Fans predict The Rock will be back in WWE soon after Smashing Machine flops at box office
(Courtesy : WWE)
The Rock gave one of the best performances of his career in The Smashing Machine!
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s latest Hollywood project has taken a heavy hit where it matters most, at the box office.
The Smashing Machine, Johnson’s gritty biopic about MMA legend Mark Kerr, was intended to mark a new era for the former WWE Champion. Critics praised his raw, stripped-back performance, calling it one of his most mature roles yet.
But the film’s opening weekend numbers painted a different picture, as it stumbled to just $6 million domestically, the lowest debut of Johnson’s movie career.
For a man once regarded as the most electrifying figure in both wrestling and entertainment, the contrast could hardly be more striking.
A career low for Hollywood’s toughest star
Johnson has built his reputation on larger-than-life characters, heroes who save worlds, lead armies, and command billion-dollar box offices. Yet, in recent years, that unstoppable momentum has begun to slow.
His 2022 superhero film Black Adam grossed $393 million worldwide, well below studio expectations. His next project, the festive action-comedy Red One, ended with $186 million, leaving many to wonder whether audiences were growing weary of his familiar blockbuster formula.
Then came The Smashing Machine; a passion project, a bid for artistic credibility, and perhaps even a shot at Oscar glory. Variety lauded his performance as “transformative,” suggesting he could be a contender for Best Actor. But while the critics were kind, the audience turnout wasn’t. The $6 million debut trailed projections by a wide margin, even falling behind Johnson’s 2010 action film Faster.
Fans react and believe The Rock could return to WWE
Wrestling fans were quick to react, flooding social media with predictions of a WWE comeback. Fans believe The Rock could soon be coming back to the ring now, summing up what many in the wrestling world already believe: when Hollywood cools, The Rock always comes home.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson could be reinventing himself
It wouldn’t be the first time Johnson turned adversity into opportunity. In the late 1990s, his original “Rocky Maivia” character was met with boos and indifference. He reinvented himself as “The Rock,” the brash, charismatic heel who went on to define the Attitude Era.
When Hollywood tried to pigeonhole him in supporting roles, he built his own production company and rewrote the rulebook on action stardom. And when he returned to WWE in 2011, his comeback generated some of the most-watched segments and highest-grossing pay-per-view events in company history.
That same instinct for timing could soon draw him back once more. With The Smashing Machine struggling and his schedule tied to WWE through his TKO Board of Directors position, the pieces are already in place. Fans are convinced it’s not a matter of if, but when The Rock laces up the boots again.
For all his success in film, wrestling remains his most natural stage, a place where timing, charisma, and redemption collide. The same qualities that defined Mark Kerr’s struggles in The Smashing Machine may soon mirror Johnson’s own journey back to the squared circle.
Because if history has taught fans anything, it’s that The Rock never stays down for long. And when he rises again, the entire industry pays attention.
Why did The Smashing Machine underperform at the box office?
Despite strong reviews for Johnson’s performance, the film’s dark tone and niche subject matter likely limited its mass appeal compared to his blockbuster hits.
Is The Rock planning a full-time WWE return?
While nothing is official, fans and insiders believe Johnson could make another in-ring appearance, especially given his growing executive role in TKO’s WWE.
Could The Smashing Machine still win awards despite poor box office results?
Yes. Critics have praised Johnson’s acting as award-worthy, and the film could still earn nominations during awards season despite its commercial struggles.
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Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.
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