Did the Rock challenge Roman Reigns? What could Wrestlemania look like?

We smell what you're cooking, Rock.

During "Monday Night Raw's" Day 1 special, Dwayne Johnson, better known as World Wrestling Entertainment superstar "The Rock," returned to the show that helped make him famous. But instead of coming back as a cameo, it looked like he was back with a purpose.

Jinder Mahal returns

WWE, including creative director Triple H, promised a former champion would return during the "Monday Night Raw" special, which ran head to head against the college football semifinals. Former champ Jinder Mahal returned to a lukewarm welcome, and he ran down the fans in San Diego as well as the United States.

That's when Rock's music hit, and the biggest action movie star returned to home. After disposing of Mahal, Rock spoke to the fans as he always does. But he left on a teaser?

Rock sits at the head of the table?

Before leaving, Rock asked the San Diego fans if he should sit at a table, at the bar or at the head of the table? Normally the Rock would have the seat at the head of the table reserved, but now that seat is occupied by his cousin, Roman Reigns.

Reigns isn't just a star wrestler and the Rock's cousin. He has been the top wrestler in the world, holding the Universal title since 2020. He's rapidly becoming one of the longest reigning WWE champions of all time.

The match between Rock and Reigns has been rumored for years, but last night was really the first time the match has been teased. If it happens, a logical place for it to happen would be Wrestlemania 40, which takes place in Philadelphia in April.

The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns, unbeaten in singles matches for the better part of five years, against the People's Champ? It might not get much bigger than that.

Wrestlemania in Philly

Perhaps WWE should hold its biggest show of the year in Philly more often. This is the second time Wrestlemania will be held in Philly, and for the second time, the company is going through a boom period.

The first time was in 1999, the height of the attitude era, and it also featured Rock against the hottest star in the industry. That year, Rock defended the championship against Stone Cold Steve Austin before a sellout crowd at the First Union Center.

Hollywood: WWE brings WrestleMania to Hollywood. A visual guide to the event and its history.

A lot has changed in 25 years. The top star in wrestling now is Roman Reigns, and it's been that way since he returned with Paul Heyman in 2020. Reigns has been easily the best bad guy champion.

Heyman will also be a huge part of Wrestlemania, which is cool considering his history with Philadelphia. Heyman owned and ran Extreme Championship Wrestling during the 1990s. The promotion, which ran out of a Mummer's Clubhouse, became the third biggest promotion in the world, so Heyman and Philly have a special connection. And despite being one of the most evil characters on the show, he might get some cheers from the Philly faithful.

Did Rock acknowledge Roman Reigns?

Rock might be the perfect foil for the bad guy in what could be the biggest match in wrestling history. Especially for a bad guy, Reigns has been the focal point of the show for four years, and through it all, he's had internal conflict with his family.

Reigns has made life miserable for his cousins, Jimmy and Jey Uso. He cemented his position as a bad guy by beating his cousins up before they eventually joined his efforts. That didn't stop him from treating them poorly. He also enlisted the Usos brother, Solo Sikoa to join his group.

If the Rock was just a famous wrestler, him returning for this match would be huge. But he's no longer "The Rock," former WWE champion. He's now one of the biggest and highest paid stars in Hollywood.

WWE has been getting hotter and hotter by the day with former stars returning and new stars being made. Bringing Rock back to WWE for Wrestlemania could make for the biggest match in WWE history. And that's not a pro wrestling promo. That's truth.

Who will Cody Rhodes wrestle at Wrestlemania?

Rock's return does throw a monkey wrench into what we all expected.

After losing to Reigns last year at Wrestlemania, many expected Cody Rhodes to get a rematch against Reigns, but if Rock is back, what's that mean for Rhodes?

Perhaps he still gets a title match. Seth Rollins, who has become one of the top guys in the sport thanks to his successful run with the World Heavyweight Champion, still needs an opponent. If Rock is wrestling Reigns, that means the winner of this month's Royal Rumble will be Rollins' opponent. If Rhodes wants his shot, he'll have to win his second straight Royal Rumble.

Who will CM Punk wrestle at Wrestlemania?

At Survivor Series just after Thanksgiving, CM Punk returned to WWE for the first time since 2014.

Everyone thought Punk's first feud in his WWE return would be against Rollins. That could very well be the case, but he'll have to win the Royal Rumble to do it. If he does, Rollins vs. Punk would be a huge match.

But let's go with Rollins-Rhodes as the match that is planned for Philly.

There are a lot of guys Punk could end up wrestling. What about Stone Cold Steve Austin? That was a dream match from a few years ago that we never got. Could that be in the plans? Austin did wrestle Kevin Owens two years ago for his first match in decades. Could he do another? Like Rock, he did main event last time Wrestlemania was in Philly.

Is this the deepest WWE roster ever?

Any match involving Rock, Reigns, Rollins, Rhodes, Punk or Austin would be a main event. Since Wrestlemania is a two-day event, only two matches can be the main event, so there's already too many main eventers.

Then throw in Drew McIntyre, the Usos, Sikoa, LA Knight, Randy Orton, AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, Rey Mysterio, Dom Mysterio, Damien Priest, Finn Balor, Gunther, The Miz and don't forget guys like John Cena and Brock Lesnar, it's hard to come up with a better roster.

And that's just the men.

With women like Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, Auska, Charlotte Flair, Bayley, Biancia Belair and Iyo Sky, WWE could easily produce a women's main event that could be every bit as good as any men's main event.

WWE was in a great spot heading into Wrestlemania even if the Rock wasn't headed to Philly. With him, it opens up so many possibilities.

Wrestlemania is a little over three months away. We'll know more after the Royal Rumble on Jan. 27 when the road to Wrestlemania begins.

But last night the Rock definitely gassed up the car to hit the road.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Wrestlemania card shaping up? 'The Rock' returns to WWE