Dwayne Johnson is one of the busiest actors in Hollywood, so when he takes time, it’s a plot point for many. This time around, wrestling fans should be especially interested in what might happen. It’s reported that Johnson has essentially cleared his work schedule for early 2023, which could be huge for The Rock fans, as there’s a good chance it means he’s returning to WWE for a short while. period and probably a big game or two. .
There’s definitely some supporting evidence, like The Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez (via Mandatory) reported that Dwayne Johnson was intentionally keeping his schedule clear at the start of 2023. Alvarez said what this move, if it does happen, could mean for Johnson during this time:
He won’t be making any movie commitments for the first quarter of 2023, which would allow him to do WrestleMania without having to worry about movie commitments and also have time to help kick off the XFL’s first season. So actually, the timing to do a WrestleMania match would be great this year because he has two different projects that would require him to take time off from movies.
Dwayne Johnson reportedly wanted to help revive the XFL as its last owner, which is quite understandable and doable. That said, wrestling fans are well aware that this 2023 time slot also directly matches the WrestleMania season. In theory, if Johnson is indeed available from January until late March or early April, he could make a surprise return to the Royal Rumble and build a feud that would set him up for a match at WrestleMania 39.
Rumors erupted long before the last WrestleMania PPV claiming that WWE wanted lock the rock for a WrestleMania 39 main event against his cousin Roman reigns. The main reason the rumor wasn’t entirely believable has to do with The Rock’s rampant acting roles and other commitments. In his normal schedule, it always seemed like the best that could happen was for him to make a small cameo or appearance at WrestleMania like he has for the past few years. (Fans with a premium Peacock membership can check them out.)
WWE fans would love that, but everyone knows Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson isn’t at his peak with just a single appearance, even if it’s during the biggest event of the year. Ideally, Rock could make appearances leading up to WrestleMania (like in his past feuds with John Cena) would presumably deliver the full experience and serve as something of a send off for wrestling legend. After all, this could be The Rock’s farewell tour if he does indeed return to WWE for a notable period, so it would be best if a feud was built with as much time and care as possible.
Wrestling fans should feel comfortable getting pretty excited about the possibility of The Rock’s return, even knowing that this is all still in rumored territory. We don’t know for sure if Dwayne Johnson is actually taking time off, or what he will be doing anyway. All we can do is wait and see and hope that “the most electrifying man in sports-entertainment” will be back in the ring early next year.
The Rock doesn’t currently work with WWE, but his most iconic matches have a streaming home in Peacock. Hopefully fans can see another match added to the roster in 2023, and maybe even a few more if we’re lucky.
