Rock drastic transformation sparks fan reactions after long WWE absence and new movie role
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson surprised fans this past weekend in Europe, where new photos revealed a significant change in his physique. The 53-year-old, widely regarded for his muscular build, appeared noticeably leaner while promoting his upcoming film, The Smashing Machine, in Venice, Italy, alongside co-star Emily Blunt.
The Rock is currently going viral after losing a lot of muscle👀 pic.twitter.com/joGhS4GMo1
Johnson has not appeared in WWE since March’s Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event, where he played a central role in John Cena’s unexpected heel turn on Cody Rhodes. Despite speculation that he might feature at April’s WrestleMania 41, he did not participate in the event, nor in subsequent storylines. Fans briefly hoped for his return when reports surfaced of his presence in Italy ahead of WWE’s Clash in Paris, but he did not attend. Instead, the event’s major surprise involved Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins interfering in the main event.
In recent years, Johnson has maintained an image of being intensely dedicated to training, often sharing workout routines with millions of social media followers. However, for his latest role portraying former UFC fighter Mark Kerr, the actor has slimmed down, seemingly to reflect Kerr’s less muscular frame. Photos circulating online highlighted the shift, sparking viral fan reactions ranging from disbelief to humorous commentary. Some speculated the change signaled Johnson’s commitment to more diverse Hollywood roles beyond his typical action persona.
Johnson’s last WWE match occurred at WrestleMania 40, where he teamed with Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. While rumors of a future match persisted, no official return has been announced. As a member of TKO Group Holdings’ board of directors, which oversees WWE and UFC, Johnson remains influential in the industry. Nonetheless, his current appearance suggests an in-ring comeback is unlikely in the immediate future.