The Rock returns to WWE as wrestling legend makes incredible X-rated appearance on SmackDown

WWE superstar Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson made his return to the ring for the first time in four years during an incredible episode of SmackDown.

Fans were left stunned after The Rock made his shock return at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Friday - just hours after he appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on the campus of the University of Colorado.

WWE commentator McAfee was in the ring with Austin Theory when The Rock made his sudden appearance, his entrance music sparking a massive response from the unsuspecting crowd of nearly 14,000.

After taking in the audience's reaction, Johnson then proceeded to taunt former United States Champion Theory, who fired back with The Rock's own 'it doesn't matter' catchphrase.

The Rock had the production team sweating at one point after instructing the entire audience to shout X-rated abuse at Theory.

"We are live, and here is how The Rock is going to show you, you're such an A-hole. This side of the arena is going to chant 'you are', and this side of the arena is going to chant 'an a**hole'," instructed Johnson.

The entire arena immediately began the chant, forcing the broadcasting team to censor the crowd noise. Watch the hilarious footage below.

The promo then became physical when Theory launched a surprise attack on The Rock, with the pair trading blows in the centre of the ring.

The 10-time world champion swiftly got the upper hand and delivered two of his finishing moves, the spine-buster and iconic 'People's Elbow' – to the delight of the crowd.

Later on in the show, The Rock stood face-to-face with one of his old WWE rivals John Cena backstage at the arena.

The pair stared each other down before cracking smiles - with Cena saying 'welcome home' before sharing a hug with the Hollywood A-lister.

It is the first time Johnson has wrestled since October 2019, when he appeared on the SmackDown 20th anniversary show.

Backstage footage later emerged on social media, showing The Rock preparing to make his surprise appearance. Check it out below.

After hearing the crowd's huge reaction to his theme song, Johnson couldn't help but crack a smile before walking out into the arena.

He is now expected to make an appearance on College GameDay live from the University of Colorado campus in Boulder, according to the Daily Mail.

Johnson is set to appear on the show as a celebrity 'guest picker' to try to select the winners of Saturday's American college football games.

And while it isn't clear if The Rock will make another appearance on WWE any time soon, given his enduring popularity - you wouldn't bet against it.

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