WWE’s SmackDown came to Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Friday night and was met with a surprise appearance by former WWE superstar Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
The shock was met with the revelation that The Rock will face off against Roman Reigns for the main event at WrestleMania XL in Philadelphia coming up in April.
Birmingham, Alabama with the biggest pop I’ve heard in that state since Auburn returned that FG 100 yards for the win. #WrestleMania @TheRock pic.twitter.com/FSa5Shw3xh
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) February 3, 2024
But as the show was ending, Johnson praised the city of Birmingham, referencing that the ‘Magic City’ truly is magical.
The Rock in Birmingham tonight for WWE.
On national television @TheRock said “When you want to create something magical, you come to the Magic City.” Huge for the City. pic.twitter.com/1RQSu49tRn
— BirminghamSports (@BirminghamSport) February 3, 2024
“It’s become very clear and evident to The Rock. That when you want to create something iconic, and when you want to create something magical, you come to the Magic City,” he said, sparking a huge reaction from the raucous crowd.
EXCLUSIVE: Moments after #SmackDown goes off the air, @TheRock and @WWERomanReigns stare each other down before The Tribal Chief turns his back on The Great One, leaving The Rock to sign off with the WWE Universe.@HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/7nPnvGkckO
— WWE (@WWE) February 3, 2024
“This is a city deep in history, and ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I’m happy to tell you that tonight, all of us we made history here in Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham, I thank you, I love you,” he finished before adding his signature “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking” line.
Johnson’s appearance in Birmingham was his first since 2016, and if he does indeed wrestle Reigns at WrestleMania, it would be his first full match since he took on John Cena in 2013 at WrestleMania 29.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
