Details behind Rock/Cody segment. (Patreon)

The Rock is back on Smackdown, and it came together this week.

Fightful Select was told by sources close to the situation that creative was told just a few days ahead of Smackdown, with it being a shock to many in the company.

The Rock appeared and announced a number of things -- WrestleMania 42 in New Orleans, that he wanted Cody Rhodes' soul, and that he'd be at Elimination Chamber to see if Cody would give him said soul.

As far as future plans, we're still working to learn how it affects things. Cody vs. John Cena had been in the plans since late last year. Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk, and later Reigns, Punk and Rollins had been planned at various points.

Back in October, WWE creative was preparing stories as if The Rock would not be available for WrestleMania. That continued all the way up until this week. At one point a top talent had joked to Ibou of Self Made PW that WrestleMania "was at the mercy of Dwayne," as he'd mentioned on our post-Raw podcast.

As of the evening ahead of Smackdown, Cody Rhodes was already pulled from the main event of Smackdown, which was reflected internally. Those that we've spoken to internally say that this all came together very late, and even they haven't been told the next direction.

Cristian Scovell was listed as a writer on the segment, who does work on most of Cody Rhodes' segments. Michael Hayes was listed as the producer. Despite the listed writer, The Rock does not have to follow strict scripts, in case you were wondering if "fuck" was scripted.

We'll work to learn more about the situation.