In a moment that left the WWE Universe buzzing with shock, confusion, and intrigue, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson delivered one of the most unexpected and bizarre moments in recent wrestling history during the February 21st episode of SmackDown. In front of a packed arena and millions of viewers watching at home, The Rock stepped into the ring with Cody Rhodes, leaned in, and kissed him on the cheek before gently caressing his face. The crowd erupted in a mix of cheers, boos, and stunned silence, as fans tried to make sense of what they had just witnessed. But The Rock, ever the master of storytelling, didn’t leave them hanging for long. He later explained the reason behind his strange actions, adding another layer of drama to the already intense rivalry between himself and Cody Rhodes.
The segment began with Cody Rhodes making his way to the ring, microphone in hand, to address the WWE Universe. Rhodes, who has been on a mission to “finish the story” and claim the WWE Championship, spoke passionately about his journey and his determination to overcome any obstacle in his path. However, his promo was interrupted by the electrifying entrance music of The Rock. The crowd roared as the People’s Champion made his way to the ring, his signature Brahma Bull swagger on full display. The tension between the two superstars was palpable, as The Rock and Cody Rhodes stood face-to-face in the center of the ring.
What happened next was something no one could have predicted. Instead of launching into a verbal tirade or a physical confrontation, The Rock looked deep into Cody’s eyes, placed a hand on his shoulder, and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. He then gently caressed Rhodes’ face, a gesture that was equal parts tender and unsettling. The audience was left in stunned silence, unsure of how to react to the unexpected display of affection from one of the most dominant figures in WWE history.
After a moment of silence, The Rock grabbed a microphone and addressed the crowd. “You’re all wondering why I just did that,” he began, his voice calm but dripping with intensity. “Let me explain something to you. Cody Rhodes, you’ve been running your mouth about finishing the story, about being the face of this company, about being the people’s champion. But let me remind you, there’s only one People’s Champion, and that’s me.” The crowd erupted in cheers, firmly on The Rock’s side as he continued.
“What I just did wasn’t about affection. It was about respect,” The Rock explained. “You see, Cody, I respect your hustle. I respect your dedication. I respect the fact that you’ve worked your ass off to get to where you are. But let me make one thing clear: respect doesn’t mean I’m going to let you take what’s mine. That kiss on the cheek? That was a warning. A reminder that no matter how hard you fight, no matter how much you want it, you’ll always be second best. Because when it comes to this business, when it comes to being the People’s Champion, there’s only one man who can stand at the top of the mountain, and that’s The Rock.”
The explanation only added fuel to the fire, as Cody Rhodes stood in the ring, visibly shaken but defiant. “You think a kiss on the cheek is going to intimidate me?” Rhodes fired back. “You think you can just waltz in here, do whatever you want, and expect me to back down? You’re wrong, Rock. Dead wrong. I don’t care about your legacy. I don’t care about your Hollywood career. All I care about is finishing my story, and if you get in my way, I’ll go through you to do it.”
The confrontation between The Rock and Cody Rhodes has been building for weeks, with both superstars trading barbs and laying the groundwork for what promises to be one of the most explosive rivalries in WWE history. The Rock’s return to WWE has been nothing short of monumental, as he has seamlessly transitioned from Hollywood megastar back to the larger-than-life persona that made him a wrestling icon. Cody Rhodes, on the other hand, has been on a relentless quest to cement his legacy, and his clash with The Rock represents the ultimate test of his resolve.
The kiss and caress on the cheek may have been a shocking moment, but it was also a masterstroke of psychological warfare. The Rock’s ability to get inside his opponent’s head is unparalleled, and this latest move has undoubtedly left Cody Rhodes questioning his next steps. As the WWE Universe eagerly awaits the next chapter in this rivalry, one thing is certain: the road to WrestleMania just got a whole lot more interesting.
Whether this bizarre moment leads to a full-blown feud or is simply a precursor to something even bigger, it has already cemented itself as one of the most talked-about moments in recent WWE history. The Rock has once again proven why he is one of the greatest entertainers in the business, and Cody Rhodes has shown that he is more than ready to step into the spotlight. As the tension between these two superstars continues to build, fans can only wonder what shocking twist awaits them next. One thing is for sure: when The Rock and Cody Rhodes collide, the WWE Universe will be watching.
