The Rock’s WWE SmackDown Return Shakes Up the Match Card – What to Expect
The WWE Universe erupted with excitement as The Rock officially announced his return to WWE SmackDown, just 24 hours before the show. His presence, even in 2025, continues to be a game-changer for WWE, especially after his headline role at WrestleMania 40.
The Rock’s Influence Alters WWE SmackDown’s Lineup
With The Rock’s return to SmackDown, WWE has made significant changes to the match card. Fans quickly noticed that two previously scheduled matches were removed after his announcement.
Initially, WWE had advertised a huge six-man tag team match featuring The Bloodline 2.0 (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu) vs. Braun Strowman, Damian Priest, and Cody Rhodes. This match was set up after the intense events of last week’s SmackDown.
Another scheduled match, Liv Morgan vs. Naomi, was also removed from promotional posts. This match was originally booked following speculation that Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez may have been involved in the attack on Jade Cargill. During the Women’s Elimination Chamber match on WWE RAW, Naomi and Bianca Belair had targeted Morgan, allowing Roxanne Perez to secure the win.
Why Were These Matches Removed?
The sudden removal of these matches led fans to speculate that The Rock’s return could be the reason. Many took to social media to voice concerns, questioning if his presence is overshadowing other WWE Superstars. However, there is still a possibility that WWE could reschedule these matches later in the show.
What Will The Rock Announce on WWE SmackDown?
Fans are buzzing with speculation about what The Rock has planned for his SmackDown return. His last WWE appearance was on RAW, followed by a surprise appearance on NXT, and now he is set to electrify SmackDown.
Many believe The Rock could make a major WrestleMania announcement, such as:
- Revealing the venue for WrestleMania 42
- Teasing a blockbuster match for WrestleMania 41
- Hinting at a possible in-ring return
While nothing has been confirmed, The Rock’s sudden return has set the WWE Universe on fire with speculation. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see what The Great One has in store for SmackDown.
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Liverpool | 28 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 66 | 26 | 40 | 67 |
| 2 |  Arsenal | 27 | 15 | 9 | 3 | 51 | 23 | 38 | 54 |
| 3 |  Nottingham Forest | 27 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 44 | 33 | 11 | 48 |
| 4 |  Man City | 27 | 14 | 5 | 8 | 53 | 37 | 16 | 47 |
| 5 |  Chelsea | 27 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 52 | 36 | 16 | 46 |
| 6 |  Newcastle | 27 | 13 | 5 | 9 | 46 | 38 | 8 | 44 |
| 7 |  Bournemouth | 27 | 12 | 7 | 8 | 45 | 32 | 13 | 43 |
| 8 |  Brighton | 27 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 44 | 39 | 5 | 43 |
| 9 |  Fulham | 27 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 40 | 36 | 4 | 42 |
| 10 |  Aston Villa | 28 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 40 | 45 | -5 | 42 |
| 11 |  Brentford | 27 | 11 | 5 | 11 | 48 | 43 | 5 | 38 |
| 12 |  Crystal Palace | 27 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 35 | 33 | 2 | 36 |
| 13 |  Tottenham | 27 | 10 | 3 | 14 | 53 | 39 | 14 | 33 |
| 14 |  Man United | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 33 | 39 | -6 | 33 |
| 15 |  West Ham | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 32 | 47 | -15 | 33 |
| 16 |  Everton | 27 | 7 | 11 | 9 | 30 | 34 | -4 | 32 |
| 17 |  Wolves | 27 | 6 | 4 | 17 | 37 | 56 | -19 | 22 |
| 18 |  Ipswich | 27 | 3 | 8 | 16 | 26 | 57 | -31 | 17 |
| 19 |  Leicester | 27 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 25 | 61 | -36 | 17 |
| 20 |  Southampton | 27 | 2 | 3 | 22 | 19 | 65 | -46 | 9 |