5 Signs The Rock has quietly retired from WWE in-ring competition

The Rock finally made his much-awaited return at WWE RAW's Netflix debut episode, interacted with Roman Reigns, and acted in a way most fans did not expect. He may have quietly hinted at his retirement.

On the latest edition of WWE RAW, The Rock returned to have a chat with the audience in LA, California. He also appeared after Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa's Tribal Combat match.

Considering a lot was different from the last time he appeared for the professional wrestling juggernaut, he may have quietly hung up his boots for good. So, let's see a few signs hinting at the same.

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#5. No mention of competing again

Tonight's episode of WWE RAW began a new era that may have also marked the end of The Final Boss gimmick. The Hollywood Megastar appeared and interacted with fans but didn't mention any match he would be looking forward to competing in.

The much-awaited special episode was likely the grandest stage to advertise a potential WrestleMania 41 main event, but The Brahma Bull didn't mention anything like that. That could mean he's unavailable for The Show of Shows and will likely not compete again if it's not at The Grandest Stage of Them All.

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#4. The Rock gave Cody Rhodes his flowers

On RAW following WrestleMania 40, The Rock had an interaction where he handed his rival Cody Rhodes something fans didn't get to know. He also mentioned their story has just begun, teasing a future in-ring encounter.

However, The Great One acknowledged that Cody Rhodes has been carrying the company on his back for a year, officially giving him his flowers. The two also hugged, as seen on WWE's Instagram Live. He also didn't mention anything about the secret item he handed over to the Undisputed WWE Champion. This may be a strong sign that he will not return to the squared circle to have a match with Cody.

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#3. Has nothing left to prove

The People's Champion has got his title for a reason, to say the least. Fans can love or hate him, but he has certainly been one of the greatest professional wrestlers ever.

The Rock is a multi-time World Champion and a multi-time WrestleMania headliner. His stint from last year's Road to WrestleMania was enough to prove that he was the biggest draw in the industry. While he can still have a one-off match and prove his worth, it honestly isn't a need. He has done all there is and doesn't need to put his body at risk, especially at 52 years of age.

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#2. Acted babyface

As aforementioned, The Rock didn't portray a personality like he did last year. He didn't take shots at any of his rivals and didn't showcase a corrupt attitude, even on Instagram Live.

In case he had another match left as the brutal heel he was, he might have acted as a tweener, giving mixed signals about his personality. That move would have kept a potential match highly possible, to say the least. However, he even thanked the audience with absolute politeness, something his onscreen character wouldn't do. He may have shown gratitude, considering he will not step into the squared circle as a competitor again.

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#1. Acknowledged Roman Reigns as The Tribal Chief

The Rock's possible encounter with Roman Reigns was arguably the most-anticipated match for WWE WrestleMania 41. However, no signs pointed towards it on RAW's Netflix premiere.

Instead, The Final Boss entered the ring and handed over the Ula Fala's custody to his cousin. He acknowledged The Original Tribal Chief despite being the High Chief Seiuli. He will likely not challenge Roman Reigns at The Show of Shows, potentially hinting he has already retired from in-ring competition.

While nothing is confirmed, a dream battle between the two Samoans may remain a dream match fans will never get to witness.