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The Rock Returns On 9/15 WWE SmackDown, Attacks Austin Theory With Pat McAfee, Hugs John Cena

Wrestling WWE
Robert DeFelice Sep 15, 2023 8:45PM

Finally, The Rock has come back to SmackDown, and so has Pat McAfee.

The September 15 episode of Friday Night SmackDown kicked off with Pat McAfee addressing the crowd in Colorado. He was quickly interrupted by his WrestleMania 38 opponent, Austin Theory. While Theory was quick to run down McAfee, McAfee quickly reminded Austin that this was the people's show.

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This led to the return of "The People's Champion" The Rock. The Rock led the charge against Austin Theory, leading the chants of "You are an asshole." Theory tried to attack Rock before Rock could attack him, but Dwayne Johnson still ended up laying the SmackDown on Austin Theory, dropping him with The People's Elbow before Pat McAfee hit one of his own.

This was the first time The Rock was on SmackDown since the debut episode of Friday Night SmackDown on Fox in 2019.

The Rock then interacted with John Cena, giving him a hug backstage after John welcomed him home. They wrestle each other at WrestleMania 28 and 29.

Earlier in the day on September 15, The Rock revealed that he was set to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 and is open to facing him at WrestleMania 40. Learn more here.

Fightful Select has more information on Rock's future in WWE and also initially reported that The Rock and Pat McAfee would be at the September 15 WWE Friday Night SmackDown event in Denver.

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Check out our live coverage of Friday Night SmackDown here. There will also be a review podcast on our YouTube.

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