WWE SmackDown video highlights: The Rock acknowledges Roman Reigns

The stage is officially set for The Rock’s first real match in more than a decade.

On SmackDown last night, The Rock & Roman Reigns challenged Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins to face them in a tag team match on night one of WrestleMania 40. It’s a high-stakes match that will have implications for Reigns vs. Rhodes at night two. If Rhodes & Rollins win, The Bloodline will be barred from Reigns vs. Rhodes. But if The Rock & Reigns win, Reigns vs. Rhodes will be a Bloodline Rules match. The stipulation means that anything goes.

Rhodes & Rollins will be on SmackDown next week to officially give Rock & Reigns their answer to the challenge.

The Bloodline’s appearance kicked off last night’s show and lasted for nearly 40 minutes of television time. Before the conclusion of the segment, WWE started to lay the groundwork for some tension between Reigns and The Rock. Reigns interrupted The Rock and said he needed one thing from him. Reigns wanted The Rock to acknowledge him:

Reigns: I need something from you. I’ll do anything for my family, but I need this one thing: Acknowledge me.

The Rock and Reigns had a brief staredown before Rock responded:

The Rock: Roman Reigns, my family, I acknowledge you as my Tribal Chief.

When the crowd called him a sellout, The Rock explained why he acknowledged Reigns:

The Rock: Let The Rock explain something to you idiots. This is family. And we will do anything for family.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

The Rock & Roman Reigns issue WrestleMania 40 tag match challenge

Grayson Waller volunteers Austin Theory for a match against Randy Orton

Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton

Dakota Kai betrays Bayley, sides with Damage CTRL

Jade Cargill comes face-to-face with IYO SKY and the rest of Damage CTRL

Bron Breakker vs. Xyon Quinn

Rey Mysterio returns during Carlito vs. Santos Escobar street fight

Nick Aldis informs LA Knight that he told AJ Styles not to be at tonight’s show

Randy Orton vs. Austin Theory

SmackDown fallout: Santos Escobar promises to end Rey Mysterio

SmackDown fallout: Lashley challenges Kross to face him next week