Rumours surrounding the 2022 Royal Rumble claimed that The Rock was set to make his long awaited return to the WWE. The legendary former World Champion was thought to be having his first match in 8 years by winning the Royal Rumble, before challenging Universal Champion Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania.
As the clock counted down from 10 to klaxon, fans were ready to jump on their feet when they heard the immortal words “If you smell what The Rock is cooking!”. Sadly, their excitement was met with disappointment as Brock Lesnar, who had already lost the WWE Championship earlier that night, entered in his assumed place instead and won the entire match.
It is considered one of the worst Royal Rumble matches of all time and only someone on the level of The Rock could have saved it from being terrible. Given that the only surprises were Bad Bunny and Shane McMahon, his star power could have turned it from the worst to one of the best.
Many people expected to see The Rock in the 2022 Royal Rumble. However, the rumours had no basis in them at all and he was never planned to take part in the match, according to sources. Ringside News reported that;
“There’s a lot of talk about the #RoyalRumble right now, but we do know one thing for sure. The Rock is not going to be there. We were told that “Rock was never even once discussed a possibility of appearing.” That should shut down some day-of rumors from churning.”
It seems obvious that he would not return, but fans have never given up hope. After Steve Austin and Vince McMahon both returned to wrestle a match at Wrestlemania 38, there was always the chance that a former WWE superstar like The Rock could make an appearance at their second biggest event of the year.
The rumour was for The Rock to win the 2022 Royal Rumble and challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Obviously Roman Reigns vs The Rock never happened, although this could still take place at Wrestlemania. The event is set to take place in Los Angeles, the perfect place for the Brahma Bull to make his long awaited return to the ring.
The 2023 Royal Rumble is set to take place on January 28, 2023 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas – the home of WWE legend Shawn Michaels. The bookies have already released their favourites to win the match, with one WWE star the heavy favourite to win the bout, even ahead of a returning The Rock. Click below to read all about the Royal Rumble 2023 prediction.