Shortly after the TKO merger on September 12, the WWE universe was in for a massive surprise as Dwayne Johnson made a comeback. It was a comeback for the ages as the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, had its roof almost blown away as soon as the titantron displayed the icon’s logo and speakers blared “If you smell…” Needless to say, the September 15, 2023, episode of SmackDown will occupy a special place in the hearts of millions across the globe as it was graced by The Rock. However, not everyone was happy. Especially Grayson Waller, who registered complaints soon after the Friday night program ended.

This isn’t surprising considering what Waller has been up to in the last few months. However, what will leave many surprised is his take on Johnson during a recent chat, which was in contrast to his views lately.

Is Grayson Waller finally coming to terms with Dwayne Johnson’s popularity?

How popular is Dwayne Johnson among the WWE fans? Had this question been asked pre-September 15, 2023, many could have argued that Johnson’s popularity was waning. It looked like that, especially with the not-so-favorable comment he received from fans in and around WrestleMania 39. Many even accused Johnson of ditching the promotion for other endeavors.

All that has been snubbed with a 15-minute appearance from Dwayne Johnson after nearly four years. From the moment his music hit, till the time he went back through the curtains, there was deafening noise from the spectators. To add to that, the crowd responded to each and every movement of Johnson, who used them to insult Austin Theory in a sheer demonstration of crowd control. It looks like Grayson Waller has finally understood the larger-than-life stature of The Great One in the WWE.

Speaking to Peter Rosenberg of the Cheap Heat podcast, the Aussie pro wrestler finally acknowledged Dwayne Johnson. “The Rock is the GOAT on the mic… Even now, he’s been away for so long, the control he has over that audience is different. I can appreciate that. He’s on a different level,” Waller said. He also called the eight-time WWE Champion “the best”.

This has been a complete U-turn from Waller’s stance on Johnson, whom the 33-year-old targeted online while making comparisons. While Johnson generally steers clear of comments, The Brahma Bull didn’t let go of Waller and shot back. On the other hand, Johnson’s insults actually worked in the SmackDown star’s favor, who found new fandom for his ability to get a response from Johnson.

Read More: ‘I Still Respect Him’: Despite Disrespecting Dwayne Johnson, Grayson Waller Has Nothing but Respect for The Rock’s Legendary Rival and a 2-Time WWE Hall of Famer

This, however, failed to live up to Waller’s expectations.

Grayson Waller pins blame on Dwayne Johnson after missed opportunity

With all the momentum and buildup for weeks, SmackDown could have been the perfect platform for Waller to meet Johnson face-to-face. But that didn’t happen.

Unable to get Johnson on his show, Waller vented his frustration, but with a twist. He told the cameras backstage that even after scouring the arena, he wasn’t able to find the 51-year-old, and directly blamed the wrestler-turned-actor for leaving the building.

With Johnson finally coming back and teasing a match with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, fans can expect Waller and Johnson to cross paths in the near future. Till then, the Aussie is likely to harp on the same tune about Johnson leaving the arena in a hurry.

That said, what’s your take on Grayson Waller’s praise of Dwayne Johnson? Did it surprise you? Let us know in the comments.

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