Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s WWE SmackDown Return Viewed 103M Times; Most Socially Viewed Video of 2023

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s return to WWE on this past week’s episode of SmackDown Live was such a surprise that it is now the most-viewed video on social media this year.

WWE announced on Monday that the video has been viewed over 103 million times:

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Johnson appeared at the top of the show during a segment with Pat McAfee and Austin Theory. He hit Theory with his trademark People’s Elbow to send the Denver crowd into a frenzy. His first WWE appearance in four years came in the company’s first show since its merger with UFC under Endeavor became official last week.

After his appearance on Friday, fans are surely hoping for one last match from The Great One, perhaps at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia next year.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson made a surprise return to WWE on Friday Night SmackDown this week and fans are wondering if he’s properly back.

The Great One stepped out in front of an incredibly passionate crowd in Denver, Colorado – who were also treated to an appearance by John Cena – to trash talk former United States Champion Austin Theory before laying him out with a People’s Elbow.

The legendary wrestler turned Hollywood star interrupted an exchange between Theory and Pat McAfee, and took no prisoners as he delivered a roasting like only The Rock can.

In the end, things certainly got physical as the Great One hit a Spinebuster and People’s Elbow combination, before encouraging McAfee to hit Theory with one of his own.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson hits Austin Theory with the People's Elbow on WWE SmackDown in September 2023

Before turning up on SmackDown, Dwayne was a guest on The Pat McAfee Show and revealed some interesting tidbits about a heavily rumoured dream match against his cousin Roman Reigns.

In fact, he admitted an epic showdown with the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion was ‘locked’ for WrestleMania 39 earlier this year, but plans fell through.

Dwayne ?The Rock? Johnson confirms Roman Reigns match was ?locked in? for WrestleMania before plans changed picture: WWE metrograb

‘The Rock headlining WrestleMania with Roman Reigns, SoFi Stadium, that was locked,’ he said. ‘We were doing it.’

It all started when he joined Vince McMahon and Nick Khan for a meeting at the beginning of 2022, which saw them discuss ‘the potential of what this match could be’, with the annual extravaganza taking place in Hollywood.

 

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