The Rock’s continued absence from WWE programming could finally end, with speculation pointing toward a return during this week’s edition of WWE RAW. His reappearance would come at a critical time, potentially to make a significant announcement regarding the Undisputed WWE Championship match between John Cena and CM Punk at Night of Champions.
The context for such an intervention has been built by Cena himself. In recent weeks, the 17-time champion has made pointed remarks, first stating he “did not sell his soul” to The Rock and later deriding CM Punk as “Mr. TKO.” These comments carry significant weight, as The Rock is a board member for WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, creating a scenario where Cena is openly challenging the company’s power structure.
This has led to the theory that The Rock may return to insert himself directly into the title picture by declaring himself the special guest referee for the bout. Such a move would introduce a powerful and unpredictable element into the championship clash, with The Rock’s actions potentially determining the outcome.
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The most dramatic consequence of this intervention could be a monumental double turn. According to one speculative scenario, The Rock could betray John Cena, who has seemingly distanced himself from corporate interests, by helping CM Punk secure the championship. This would establish Punk as a new corporate champion, embracing the “Mr. TKO” moniker as a heel, while allowing Cena to turn face for the final months of his career, seeking redemption against a powerful authority figure. This aligns with reports from late May that a major double turn involving Cena was being considered for SummerSlam.
The Rock was last seen at Elimination Chamber in March, where he was instrumental in John Cena’s heel turn. His subsequent silence has fueled rumors of backstage unease between him and Triple H regarding the company’s direction. While The Rock stated in an April interview that his absence from the WrestleMania 41 build was a deliberate choice to keep the focus on the main event, his return now would be viewed as a direct continuation of his “Final Boss” character arc.
While any scenario remains speculative, the on-screen provocations and backstage dynamics have set the stage for The Rock to make a decisive return. His involvement could fundamentally reshape not only the Night of Champions main event but the entire landscape of WWE heading into the summer.
IT. IS. OFFICIAL.
— WWE (@WWE) June 10, 2025
CENA vs. PUNK
Undisputed WWE Championship
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS
📍 RIYADH
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