Report: The Rock in talks to appear on 1,000th episode of 'SmackDown'

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson could make his WWE return in October.

Johnson is "very, very close" to finalizing a deal with WWE to appear on the 1,000th episode of "SmackDown," according to Joe Peisich of Barn Burner's "Fired Up" podcast. The show takes place Oct. 16 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

Peisich also reports that Johnson is in negotiations with WWE about possible appearances at Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 35.

Related: The Rock favorite to win 2019 Royal Rumble

The Undertaker, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Daniel Bryan, The Miz, Jeff Hardy, and Randy Orton are among those being advertised for the 1,000th episode of "SmackDown."