Update On WWE SmackDown Plans For The Rock

In a last-minute announcement, it was revealed The Rock will be appearing on tonight's episode of Friday Night SmackDown from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Rock's full plans for the show are unknown but WrestleVotes has reported that all signs point towards Dwayne Johnson announcing New Orleans as the host city of WrestleMania 42.

"All signs out of 'The Big Easy' this morning point to The Rock officially announcing that WrestleMania 42 is coming to New Orleans next year," WrestleVotes tweeted.

Reports have noted that the Superdome in New Orleans will host WrestleMania 42 in 2026. The Superdome has recently been refurbished and has previously hosted WrestleMania 30 and WrestleMania 34.

Whether The Rock will set up plans for himself at WrestleMania 41 on tonight's SmackDown is unknown. Dwayne Johnson previously told WWE at some point before Bad Blood 2024 that he wouldn't be able to wrestle at WrestleMania 41 and WWE had moved forward with creative under the impression that Dwayne Johnson wouldn't be working Mania.

Triple H has hinted The Rock could be doing more with WWE beyond a one-night appearance, though, saying in a press release: "Strap in. When The Final Boss shows up at this time of year, the audience knows absolutely anything is possible. Everything could change in an instant."

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