The Rock to return and compete in his first WWE SmackDown match since 2002? Exploring the possibility

The Rock has been absent from WWE TV since the RAW after WrestleMania XL. However, The Final Boss is expected to return soon. Before going on a hiatus, The Great One told Cody Rhodes that their story was far from over. In a major twist, fans could see him return to SmackDown very soon. The People's Champion could also compete in his first match on the blue brand since 2002.

While The Rock has made several appearances on SmackDown during the Road to WrestleMania XL, he hasn't had a match on the Friday Night Show in 22 years. The Great One's last in-ring appearance on the blue brand came on August 20, 2002, when he teamed up with Edge for a tag team match against Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero. This time as well, he could be a part of another marquee tag team match on the 25th anniversary edition of SmackDown.

The Rock could team up with Solo Sikoa to take on Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. Rumored to be taking place on October 4, 2024, fans can expect some major surprises in the marquee episode. With that in mind, we could be treated to a match of epic proportions.

It would be great to see The Final Boss lay the SmackDown on the blue brand once again, especially on the momentous occasion that is the 25th anniversary of the Friday Night Show. But then again, this is all a matter of speculation, and only time will tell how things go down.

---

WWE is planning to have The Rock take on Cody Rodes at WrestleMania 41

Whether The Rock will return for a match on the 25th anniversary special episode of SmackDown remains to be seen. However, the Triple H-led creative team is already planning to book a match for The Great One for The Showcase of The Immortals in Las Vegas next year.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is planning to have a singles encounter between The People's Champion and The American Nightmare for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41.

It will be interesting to see if The Final Boss and Cody Rhodes collide in a singles match at The Show of Shows next year.