The Final Boss returns? How The Rock could shape WWE’s future

In the wake of WrestleMania 40, one figure has been watching from the sidelines. Absent since the Raw after WrestleMania, it now appears that the Final Boss' return may be imminent.

The Rock’s return to WWE programming in early 2024, while initially met with backlash, quickly became one of the best things in WWE leading up to WrestleMania 40. What originally started as a plan to pit Rock against then-Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns soon morphed into Rock and Reigns teaming up against No. 1 contender Cody Rhodes.

This eventually led to Rock having his first full-length match in over a decade, when he and Reigns beat Rhodes and then-world heavyweight champion Seth Rollins in the Night 1 main event of WrestleMania 40.

The Rock's return marked a new era for WWE television. Upon joining WWE's Board of Directors following the TKO merger, The Rock's on-screen persona became more brash, often including profane language and brutal physicality. One of the most memorable moments from his return came on the March 25 episode of Raw, where he brutalized Rhodes in the WWE parking lot, an incident now hailed as one of the most iconic segments in recent WWE history.

Additionally, his lengthy social media promos were also a highlight for fans, as it finally seemed that Dwayne Johnson was invested in wrestling and willing to help others for the first time in decades.

With The Rock's first semi-full-time run in over a decade having gone so well, anticipation built for his eventual return to WWE programming. Following WrestleMania, Johnson took time away from wrestling to focus on outside endeavors, namely filming A24's "The Smashing Machine," but now it seems like he may return to his first home as soon as October 2024.

Rock's looming return sparks numerous questions about his role in the ever-evolving WWE landscape. Since his departure, the once-strong Bloodline faction has fractured, now being led by Solo Sikoa and featuring Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa, whom The Rock has never interacted with.

Reigns himself returned to WWE at SummerSlam in August, which could set the stage for The Rock to either align once again with his cousin or join forces with Sikoa's Bloodline. Some speculate that lingering tension and anger toward Reigns for dropping the ball against Rhodes at WrestleMania could push The Rock to side against his cousin as the Bloodline saga reaches the end of its five-year run at WrestleMania 41 in 2025.

With Survivor Series being in October, and the namesake War Games match most likely consisting of the New Bloodline vs Reigns and his allies, it is reasonable to assume that The Rock would return after this match, either aiding Reigns against his new foes or assuming leadership of The New Bloodline from Sikoa, since the Tribal Chief must still answer to the Final Boss.

Regardless of The Rock's alignment, fans are eagerly anticipating his next move. His return has reignited excitement in WWE with rumors swirling about future matchups, including a possible showdown against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. A rematch against Reigns is also reportedly still on the table, setting the stage for more must-watch TV.

With Raw moving to Netflix and assuming a more TV-14 direction for the future, The Rock's profanity-laced promos and brutal beatdowns of old will fit right into the new status quo. With fans eager to see him back, it's only a matter of time before Dwayne Johnson once again electrifies WWE television.