The Rock wrote a touching post on social media about his surprise return on Smackdown this past Friday, his first appearance in a WWE ring since 2019.

“I was – I’m still – completely blown away by this crowd reaction in Denver this past Friday night on SMACKDOWN,” he wrote. “My appearance was a surprise to everyone and this crowd of 14,000 erupted with the roar of 100,000 strong.”

He said that was easily top five loudest crowd reaction of his career and uttered “holy shit” when he walked out.

“I’m so grateful and humbled by this. I never take it for granted and ‘coming home’ will always be sacred to me,” he continued, before thanking Pat McAfee, “the talented Austin Theory,” his WWE family backstage, Team Rock, and everyone who joined.

“But most importantly, thank you with all my love, gratitude and respect, to THE PEOPLE. Our connection is real. Electrifying,” he concluded, signing off with “People’s champ.”