Negotiations Underway For The Rock’s In-Ring Return

The Rock might not be done with WWE just yet.

On September 10, it was reported that WrestleMania 43 in 2027 would be held in Saudi Arabia. This would mark the first time the event has ever been held outside of North America.

There’s yet to be any official confirmation from WWE, but according to Saudi Arabian adviser Turki Alalshikh, a deal is done. A press release was also put out from the Saudi side, but this was quickly pulled, likely ahead of an official joint announcement.

The news was followed by a report that said Saudi officials are looking to stack the event with WWE legends, including The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and many more, with money said to be no object.

Talks Underway For The Rock

Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer confirmed that talks are underway to get The Rock back in the ring for the main event of WrestleMania 43. As noted by Meltzer, those close to the situation believe a deal could soon be agreed.

Should The Great One get back in the ring, he’ll land the biggest payday for a wrestler for a single event in history.

“The impression is that the final payment number for the show will be affected by whether or not they get The Rock in the main event. The idea is that the individual payoff for Johnson would be multiple times that of any pro wrestler for any event in history.”

The Rock hasn’t wrestled since teaming with Roman Reigns to beat Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 40 night one. Many expected him to feature at WrestleMania 41 after instigating John Cena’s heel turn, but the event came and went without him.

Instead, The Rock offered a strange explanation for missing the event, stating that the story around Cena didn’t need him.