The Rock Shakes Up WWE with Lil Wayne’s ‘Tha Block Is Hot’ at New Orleans 

The Rock Shakes Up WWE with Lil Wayne’s ‘Tha Block Is Hot’ at New Orleans 

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is no stranger to making grand entrances, but his latest return to WWE: SmackDown was something completely unexpected. This time, instead of walking out to his iconic theme song, The Rock electrified the crowd with Lil Wayne’s 1999 hit “Tha Block Is Hot” as he stepped into the ring.

The event took place on February 21, 2025, in New Orleans, and as soon as the first beats of Lil Wayne’s classic song hit the speakers, fans erupted in excitement. On the giant screens above the stage, images of New Orleans flashed, making it clear that this was not just another dramatic entrance – it was a statement.

The Rock Pays Tribute to Lil Wayne

After the event, in a post-show press conference, The Rock explained why he chose this song for his return:

“I’ve always been a huge fan of Lil Wayne. I’ve always been a huge fan of Louisiana hip-hop, from Master P to Juvenile, Birdman, and the 504 Boyz. Those are my people. Growing up in Miami and South Florida, their music had a big impact on me.”

The Rock went on to say that before every match, whether in New Orleans or anywhere across the United States, he used to listen to these artists for motivation. Now, returning to WWE in New Orleans, he wanted to do something different – something that would pay tribute to the OGs of this city.

“I just felt like, ‘We’re in New Orleans, so let’s take a moment to honor these legends.’”

Lil Wayne and The Rock – A Shared Legacy of Greatness

In the same press conference, The Rock also touched on the controversy surrounding Lil Wayne’s absence from the Super Bowl Halftime Show earlier in the month. Many fans were outraged that Wayne, a native of New Orleans, was not featured as a headlining performer for an event held in his city. The Rock, being a lifelong fan of Wayne, made sure to set things right in his own way.

“This is Lil Wayne’s city. I love Kendrick [Lamar], that’s my guy. I love the NFL and I love the Super Bowl. I loved Kendrick’s performance. But this was my way of showing love to the OG of New Orleans, and that’s Lil Wayne. ‘Tha Block Is Hot’ – that’s what I wanted.”

For those who don’t know, “Tha Block Is Hot” was Lil Wayne’s breakout single in 1999. Released under Cash Money Records, the song featured BG and Juvenile, and it marked the beginning of Wayne’s legendary career. It quickly climbed the Billboard Hot 100 charts, paving the way for the NOLA rapper to become one of the biggest names in hip-hop.

Lil Wayne’s History with WWE

This isn’t the first time Lil Wayne has been associated with WWE. Fans will remember that Wayne performed “A Milli” live during WrestleMania last year while accompanying Jey Uso to the ring.

Wayne isn’t the only rapper to make an impact in WWE. Over the years, several hip-hop stars have made special appearances inside the squared circle, including:

• Bad Bunny – Who even held the now-defunct 24/7 Championship
• Snoop Dogg – Who has had multiple memorable moments in WWE
• Sexyy Red – Who was invited to wrestle but made a brief appearance on NXT

The Rock’s WWE Takeover Continues

Last year, The Rock made a massive move within the wrestling industry. He became a board member of TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE and UFC, solidifying his place not just as a WWE legend but also as a power player in the business.

Shortly after, The Rock returned to WWE television in a heated storyline with his real-life cousin, Roman Reigns. Reigns, who calls himself “The Tribal Chief”, is the undisputed leader of the legendary Anoa’i wrestling family. However, The Rock introduced himself as “The Final Boss”, signaling a major showdown between the two icons.

The Rock’s Hollywood Expansion – Teaming Up with Martin Scorsese

While WWE remains a huge part of The Rock’s legacy, he hasn’t forgotten about Hollywood.

The Rock is set to star in a new film directed by Martin Scorsese, alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt. The film will focus on Hawaiian organized crime in the 1960s and 1970s, diving deep into territorial battles and resistance against American business expansion.

What’s Next for The Rock in WWE?

With WrestleMania fast approaching, fans are speculating about The Rock’s next big move. Will he officially challenge Roman Reigns for the title? Will we see him bring more hip-hop culture into his entrances?

Regardless of what happens next, one thing is certain: The Rock still knows how to steal the spotlight – whether in WWE, Hollywood, or the world of music!

The Rock’s Influence Beyond Wrestling – A Cultural Powerhouse in Sports and Entertainment

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is no longer just a wrestling legend or a Hollywood superstar—he is a cultural phenomenon. His ability to seamlessly blend sports, entertainment, and music into one captivating experience is what keeps him at the top of the industry. His latest WWE entrance with Lil Wayne’s “Tha Block Is Hot” was more than just a song choice; it was a strategic statement, a way to connect with fans on a deeper level.

Throughout his career, The Rock has always embraced hip-hop culture, from his collaborations with top rap artists to his appearances at music festivals and award shows. Whether it’s quoting legendary rap lyrics in his promos or bringing music icons into his WWE world, The Rock has consistently bridged the gap between two of the most passionate fan bases—wrestling and hip-hop.

His respect for New Orleans’ music scene is yet another example of how he uses his influence to celebrate different cultures. Louisiana has produced some of the most legendary hip-hop artists of all time, and The Rock’s tribute to Lil Wayne was a moment that resonated with fans of both wrestling and rap. In a time when hip-hop and sports are more connected than ever, The Rock proves once again that he understands how to create a moment that lasts beyond the ring.

But The Rock’s cultural impact doesn’t stop at wrestling and music—he has also left his mark in the worlds of fitness, philanthropy, and business. His energy drink brand ZOA Energy has become a dominant player in the market, while his Under Armour “Project Rock” line continues to inspire athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.