Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has reignited excitement among wrestling fans with his recent appearance in Georgia, fueling speculation that the Hollywood megastar might make a surprise return to WWE at the upcoming Bad Blood event. Johnson attended a high school football game at Apalachee High School on Friday, a significant event for the community following the tragic mass shooting on September 4. While his visit was to support the school and honor its resilience, wrestling fans quickly began connecting the dots.
The WWE’s Bad Blood pay-per-view event is set to take place in Atlanta, Georgia, on the same day as Johnson’s appearance in the state, prompting rumors of a potential return. Fans have been eager to see Johnson back in the ring, especially since he hasn’t featured in a WWE event since the Raw episode following Wrestlemania XL earlier this year.
Johnson’s Emotional Visit to Apalachee High School
In an Instagram post, Johnson shared his reasons for attending the football game, writing, “Big football game tonight as the Apalachee High School Wildcats take the field in their first home game back since their school’s mass shooting about a month ago… I promised them, I would be there tonight for them – and I will.” Despite the emotional nature of his visit, the mere fact that he was in Georgia at the same time as Bad Blood has wrestling fans buzzing about a potential WWE appearance.
The Bigger Picture: WWE’s Bad Blood Event
Wrestling fans are hopeful that Johnson’s presence in Georgia could mean a surprise appearance at Bad Blood, an event already stacked with high-profile matches. The card includes marquee clashes like Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk in a Hell in a Cell match, Nia Jax defending her WWE Women’s Championship against Bayley, and a major tag team match featuring Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.
The storyline between Reigns and Rhodes has captivated WWE audiences, with Reigns losing his 1,316-day Undisputed WWE Championship streak to Rhodes at Wrestlemania XL. Given Johnson’s long-standing ties to Reigns—both are part of the legendary Anoa’i wrestling family—and his previous involvement in the build-up to Wrestlemania XL, fans believe there’s a strong possibility of Johnson returning to settle unfinished business.
Pat McAfee’s Cryptic Tease
Adding fuel to the speculation, WWE commentator Pat McAfee hinted at a potential return for The Rock. During an episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Cody Rhodes appeared to promote Bad Blood, and after the show, a clip surfaced online of McAfee stating, “the big guy’s coming back this week,” which many took as a reference to Johnson. McAfee’s cryptic comment has left fans even more convinced that The Rock could be making his WWE comeback.
The Rock’s WWE Absence and Possible Return
Johnson hasn’t been seen in a WWE ring since the Raw episode following Wrestlemania XL, where he confronted Cody Rhodes, hinting at a future face-off. The idea of The Rock returning to challenge Rhodes, especially with Reigns involved, is a dream scenario for many fans. With Johnson’s history of making unexpected appearances, his presence in Georgia on the night of Bad Blood has heightened anticipation.
As the clock ticks down to the event, the WWE universe is eagerly awaiting to see whether Johnson’s Georgia visit was purely for community support, or if wrestling fans are in for a major surprise at Bad Blood.
The event kicks off at 11 p.m. on Saturday, and all eyes will be on whether The Rock’s long-anticipated return becomes reality.
