Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shocked WWE fans during his latest SmackDown appearance by switching up his entrance music with a remix of Lil Wayne’s 1999 classic hit, “Tha Block Is Hot.”
The unexpected moment unfolded as Johnson made his way to the ring. While his usual theme played initially, the music quickly transitioned into a reworked version of Weezy’s debut single. Adding to the spectacle, his entrance video was altered to showcase New Orleans-inspired imagery, setting the stage for a major announcement.
The reason behind the electrifying switch-up? Johnson took the stage to reveal that WrestleMania 42 will take place in New Orleans next year. During a press conference after the event, the Hollywood megastar and wrestling icon explained why he chose to walk out to Lil Wayne’s track.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of Lil Wayne and Louisiana hip-hop,” Johnson shared. “From Master P, Juvenile, Birdman, and the whole 504 movement… those are my guys. Growing up in Miami and South Florida, they were a big part of my influences.”
Johnson further expressed his deep respect for the culture, emphasizing that his entrance was a tribute to the legends who shaped the New Orleans music scene.
“Before I’d go out and wrestle, whether it was here in New Orleans or anywhere across the U.S., I was always bumping these guys,” he continued. “So I figured, let’s take a moment and show love to the OGs. This is Lil Wayne’s city.”
Johnson even referenced Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance, acknowledging the new generation while cementing Wayne’s legacy.
“Much love to Kendrick, that’s my guy. But ‘Tha Block Is Hot’ had to be the one. It was my way of saluting Lil Wayne, the OG of New Orleans.”
With WrestleMania heading to The Big Easy, Johnson’s gesture not only hyped up the WWE Universe but also reinforced hip-hop’s deep influence on pop culture.
