10 Wrestling Moments EVERYONE Expected To Happen (That Never Did)

Until he finally does decide to step back in-between the ropes for one last electrifying performance, you can bet fans will relentlessly continue to theorise how and when The People's Champion will make his long-awaited in-ring comeback.

Heading into this year's Royal Rumble, though, the idea of The Rock taking part in his first real bout in a decade - not including whatever that was at WrestleMania 32 - felt as close to a reality as ever.

Rumours had swirled for well over a year of a mouth-watering Roman Reigns encounter at the Show of Shows, and having Rocky show up at the Rumble to save Sami Zayn from a Bloodline beatdown or even win the whole damn over-the-top-rope spectacle seemed like genuine possibilities for a time.

Not even news of Dwayne Johnson feeling he didn't have the time to get into proper wrestling shape could keep fans from anticipating his Royal return.

However, even without The Rock's presence on the night of the Rumble, the event boasted a set of titular match winners capable of exciting the masses and an all-time classic show-closing angle.

Sure, having The Great One in town would've provided that bit more star power on the Road to WrestleMania 39. But would you really trade Rock vs. Reigns for the Roman storyline magic unfolding with the likes of Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes?

I mean, there's always next year...