Rock at WM, cause that would inevitably lead to Cena winning [Unless Rock can really really really draw a lot of cash - like a lot more than Cena can])

OK, this isn't 1985. 38 isn't 60 like it was back then.

Being 38 nowadays isn't what it used to be. Plus, The Rock takes care of his body, is in great condition, and has been away from wrestling for about 7 years, so he isn't "broken down" or anything, his body is fresh.

Agreed.

I bring sign for The Rock and wear a Rock t-shirt/jersey to every show I go to.

If there's one thing I should neg rep a poster for it would be this. Not because it's a bad post, but because I am a gigantic Rock mark.

Okay, I've been one of the biggest complainers about the product the last few years, especially the PG stuff, but if you didn't appreciate the AMAZING reaction of the crowd last night when The Rock returned, then just quit watching altogether because NOTHING will make you happy. Granted, Rock's promos are always formulaic, but the delivery and interaction with the crowd is what makes it so great.

Rock has ability to inspire those around him and inspire the wrestling fans anytime he comes back. Him coming back is a positive on the whole industry. In other words everyone quit bitching and enjoy something fucking awesome from WWE.

Exactly.

I just re-watched Rock's return and I don't know when the last time I saw that much consistent excitement and anticipation on the cheering faces of so many fans, especially fans over the age of 12, like there was last night during Rock's promo. All you Negative Nancy's out there, re-watch that shit and look at the folks in the crowd, when was the last time any one person was able to get a wrestling WWE crowd that worked up? IT'S INSANE!

Best part of the entire promo wasn't even something Rock said. It was an audience shot of an 8 year old chanting the Rock's name, next to the 28 year old doing the same.

THAT'S what gave me chills as I watched last night, whenever they would cut to a kid who you KNOW never has seen The Rock wrestle, yet knows who he is, and you could see in their face that they were like "Whoa, this is a big deal".

Have any of you noticed the kid in Cena shirt giving the Rock thumbs down and booing?

It's right before he finishes with "is cooking". Kind of made me laugh.

During his return promo, I thought to myself, and told Xero the following. "I'm pretty sure The Fraze just came like he was giving Rachael RoXXX his money shot just now."

You told Xero?

What were you two, watching from a hot tub together?

Via the TPWW Chat.

What was Xero's response?

I don't even care if it is a work Cena's response on twitter was pretty lame. I might be worried if I'm Vince that my current superstars can't hang with The Rock.

I just finished watching earlier and have not been on TPWW for weeks...

1) HOLY SHIT!

2) HOLY SHIT THE ROCK!

3) Noid said this: And for the record -- I can't see the WWE turning John Cena heel out of this, but I can definitely see The Rock as the Special Guest Referee in the WrestleMania main event.

That was my thought exactly... Would be better to see The Rock Vs. Cena, but I don't think our dreams come true here on TPWW that often...

4) GOD DAMN THAT PROMO WAS LIKE BEING IN 1999/2000 ALL OVER AGAIN!

5) HOLY SHIT... FRUITY PEBBLES!!!

if it's been posted already, I apologize, but it looks like it's gonna be....

WWE Championship: The Miz vs. John Cena

The Rock as Special Guest Referee

Also, it's funny the reaction Rock got as if he wasn't seen for the longest time, but he did make that SD XX anniversary appearance in 2010. It doesn't helped that it was a taped Smackdown! satellite promo, but still.

And by PG crowd standards, (who don't go as apeshit like the crowd from the Attitude Era did) their reaction was pretty crazy. These days you seldom see the (PG) crowd jump out of their seats or cheer screaming on the top of their lungs, but last night they went nuts for The Rock.

Also LOL @ the little chinese kid wearing the whole Cena shirt/hat/armband combo booing The Rock.

Not even these "young lions" that you speak of can even hold Rocky's jock right now. Rocky implied last night that "this is the way we did it 10 years ago", implying that these "young lions" need to step their game up. The biggest lion of these "young lions" that you speak of is in fact John Cena, and well, last night proved clear that Cena had alot of catching up to do to even be on Rock's level. Honestly if Cena wants to get Rock back, he needs to request to Vince if he could go out there next week and adlib his whole promo, and take it back old school Cena_style circa 2003 and do a freestyle on The Rock. I would love to see that. It would be epic. :drool: I'm not saying that he needs to rap all the time, he just needs to revert back to his old heel persona that made him popular in the first place. He did a rap in 2005 against Christian and the fans marked out for that, nostalgia_style. Cena needs to find his inner heel and do the same on Rock. Cena has crazy potential to out do The Rock, provided that he's allowed to do so. Like the thread I made titled "John Cena needs to take more charge of his character"

The closest thing to The Rock right now is CM Punk. Punk has his shit right. Maybe that's why Rock didn't take a shot at Punk (even after he dissed The Tooth Fairy on live TV) cuz he knew that he'd give him a run for his money

Although I marked out last night, I noticed that Rock did his usual schtick. No fresh catchphrases. Hopefully in the upcoming weeks we see some new material. It's the usual..."The jabroni beating...pie eating...trailblazing...eyebrow raising....People's Champ THE ROCK...IF YA SMELLLALALALALALALOW what The Rock....is cooking." Rock was getting mad stale from late 2001 to the summer of 2002, but when he came back as a heel in early 2003, he had totally revamped his character and came up with new lines, new look, and a new attitude. I hope he does that again this time around.

Also, the fact that he now has a revised theme song leads me to believe that he will be back for a while. I'm thinking atleast 3 months

A.) It's *than*...please learn some grammar.
B.) Have you ever seen Cena's neck region? For Christ's sake the guy is a living, walking, talking, mediocre joking bobblehead...

I'm thinking that Vince might even change his mind as to whom the annonymus GM will now be, throwing all previous plans out the window. Based on last night, I can see Rock being revealed as the annonymous RAW GM. It would be the perfect role for him. He doesn't have to wrestle a match, but he could hog all the TV time he wants :yes: CUZ HE'S THE FUCKING G.O.A.T. And most importantly, this means no more Michael Cole answering the e-mails. I can stand his X-Pac heat anymore. He had his time, now get the fuck off my TV.

I look forward to more Rock/Cole moments. Especially if they reflect back on history.

We need Rock to get into disagreements with the GM
Then we need Jericho back as the GM
Then we need Rock Vs. Jericho (feat. Cole) one every show for at least 10 minutes!

This reminds me of when Rock was brought back prematurely as an emergency when Austin walked out on the company back in 2002. I love it how Rock legitimately expressed his anger towards Austin by telling him to "Get The F Out". Rock tells it like it is and isn't afraid to tell you what's up, just like how he owned Cena last night. Love it. That's why Rock is the fucking man. Pretty sure if he wanted to, he would've put Kevin Nash in his spot if he tried anything funny (based on that shoot interview he did while drunk with X-Pac. Rock was weary of Nash when he made his return in 2003, and didn't want Nash to start running shit backstage and taking his spot. Something on the lines of that. It's not too clear with me)

Rock ended up staying longer and I think he was rewarded the Undisputed title because of this (I'm not too sure)

when things aren't looking up, I think Vince can really count on Dwayne to help out when the chips are down

From the other thread