On Thursday night The Rock shocked the world when he announced that he would be appearing on this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown. There was a lot of anticipation heading into the show as everyone was wondering what The Final Boss was going to say.
Near the beginning of the show Cody Rhodes was shown talking to Nick Aldis backstage and Aldis told Cody that he was being pulled from the six man tag team match he was advertised for. Aldis told him that The Final Boss wanted him pulled from the match so they could meet in the ring later.
SmackDown aired live from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans which has been rumored to be the location for WrestleMania 42. When it came time for The Rock’s entrance New Orleans related imagery appeared on the screen briefly before he walked out.
The Rock got a huge reaction from the fans as he announced that “Finally, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!” The Final Boss confirmed that WrestleMania 42 will take place from the Superdome in 2026.
The former WWE Champion started singing “When the Saints Go Marching In” and he berated the crowd for singing along with him. He then went full heel as he turned on the crowd when he called them “trailer park trash” and they booed.
The Rock said he’s here to call out somebody out who he respects, and admires. He then called out the WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, and The American Nightmare made his way into the arena.
The Final Boss smiled at Cody and hugged him when he got in the ring. The fans chanted for Cody and cheered as he held up the belt. The Rock told the fans that they might not know, but he and Cody have become good friends since WrestleMania last year. The fans booed. Rock brought up how he praised Cody during the Raw premiere on Netflix. He said he meant it.
The People’s Champion continued as he told Cody he wanted to call him out for something very important. He told Cody he’s a great WWE Champion, and it’s been a pleasure becoming his friend, but he wants him to know a few things.
The Rock explained how he’s the Director of the Board of TKO. He said Cody is a great champion, but he wants Cody to be something more, he said, “I want you to be my champion.”
Cody said that The Rock above all people knows he’s “their champion” and he looked at the fans who then chanted his name. Rock told Cody he’s talking about something much bigger.
The Rock told Cody that if he becomes “his champion” he can open up doors for him that he never knew existed, and he can make every dream he’s ever had come true.
He continued and explained to Cody that the one thing he’s wanted more than anything is a brother, and that’s what Cody can be. Rock acknowledged that he tried to move Cody aside because he wanted to face Roman Reigns last year, but Cody stood up to him. He reminded Cody that he slapped him, and said no one gets away with that, but that’s why Cody is special.
The Rock continued to ask Cody to be “his champion” and said he doesn’t need an answer tonight, he can give him an answer at Elimination Chamber. Before he left Rock told Cody that the one thing he wants more than anything in the world “is that” and he pointed to the WWE Championship.
Cody asked if he wanted the belt, and Rock said, “No, my brother, I don’t want that, I want your soul.” He finished up and said “I’ll see you in Toronto.”
The Rock then left the ring as the fans booed. Cody stood in the ring stunned.
"We've actually become good friends!"
Things have certainly changed since last year's #WrestleMania… #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/xyqrGwDLC5
— WWE (@WWE) February 22, 2025
"I want your soul." @TheRock will be expecting an answer from @CodyRhodes at #WWEChamber…#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/cN9f6cHzC7
— WWE (@WWE) February 22, 2025