The Rock makes surprise comeback on WWE Raw and tries to call CM Punk at the Staples Center

THE ROCK stunned WWE fans on Monday Night Raw after standing in the centre of the ring once the show had stopped being aired on TV.

The Californian returned to his home state in front of thousands of screaming fans and made a phone call to CM Punk in a bid to make him return to WWE.

The retired wrestler, who now competes in UFC, did not pick up the call - but The Rock still left a big voice message for the fan favourite.

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As the message began, the crowd repeatedly sang "CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!" at the top of their voices to show their love for the former wrestler.

Fans are hoping that their unconditional support will tempt CM Punk back to WWE.

The Rock said: "One second, let me call [CM] Punk. Are we ready?

"Okay, let me try and call CM Punk."

He added: "It better not go straight to voicemail. I don't care if it's 11.30 in Chicago.

"Okay, here we go... It's voicemail, it's gone straight to voicemail.

"Let me leave a message. 'Hey Punk, It's Rock. This is not a joke, I am literally calling from the middle of the Staple Center with about 15,000 strong [supporters].

"'I hope you hear this, they are chanting your name.'"

CM Punk made his WWE debut in 2005 and had an illustrious career in the sport before retiring in 2014 - after falling out with the company as well as having injuries.

Despite his controversial departure, the 38-year-old was incredibly successful as a WWE superstar.

He won the WWE Championship twice, the World Heavyweight Championship on three occasions and held the Intercontinental Championship and the World Tag Team title too.

Since moving to the UFC, CM Punk has fought once and lost to Mickey Gall in September last year.

He lost to a rear naked choke in the first round - putting his future in the franchise in doubt.