The WWE universe is in overdrive with speculation about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson making an electrifying return to WWE, this time potentially shaking things up in NXT. The rumours sparked following a dramatic sequence on this week’s NXT, where Shawn Michaels stepped back into the spotlight with an intense on-screen moment.
During the show, NXT General Manager Ava, Rock’s daughter, revealed key updates about the upcoming NXT Deadline. Among the announcements were two "last chance" four-way qualifiers for the Iron Survivor Challenge, featuring competitors like Wren Sinclair and Cora Jade for the women, and Cedric Alexander and Axiom for the men.
Adding to the chaos, Ava also unveiled a tag team battle royal to determine challengers for the NXT Tag Team Championship. However, the tension escalated when a backstage altercation left Ava injured. As Ava tried to manage the chaos of the NXT tag team division, Eddy Thorpe, in an attempt to get her attention, inadvertently sparked the incident.
After a heated exchange, Thorpe grabbed Ava's wrist just as brawling tag teams caused a door to hit her, leaving her needing medical attention. This prompted Shawn Michaels, a revered figure in WWE, to confront Thorpe, shoving him into a wall and giving fans a rare physical outburst from the Hall of Famer.
What did fans say on social media?
The moment sent fans on social media into a frenzy, with many theorizing that The Rock might intervene to defend Ava. User @Blakezwrld10 suggested, “I could see Rock sending Jacob and Tama Tonga to beat up NXT talent, give them more heat.” Another fan, @Secretcode54, stated emphatically, “If The Rock doesn’t come to destroy [Thorpe], I don’t know what else to say lol.”
Though The Rock hasn’t appeared in WWE programming recently, his history with defending family members—especially within the Samoan Dynasty—adds fuel to these rumours. Fans are also speculating about the possibility of him using this storyline to bolster NXT's appeal and give emerging talent a moment to shine.
While there’s no official confirmation from WWE or The Rock, the mere possibility of his return has injected a renewed buzz into the road to NXT Deadline. Whether the “People’s Champ” steps in to electrify the scene remains to be seen, but the WWE Universe is ready to lay the smackdown on any doubts.
Here are some reactions:
if the rock doesn't come to destroy dude i don't know what else to say lol
— Secret Code (@Secretcode54) November 27, 2024
This is gonna be electric! Can't wait to see what The Rock has in store for NXT!
— Irha239 (@loneiishrat) November 27, 2024
Okay I need somebody feel me in be here what's exactly going on with their storyline are they dating or did they use the date?
— MacManMiller (@DAndreXMiller) November 27, 2024
If the Rock don’t come down there and lay the SmackDown on them wrestling is fake. 😤🌚
— B1gg ThaBeast (@B1ggRandall) November 27, 2024
Dwayne is about to come with his big ass strap and beat all the lil kids out there lol
— Saurabh.G (@SaurabhGogate) November 27, 2024
@Epic_Troll_666 oh fuck. oh shit. they done fucked up now.
— VIKTOR (@VIK19941) November 27, 2024
FINAL BOSS NXT debut...that would be hilarious he just starts whipping them all like fucken he did cody earlier this year.
The same rock that let his daughter join a cult, and let his family members go to war? Nahhh
— 🇵🇷ZE🇺🇸 (@ZE_OnlyWay) November 27, 2024