The Rock WrestleMania Return is stirring excitement and uncertainty among WWE fans, who have been waiting eagerly for the iconic wrestler’s next appearance. The Rock’s most recent WWE involvement was at the Elimination Chamber event, where John Cena turned heel to align with him. However, his last in-ring match took place much earlier, at WWE WrestleMania XL on February 6, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There, The Rock paired with Roman Reigns to face Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes in a highly anticipated tag team showdown.
Despite the anticipation, fans have yet to see The Rock back in the ring since then, and hopes for his presence at the Survivor Series this year were ultimately dashed by reports from PWInsider. Nonetheless, speculation about when The Rock will wrestle again continues to build within the wrestling community.
Konnan Predicts a Possible Return at Royal Rumble 2026 and WrestleMania
Veteran wrestling analyst Konnan shared his insights on the “Keepin’ It 100 OFFICIAL” podcast about The Rock’s future with WWE. He suggested that The Rock is likely to make a wrestling comeback at the 2026 Royal Rumble and might even compete at that event.
“I think Rock will wrestle again, and it’ll probably be in Saudi Arabia. (From 3:17)”
— Konnan, Veteran Wrestling Analyst
According to Konnan, Saudi Arabia could play a central role in The Rock’s return since both the Royal Rumble 2026 and WrestleMania 43 are scheduled to take place there. He explained that the financial incentives offered by Saudi Arabia would be so substantial they might persuade The Rock to return to the ring.
“They would probably give him more money than he’s ever made in one day. Movies take months to make. He could probably get the same as he’s making from a movie, and he could pack that muscle back on. It’s not that hard. (From 1:46 to 1:57)”
— Konnan, Veteran Wrestling Analyst
The Rock’s Current Hollywood Commitments and Physical Transformation
At present, The Rock is heavily involved in his Hollywood career. He is set to portray MMA legend Mark Kerr in the upcoming biopic The Smashing Machine, and he will appear in a Martin Scorsese-directed Hawaiian mafia drama. Preparing for these roles necessitated significant weight loss, which has sparked concern among WWE fans about his well-being and future wrestling prospects.
Addressing these worries in an interview with SportsBible, The Rock reassured fans that he is doing well and encouraged them not to be concerned about his current appearance. Despite his leaner physique, there is ongoing debate regarding whether this change will affect his potential in-ring returns to WWE.
Other Notable Developments in Wrestling
Beyond The Rock’s situation, several other significant developments are impacting the wrestling world. AEW star Tony Khan announced a major shake-up for Dynamite after a top wrestler was ruled out for the entirety of 2025, signaling a substantial change in the roster dynamics.
Meanwhile, Alberto Del Rio’s recent return to Mexico’s AAA promotion has reignited discussions about his future with WWE, raising questions about whether new negotiations or reconciliations could unfold.
In ranking news, Jade Cargill has appeared higher than Cody Rhodes in a surprising top 10 wrestlers list released by a former WWE star, provoking conversations about current wrestling hierarchies and rising talents.
WWE itself is undergoing significant changes, notably within Monday Night Raw, where major format adjustments are planned. These shifts reflect the company’s attempts to respond to internal challenges and fan expectations.
Title alterations also marked recent events, with a new WWE NXT champion crowned at the No Mercy pay-per-view, further shaking up the competitive landscape.
Looking ahead, John Cena’s upcoming match against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel has generated anticipation, though some WWE legends remain unimpressed by the matchup, adding tension to the build-up.
Brock Lesnar’s recent return has already made waves, especially after his dominant victory over Cena at Wrestlepalooza. Rumors suggest Lesnar is preparing for a larger campaign that could define future WWE storylines.
Additionally, commentators and former champions have highlighted an internal power struggle within WWE, pointing to backstage tensions that could influence the company’s direction in 2026 and beyond.
The Significance of The Rock’s Potential WWE Comeback
The prospect of The Rock WrestleMania Return carries considerable weight for WWE’s future. His reemergence at a major event such as Royal Rumble 2026 could reinvigorate interest in WWE programming, attract broader audiences, and create new storyline opportunities. With Saudi Arabia’s financial backing possibly facilitating this comeback, WWE might secure one of its biggest stars to dominate the stage once again.
As The Rock balances Hollywood projects and physical transformations, fans and industry insiders will closely watch how these factors impact his readiness and willingness to return to wrestling. His comeback could prove pivotal for WWE’s competitive positioning at a time when the brand faces both internal and external challenges.
