WWE”smackdown is here legacy arena Former WWE Superstar Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson made a surprise appearance on Friday night in Birmingham.

The shock came with the revelation that The Rock will face Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania XL in Philadelphia in April.

In Birmingham, Alabama, the loudest pop heard in the state since Auburn returned a 100-yard FG for the win. #wrestlemania @rock pic.twitter.com/FSa5Shw3xh

— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) February 3, 2024

But towards the end of the show, Johnson praised the city of Birmingham, noting that the “Magic City” was truly magical.

WWE's The Rock in Birmingham tonight.

on national television @rock “When you want to create something magical, you come to a magical city.” Huge for a city. pic.twitter.com/1RQSu49tRn

— Birmingham Sports (@BirminghamSport) February 3, 2024

“That's very obvious and obvious to The Rock. When you want to create something iconic, and you want to create something magical, you come to Magic City,” he says. There was a loud reaction from the boisterous crowd.

Exclusive: Immediately after #smack down The broadcast went off, @rock and @WWERomanReigns They glared at each other, but the Tribe Leader turned his back on The Great One, and The Rock signed a contract with the WWE Universe.@heyman hustle pic.twitter.com/7nPnvGkckO

— WWE (@WWE) February 3, 2024

“This is a city with a lot of history. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, tonight I'm happy to say that we all made history here in Birmingham, Alabama. Thank you, Birmingham, and we love you.” He finished, then added his signature line, “Can you smell The Rock cooking?”

Johnson will be competing in Birmingham for the first time since 2016, and if he does indeed face Reigns at WrestleMania, it will be his first full match since facing John Cena at WrestleMania 29 in 2013.

Michael Brauner is a senior sports analyst and contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP