The Rock returns at WWE Raw Day 1, hints at Roman Reigns match finally happening

The Rock appeared to call out Roman Reigns in his return to WWE Raw on Day 1.

Beyond world title matches, arguably the most intriguing selling point of the Day 1 edition of WWE Raw was the tease of a former WWE champion appearing. Fightful Select (subscription required) originally reported that this was in the works, with Triple H addressing the rumors on X and eventually WWE confirming it.

At the end of the second hour of Raw, WWE introduced the return of an ex-WWE champion — Jinder Mahal.

After addressing the crowd’s disappointment in him appearing, Mahal criticized the United States’ political situation and declared that he would act as a unifying force.

It took a few minutes, but a blaring “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?” blared inside the venue, and the crowd erupted.

Fightful Select reported earlier Monday that The Rock was expected to be the big name teased for the show after appearing at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California with WWE executive Nick Khan.

The People’s Champion called out Mahal for not being The Iron Sheik, and they exchanged barbs over the Modern Day Maharaja’s promo about America. It was highlighted by The Rock calling him an “a–hole,” comparing him to the “Baywatch” movie he starred in, and a dueling crowd chant to call Mahal another expletive.

Eventually, they brawled, with The Rock hitting his signature moves that remain timeless after 25 years.

He grabbed the microphone one more time, though, and asked the crowd if he should sit at a booth, a bar … or at the head of the table.

After that clear dig at Roman Reigns, it appears that WWE may finally be arranging the long-awaited dream match between the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and The Rock. This match has been hinted at for years and was originally planned for WrestleMania 39, but ultimately did not come to fruition.

When this match happens remains a mystery. WrestleMania 40 is the obvious location, but with WWE also running Elimination Chamber as a stadium show in Perth, Australia in February, having them wrestle there would be a massive selling point for the show and still allow a potential match with Reigns and Cody Rhodes to headline WrestleMania 40 — unless WWE goes in a different direction.

Needless to say, stay tuned.