"I kid you not" - 27-year-old WWE star explains 'surreal' experience of getting physical with The Rock in 2023

A 27-year-old WWE Superstar shared how he felt when things got physical with The Rock back in 2023. Austin Theory opened up about his experience working with The Great One during his return on SmackDown last year.

On the blue brand's September 15, 2023 episode, Theory confronted the returning Pat McAfee to open the show. The Rock then surprised fans in Denver, Colorado when he came out and fought the former United States Champion. He and McAfee hit The People's Elbow on A-Town Down to end the segment.

Speaking to Chris Van Vliet on Insight, the former WWE Tag Team Champion was asked about what it was like being in the ring with Rock. It felt "surreal" for Theory, who was left in awe of The People's Champion's instincts.

"I kid you not, being out there with him, he did like these Jedi mind tricks with his eyes. When I just knew when to go, when to say something, and just feeling it with him. He would just, I don't know, just with his eyes. I was like, 'Oh man.' But it was such an experience and I just felt so on top of my game." [H/T: chrisvanvliet.com]

Check out the video below:

Austin Theory prepared for the segment less than an hour before the show since Rock was a little late.

Austin Theory was in awe of The Rock's size in person

In the same interview on Insight, Austin Theory also told the story of meeting The Rock before their segment. The Final Boss was a little late, but the former United States Champion was in awe when the former WWE Champion arrived.

"I'm with Triple H and Nick Khan and we're all walking outside. The busses are there, and this black car pulls up, six people get out, it's just insane to me. Rock gets out, and I'm like, 'This is crazy.' He's like the size of a blimp. He looks insane," Theory said.

The People's Champion would return again on January 1 on RAW. He became a regular on WWE television on The Road to WrestleMania 40.

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