By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

"The Rock" Dwayne Johnson promoted his match against John Cena at WrestleMania 28 next year and talked about his decision to wrestle again during an appearance on NBC's "Tonight Show" with Jay Leno Tuesday night.

"I wanted to do something special for the fans. I've been very close with Vince McMahon and we wanted to create something historic," Rock told Leno. "What's historic for the fans? Rock coming back and kicking ass all over the place."

Rock was introduced with a video package of his roles in "Tooth Fairy," "The Other Guys," "Get Smart," "Faster," and "Mummy Returns," before he came out to "Rocky, Rocky" chants. Leno immediately asked him about his "big announcement" on Monday night about his in-ring return.

Rock talked about wanting to make his wrestling return historic after seven years away from the ring - by then it will be eight years - in his hometown of Miami for WrestleMania 28.

"It's going to be good. I can't wait," Rock said. Last night's Raw was specifically mentioned as the place where Rock made the announcement.

Rock then made a tongue-in-cheek challenge to actor Charlie Sheen, who Leno said he would like to see face Rock in a match.

"We might have to set something up. I'd be quick to lay the smacketh down on his candyass," Rock said with a grin as Leno did his bit pretending to take notes.

Rock said he's kept in wrestling shape because he has a ring at his homes in Florida and Los Angeles. Rock talked up the art of wrestling, saying wrestling is tough physically and with in-ring timing - running the ropes, taking falls and suplexes, etc.

Leno asked if Rock could still do the People's Eyebrow and Rock did a dramatic set up with a drumroll before delivering for Leno and the crowd. Before cutting to break, Rock said the last time he cried was when his garage slammed on his F-150 truck, then he self-deprecated about crying when his last movie opening did poorly.

After a commercial, Rock talked about some family stories and promoted the upcoming "Fast Five" movie where he plays a federal agent. They played a clip of Rock's appearance in the movie before Leno congratulated him on his return to the ring.

Rock was the featured guest ahead of country music star Taylor Swift, who appeared on Sunday's country music awards show on CBS up against WrestleMania, which Rock hosted.

At the beginning of her interview, Swift said she's never been to a wrestling show, but she used to watch wrestling with her cousins on Thanksgiving. She said she hid behind the couch covering her eyes.

[Torch art credit Neal Obermeyer (c) PWTorch.com]

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