If the appearance of the most electrifying man in sports entertainment wasn’t enough to excite, The Rock made waves across the WWE Universe with his appearance on the February 21, 2025, edition of SmackDown. With a monumental announcement for next year’s WrestleMania, and a special offer for Cody Rhodes, The Rock made things interesting as we inch closer to the biggest event in sports entertainment.
The Rock returned to a massive pop from the New Orleans crowd, for his appearance, and the New Orleans remix of his intro music. New Orleans has a special place in WWE history, including previously hosting WrestleMania’s 30, and 34. His announcement elevates New Orleans to even more rarified air.
With the announcement of the city hosting in 2026, New Orleans joins New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, and Rosemont, as the only cities to host at least three WrestleMania’s. Considering it’s been since WrestleMania 22 that a city has accomplished this, New Orleans may be the only city to do so in the modern era. The main event saw the PG13 version of John Cena, defeating Triple H before they renamed his submission finisher. Previously known as the STFU before being renamed to the STF, Cena also had his FU renamed to the Attitude Adjustment. Still wrestling with edge, and not yet settled into his gimmick move-set of today, this was truly Cena’s prime.
The Rock did not end his evening with the WrestleMania announcement, he then called out the current Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes. After saying that via TKO he owns WWE, The Rock presented Rhodes with an odd proposition. While intriguing, it received very little pop from the crowd. In fairness to the crowd, seeing The Rock hold Cody’s face while gazing into his eyes was strange. Claiming the ability to elevate Rhodes from a great champion to be able to make his wildest dreams come true, he would need to do just one thing.
Rock is requesting Cody Rhodes be “his champion.” Without hesitation, Rhodes declared he was their (WWE Universe) champion. “Sleep on it,” Rock said, letting him know it’s not the title he’s after, “I want your soul.” The Rock is expecting an answer in Toronto, at WWE Elimination Chamber on March 1, 2025.
What could this mean for Cody Rhodes? Could the ultimate babyface consider selling his soul to take his family to the next level? With more questions than answers, there’s no question New Orleans will be a great WrestleMania host in 2026.
Howe Fresh
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