The Rock Announces He Will Face WWE Champion At Royal Rumble

The last time we saw The Rock fight a meaningful match, it was Wrestlemania XVIII. He faced John Cena, won with his patented "Rock Bottom" finisher and promised to become a WWE champion again the next night on Monday Night Raw. 

According to the WWE's official Twitter feed, the Rock will get his title shot in January's Royal Rumble:

"

BREAKING NEWS: At WWE #RoyalRumble, @TheRock will face the WWE Champion! #Boots2Asses

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2012"

The Rock made his announcement in predictable fashion. In the middle of Raw 1000, he interrupted CM Punk and Daniel Bryan's in-ring dialogue. After some brief banter, The Rock announced that he had received a title shot at January 27's Royal Rumble. 

This makes complete sense, despite the mystery surrounding The Rock's potential opponent. Placing this highly anticipated event six months from now on the WWE schedule gives everyone involved plenty of time to build a solid storyline.

We haven't waited for The Rock's wrestling return for no reason. We want to see something really good. Some people may be frustrated over the six-month waiting period, but it's the right thing to do with a match of this magnitude.

The Rock's opponent could be anyone. John Cena and CM Punk seem like obvious choices, and I'd bet it will be one of those two superstars when the time comes. 

Like I mentioned earlier, Cena was The Rock's last opponent. That actually lessens the possibility that it will be him this time. The WWE is unlikely to give Cena another loss to The Rock, and I'd be absolutely shocked if The Rock is returning only to lose. 

He's going to win, and I'd guess that he will defeat CM Punk. The Rock is out to prove that he's the best, and he's already defeated Cena. A victory over Punk would continue Rock's conquest over today's WWE stars, and he's trying to show he can still hang in the ring.

Anticipation surrounding this match will reach a fever pitch over the coming months. WWE fans will watch every championship match with more anticipation than usual as they wait to see who The Rock will face in January's Royal Rumble.