WATCH: The Rock officially unveils the logo and location for WrestleMania 42 before blasting the NOLA crowd on SmackDown
Before eventually demanding the soul of Cody Rhodes, The Rock made a stunning WrestleMania announcement in his SmackDown appearance.
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As if it hadn’t been speculated already, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson did the gaudy reveal on this week’s SmackDown. Donning his classic Versace vest, the 52-year-old presented the city of New Orleans a gift they could be thrilled about. WrestleMania 42 will emanate from the Caesar Superdome on April 11 and 12, 2026, in NOLA.
He then pointed at the entrance stage to cue for the pyro and the epic logo reveal for The Show of Shows in ‘The Big Easy.’ Rock even sang a duet with the happy folks in attendance but quickly engaged ‘The Final Boss’ and disregarded them as the largest gathering of STD-having trailer park trash he’s ever seen.
Shortly after that, he finally called out Cody Rhodes. After soaking in the adulation of the fans, he had Rock tell him that they’ve turned into great friends, let alone their mothers, since they squared off at WrestleMania XL. The Great One, dropping the Gospel as he promised, said he wants Cody to be his champion. But what did it even mean?
Johnson, although applauding Rhodes for being a great WWE Champion, said he wanted The American Nightmare to transcend the superstardom that only translates to Dwayne right now. Later on, the Black Adam star credited Rhodes for standing his ground last year when Rock tried to move him aside to put on what he believed was the biggest WrestleMania main event of all time—The Rock vs. Roman Reigns.
The Great One mentioned that nobody gets away after slapping him, but Cody did, and that’s why he’s special. Johnson affirmed that he’s had all the success in his life but has a brother, and Rock wants Rhodes to fill that void.
What’s the next step in The Rock’s lucrative offer to Cody Rhodes?
Before exiting, The Rock asked Cody Rhodes to just accept being his champion. Because if he does, the Smashing Machine star will open the doors of success for Rhodes that he wouldn’t even have imagined.
In the meantime, the former AEW EVP just stood there befuddled. The people in the arena and those watching at home seemed equally puzzled, if not more. The Final Boss told Cody he doesn’t need to make a rash decision and that they’d meet again at the Elimination Chamber.
At the PLE, the WWE Universe will know if The Prodigal Son actually sells out to a man who’s vowed to transform Cody’s life forever. Fans are even wondering if this would lead to Rock vs. Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. However, during the post-SmackDown presser, the Jumanji actor drifted away from that avenue.
Related: WWE women’s division reportedly ‘FRUSTRATED’ with creative plans ahead of WrestleMania 41
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