This is the Rock we want to see! *contains SD! spoilers*

[HR]

Just got done watching Smackdown, and man, just one week and two shows into this year's Rocky return have already destroyed everything from his previous stint. Almost everyone was waxing lyrical in the Raw thread about how awesome the first Rock/Punk confrontation was, and rightfully so. Even so, I don't particularly remember the Rock who came out to the ring and cut long-winded promos trying to hype up a match beyond belief saying the same thing over and over again - and while I understand why that was necessary last year with limited appearances and the nature of the Rock/Cena feud - it's not the Rock that I want to see. But the real Rock came out to play on Smackdown. This is the Rock I remember watching as a 12 year old new to wrestling, instantly captured by his charisma and flat out thinking that he was the coolest and funniest guy in the world.

Rocky on Smackdown was that guy again. His segment, quite quickly interrupted by Rhodes Scholars, was just fantastic. It was well written, well performed, comedic, and fun. It's so great to see him interacting with other superstars like Rhodes and Sandow this time around, it's like he's actually apart of the WWE again rather than some tacked on special attraction who can't be touched/interrupted. It's also so great to see him be the guy that I remember, super funny, quick witted, and loaded with killer putdowns (rather than forced insults or catchphrases to trend on twitter). Cody and Sandow were excellent value in this segment too, to their credit, and they were an excellent foil for Rocky.

It's hard to believe that we'd gotten to a situation where people were actually criticising The Rock, more people apparently not wanting him to be around than those that did - given that prior to WM27 everyone was falling over themselves for his return. But that's because we weren't really getting the real Rock. But I think we are now, and him going to be around permanently for the rest of the month is going to be a real blast. I hope you all enjoy this segment as much as I did.

[Oncall]

Completely agree HR, watched it this afternoon and loved it. It's such a refreshing and enjoyable change, it might just be me but Rhodes didn't seem nervous as the spoilers reported.

[Stefan]

It was a fantastic episode. One of the best in recent memory. Cody was fine, the nervous stuff in the spoilers was BS. I couldn't stop laughing. That segment, plus the World Title match, and the surprisingly good Orton vs. Cesaro match made this a great SD.

[SM]

Hearing that you all enjoyed the segment so much makes me even more excited to see it than I already was. I figured the reoports were wrong on the fact the Rhodes seemed nervous, so I am glad to hear they were.

[Stefan]

You could tell that Rock was having fun. Made it all more enjoyable.

[Big Pete]

Let me just add...

Oi *nod*

[Bird Kid]

I just watched it. I can't believe I was actually able to find the video on YouTube. I thought it was great. Cody didn't look nervous and I was watching him anticipating to see him look or act nervous. All three men were awesome in that ring and Sandows arrogance is amazing.

Rock did his thing, but the other two guys really shined in the ring with The Great One.

[The Champ]

It's so great to see him interacting with other superstars like Rhodes and Sandow this time around, it's like he's actually apart of the WWE again rather than some tacked on special attraction who can't be touched/interrupted. It's also so great to see him be the guy that I remember, super funny, quick witted, and loaded with killer putdowns (rather than forced insults or catchphrases to trend on twitter).

Absolutely agreed. Great segment, and a great reminder of what made The Rock such a fun guy to watch back in the day.

[PB]

The Rock's return until this week was really putting him down in my estimation. He was one of my favourites growing up but his return made me think it was only because I was young at the time. This week, however, has reminded me just how good The Rock can be. Great stuff.

[Bird Kid]

If anything, this could be the best thing for the WWE if they have Cena and Rock actually give serious promos to each other. I want Cena to go heel so bad at WM by selling his soul to beat The Rock. Rock could legitimize more then they already are, both Punk and Cena.

My dream for Mania 30 is Punk vs Austin, Cena vs Taker and HHH vs Rock. What a triple main event that could be and yes, you can still have the likes of Shield, DB and Ziggler in high class matches so people don't go crazy sensitive. I love Wrestlemania season.

[Todd]

Cody nervous? Cody looked great. So much drivel in the SmackDown spoiler reports, it baffles me that people still judge the show based on them, before they watch it.

[ToXiCiTy]

Best Smackdown segment in years.

[Falcone]

"Rutherford B. Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayes BITCH!"

[The Champ]

How great is it for Damien Sandow that in the course of a few months, he's gotten to interrupt D-Generation X and The Rock?

[Todd]

It's awesome and he's a deserving choice. His character is so entertaining and a perfect foil for the Attitude guys.

[King_Steve]

Great segment from The Rock, and Sandow/Rhodes did a great job too. It really seemed like The Rock was enjoying himself out there.

[L.T.D]

I'm watching it in the UK now, I thought The Rock opened up the show?

I guess they switched it around and put it on later than it actually happened. Cleverly done, they're showing Cesaro vs. Orton and JBL and Josh Matthews are talking about The Rock's return coming up when it has in fact already happened.

[Falcone]

I guess The Rock had to make a flight so they put him on earlier in the tapings.

[Krimzon]

Everything about that segment was utter brilliance. Rock, Sandow, & Cody brought it bigtime!

[Djm]

Honestly, the "I'M NOT WATCHING SMACKDOWN BECAUSE HERP DERP SPOILERS" should feel like idiots after that segment.

[Summer of Punk]

That was awesome.

[Mercury]

Honestly, the "I'M NOT WATCHING SMACKDOWN BECAUSE HERP DERP SPOILERS" should feel like idiots after that segment.

After that segment and.....

ALBERTO DEL RIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Sorry, marking out for Senor Del Rio after watching his Last Man Standing!

Awesome segment with Rock and Rhodes Scholars!

Rock is having so much fun this go-around. Much better than his last stint because it seemed like he spent most of his time last year defending himself against bogus accusations that his heart isn't with wrestling. Now he's just having fun and it's great. Hope to see many more interactions with current WWE guys.

[CM Punk'd]

I can't wait until Monday. It will be the return of "The Rock Concert!"

[Benson]

Cody nervous? Cody looked great. So much drivel in the SmackDown spoiler reports, it baffles me that people still judge the show based on them, before they watch it.

Oh the magic of TV production.

[Justin Valuable]

I'm glad Rutherford B. Hayes received some much deserved mentioning tonight.