Wrestlepalooza, the latest WWE Premium Live event, is scheduled to take place tonight in Indianapolis. The event has stirred excitement and speculation about The Rock’s potential return, which could dramatically affect Cody Rhodes’ status as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Rhodes is set to defend his title against Drew McIntyre in the main event, but The Rock’s involvement may create unforeseen complications for the reigning champion.
The Rock Signals Possible Return at Wrestlepalooza
Earlier today, The Rock, also known as The Final Boss, shared a video package on his Instagram story promoting Wrestlepalooza. This move has fueled rumors that the Hollywood superstar might make a surprise appearance during the event in Indianapolis. The Rock, who has not been seen on weekly WWE programming since the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event in Toronto this past March, has left fans eagerly anticipating his next steps inside the wrestling ring.
How The Rock’s Appearance Could Impact Cody Rhodes’ Championship
If The Rock does appear at Wrestlepalooza, it could create a major setback for Cody Rhodes, also known as The American Nightmare. One possible storyline involves The Rock aligning himself with Drew McIntyre, which would pose a significant threat to Rhodes’ reign as champion. Drew McIntyre and The Rock share a friendly relationship off-screen, with McIntyre serving as the ambassador for The Rock’s Project Rock “YOU AGAINST YOU” campaign.
This real-life connection between The People’s Champion and The Scottish Warrior presents WWE with an opportunity to script an alliance in which The Rock helps Drew McIntyre dethrone Rhodes. Such an angle would shift the balance of power and energize the Wrestlepalooza main event, leaving Cody Rhodes vulnerable to losing his Undisputed WWE Championship.
The Ongoing Rivalry Between The Rock and Cody Rhodes
The histories of The Rock and Cody Rhodes have been intertwined for some time, with unresolved tensions dating back to their rivalry during the build-up to WrestleMania XL. The two clashed in a heated tag team match at the previous WrestleMania, where The Rock secured a pin against Rhodes, helping Roman Reigns claim victory. After Cody ended Roman Reigns’ reign as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, The Rock confronted Rhodes on RAW the following night, declaring that their rivalry was far from over.
Months later, The Rock faced Rhodes again at Bad Blood 2024, reigniting the competitive feud. However, during RAW’s Netflix premiere in January 2025, The Rock shifted gears by acknowledging Cody during a promo, suggesting a pause or transformation in their conflict. Yet the story took another turn on SmackDown in February 2025, when The Rock encouraged Rhodes to become his champion. Rhodes declined the offer at the Elimination Chamber event, prompting a shocking betrayal as John Cena turned against Rhodes and joined forces with The Rock instead.
With Wrestlepalooza 2025 marking The Rock’s debut on ESPN’s streaming platform, the event provides an ideal setting to revive and expand this storyline. It has been suggested that The Rock could assist Drew McIntyre in dethroning Rhodes, with Drew portrayed as having “sold his soul” to the WWE executive board member known as TKO. Fans will be keen to see how the creative team, led by Triple H, crafts this potentially electrifying angle tonight in Indianapolis.
The Wider Significance of Wrestlepalooza’s Storylines
The anticipated developments involving The Rock, Cody Rhodes, and Drew McIntyre carry significant implications beyond just the championship belt. Wrestlepalooza’s role as a global broadcast event on ESPN streaming introduces a fresh platform for WWE to showcase high-profile narratives to a broader audience. This could shape the competitive landscape in WWE programming for the coming months, influencing fan engagement and future booking decisions.
The return of The Rock at Wrestlepalooza, if it happens as hinted, might create a turning point in Cody Rhodes’ championship reign and WWE’s overall storyline direction. Fans and observers will be watching intently to see whether The People’s Champion uses this opportunity to alter the hierarchy of WWE’s biggest stars once again.
“The People’s Champion shared a video hyping the Wrestlepalooza PLE on his Instagram story, sparking speculation about his return.” – Love Verma, WWE features writer
THE ROCK POSTED ABOUT WRESTLEPALOOZA ON HIS IG STORY
IVE BEEN TRYNA TELL Y’ALL HES COMING MAN 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/X4PiAgjCYK
— Nav (@Navtreaks) September 19, 2025
