The Rock Returns To WWE, Calls CM Punk After ‘Monday Night Raw’

It’s been nearly a year since The Rock appeared on WWE TV, and CM Punk left the company more than three years ago. Both former wrestlers, however, nearly took part in a WWE event Monday night.

The Rock didn’t show up on the Feb. 20 edition of “Monday Night Raw,” but he was in attendance at Staples Center in Los Angeles. After the show went off the air, the movie star entered the ring to address the crowd, which had been chanting Punk’s name. He attempted to get a response from the former WWE superstar, making multiple calls to him on his cell phone.

Punk didn’t answer, but The Rock made sure to leave him a voicemail.

“Hey, Punk, it’s Rock. This is not a joke. I’m literally calling from the middle of the Staples Center with about 15,000 strong,” The Rock said. “I hope you can hear this. Again, it’s not a rib. They are chanting your name.”

A scene from the upcoming movie “Fighting With My Family” was being filmed after “Monday Night Raw” ended. The chants likely began because AJ Lee, former wrestler and Punk’s wife, was being portrayed in the scene. As a producer of the film, The Rock appeared in front of the crowd both before and after “Monday Night Raw” was on the air.

Even though Punk didn’t answer The Rock’s call, he did acknowledge on Twitter that he got the message.

Punk abruptly left WWE in January 2014 and hasn’t been back since. His 434-day reign as WWE World Champion was the longest in more than two decades. Punk’s title reign came to an end at the 2013 Royal Rumble when he lost to The Rock.

Even if he had answered the call, it's not likely that Punk would be any closer to returning to WWE anytime soon, if ever. He had his first-ever UFC fight in September and has vowed to continue his MMA career.

The Rock hasn’t had a match since WrestleMania 29, but he continues to make sporadic appearances for the company. He last appeared on WWE TV at WrestleMania 32 in April 2016.