Besides having my three daughters, my Samoan High Chief Title, High Chief Seiuli is one of the greatest honor of my life.
I gave my word and made a commitment 20 years ago to his Highness High Chief Maleatoa Tunamafili II and to our people of Samoa, that I would “leave my boyish… pic.twitter.com/HekYyXoymR
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) January 5, 2025
The Rock appeared surprised on NXT television this week, following his involvement in the launch of WWE’s new Netflix era on Monday Night Raw. Fans were excited to see the wrestling legend, who has become a sporadic presence in WWE in recent years due to his Hollywood commitments. During his NXT appearance, The Rock had a brief backstage interaction with Ethan Page before meeting with his on-screen daughter, Ava, who serves as the brand’s General Manager.
He then made his way to the ring to address the live crowd. In his promo, The Rock seemed to struggle momentarily, appearing to forget his lines.
#RawOnNetflix has an incredible look & vibe to it. #WWEonNetflix is gonna be a massive deal for WWE business around the world.
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) January 7, 2025
He paused silently before engaging the audience with his famous catchphrase, “If you smell what The Rock is cooking!” This led fans to joke about the incident on social media, with some recalling a past moment when John Cena pointed out that The Rock had written promo notes on his wrist.
The Rock’s surprise appearance
Despite the minor slip-up, The Rock recovered and delivered an entertaining performance.
WWE Raw Netflix Debut!! WWE Raw On Netflix 1/6/25 Full Show Review | SRS & Ibou https://t.co/WmjGQx3Czj
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 7, 2025
He emphasized his role as “The Final Boss” and his strategic mindset, stating, “The Rock is The Final Boss, thinking 20 steps ahead.
ALWAYS has a plan.”
Ethan Page: The Rock Said I Have A Sweet Ass, He Smells What I'm Cooking https://t.co/iBFgulztlU
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) January 8, 2025
The Rock also took the opportunity to thank the fans for their support, highlighting their importance in shaping the future stars of the wrestling industry. “The role they play is important,” he said. “They can help decide future stars in this industry.”
While his NXT appearance was brief, it left a lasting impression on fans who continue to enjoy The Rock’s charismatic presence whenever he returns to WWE.
His legacy in the company remains unmatched, and his involvement in the Netflix deal further cements his status as a key figure in the world of professional wrestling.
