Can You Smell What the Rock is Cooking Video? – A Brief Analysis
Can You Smell What the Rock is Cooking is a viral video uploaded to World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) YouTube channel on April 7, 2011. The video features professional wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who also starred as a professional football player before transitioning to WWE, promoting his upcoming film The Fast and the Furious 6 (2013) and responding to criticisms leveled against him by professional wrestlers CM Punk and John Laurinaitis.
Introduction
The Can You Smell What the Rock is Cooking Video? is a cleverly constructed promotional piece, blending comedy, pop culture references, and nostalgia, to connect with WWE’s audience while promoting The Rock’s forthcoming film. But what is the significance of this 4-minute 37-second video, which has racked up over 25 million views on YouTube? Does it serve any purpose, or is it simply an entertaining diversion from the main event of The Rock’s wrestling career and film ambitions?
Rise to Stardom
Prior to Can You Smell What the Rock is Cooking?, Dwayne Johnson had already etched himself as a popular figure within the WWE fold. Starting his wrestling career in the late 1990s, he had quickly made a name for himself through his charisma, athleticism, and five-tool professional wrestling abilities: a sharp wit, devastating physical moves, and unwavering confidence. Fans affectionately referred to The Rock’s signature phrases "IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOUR NAME IS!", "FINALLY!", and "THAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE, ‘CAUSE THE ROCK SAYS SO!", adding to the excitement surrounding every match involving the People’s Champion.
Decline, Comeback, and Can You Smell What the Rock is Cooking?
After leaving the WWE, The Rock opted for Hollywood, making successful transitions with films like Fast & Furious 6 and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017). Although not as invested in wrestling anymore, Johnson still kept himself relevant to the WWE. In March 2011, amidst rumors of him returning, Can You Smell What the Rock is Cooking? went live online, effectively creating a promotional buzz. During this pivotal moment, three factors weighed heavily: wrestling fans craved the unpredictable and memorable performances that were once signature to The Rock; mainstream audiences wanted The Rock more than ever thanks to successful film endeavors. A perfect storm began to gather. Here’s where the "Can You Smell What the Rock is Cooking? recipe" kicked off:
Wrestling References + Pop Culture= Entertainment Bonanza
Throughout the promotional video, fans of various wrestling eras could tap into the sentiment, nostalgic value, and memories:
‣ For those familiar with the Rocky Marciano film Champion (2013), there might be reminiscences linked to The People’s Champ and his journey inside the sport.
• Fans remember the charismatic wrestling world from early 2011.