Follow us on Google News

Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed

In a recent episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Cody Rhodes stirred controversy by relinquishing his WrestleMania 40 main event spot to The Rock, resulting in considerable backlash. However, the narrative took an unexpected turn during the WrestleMania 40 kickoff press conference, injecting considerable drama into the situation. In fact, Rhodes finishing his story was almost derailed because of The Rock wanting to get more hate from fans.

The Rock and Cody Rhodes during the controversial SmackDown segment.

Fans definitely want to see The Rock vs Roman Reigns at some point in time, but they most definitely did not want that to happen at the expense of Cody Rhodes’ story. That was how it seemed it would turn out on Friday Night SmackDown, but things have thankfully changed course for the better, at WrestleMania 40.

“Anything Dwayne is in… is going to be a focal point”: WWE Legend Still Can’t Believe Fans Actually Think The Rock Will Tank His WWE Return With 1 Move

The Rock Attacked Cody Rhodes Earlier This Month

The entire controversy surrounding the WrestleMania 40 main event unfolded on the stage of the T-Mobile Arena duringthe Kickoff Press Event. The assembly included The Rock, his cousin Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, andCody Rhodes, all convened to chart a definitive course for WrestleMania 40.

Despite the anticipation of an epic showdown between The Rock and Roman Reigns at the Show of Shows, Cody Rhodes was resolute in ensuring that the stars from the Samoan family did not overshadow his moment and opportunity at WrestleMania 40.

“Anything Dwayne is in… is going to be a focal point”: WWE Legend Still Can’t Believe Fans Actually Think The Rock Will Tank His WWE Return With 1 Move

Some WWE Fans Believe Dwayne Johnson Had a Secret Message For Roman Reigns During His Latest Promo on SmackDown

Ultimately, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes chose to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal title. Despite The Rock and Reigns presenting a united front, Rhodes, having earned his opportunity with a Royal Rumble victory, essentially ousted The Rock from the WrestleMania 40 spotlight.

Rhodes escalated the situation by mentioning the ancestors of the Anoa’i family, stating that they would be ashamed to witness The Rock and Roman Reigns taking opportunities away from others. This declaration prompted The Great One to slap Cody Rhodes, triggering a brawl on the stage. As a result, The Rock turned heel for the first time in 21 years, a development that fans thoroughly enjoyed.

The Rock confronting Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania 40 Story Almost Got Ruined By The Rock

Meltzer elaborated, stating,“Any interview he did about concluding the story before the Rumble was with the idea that he was definitely in the match, even with the Rock rumors circulating.”

Reportedly, Rhodes learned about The Rock’s involvement on the day of the Rumble, even though plans were for him to win the Rumble match. He was also informed that a match against Reigns would still take place later, suggesting that the post-match buildup was not to surprise fans but to lay the groundwork for a future encounter.

Some WWE Fans Believe Dwayne Johnson Had a Secret Message For Roman Reigns During His Latest Promo on SmackDown

“For those wondering what Rhodes knew about the situation, he was told he was facing Reigns in the fall. He was not informed about Rock getting the match as part of his deal on 1/3, so any interview he did about concluding the story before the Rumble was with the idea that he was definitely in the match, even with the Rock rumors out.”

Dave Meltzer added,

He learned on the day of the Rumble that Rock was facing Reigns, even though he was winning the Rumble. He was also told that they would be going to Reigns against him later, so all the post-match stuff building that match wasn’t there to surprise people as much as to build a later match. However, the fact that it was not going to be Reigns vs. Rhodes was kept secret from almost everyone (obviously, a few knew) because Rock wanted the angle the next Friday to be a surprise.”

Some individuals within WWE were aware of these changes before Rhodes, but the specifics were kept confidential until the WrestleMania press conference. Nonetheless, we will have to wait and see how WWE will continue to book Cody Rhodes’ feud with The Bloodline as we slowly approach WrestleMania 40.

Cody Rhodes being sad during his interaction with The Rock

Subhojeet Mookherjee

Articles Published :499

Subhojeet Mookherjee is a Freelance Entertainment Writer for FandomWire. A lover and expert in all things movies, games, TV shows, music and more. I’ve been in the writing business for over five years now, covering various topics all over the world. I love engaging in deep conversations with like-minded people.

More from Subhojeet Mookherjee

“It was my choice”: John Cena on a Major WWE Decision Many Fans Still Don’t Agree With

“This is not a Bear Gryllls survival show”: Squid Game: The Challenge Allegedly Forced Players to Play in Bone-cracking Cold, Made Them Keep Their Jackets Open

“The livelihoods of creators must be ensured”: Netflix’s Predatory Scheme Forced Squid Game Creator into a Laughably Low Paycheck While the Streaming Giant Made at Least $900M

George Lucas vs. Steven Spielberg: The Ultimate Showdown of Hollywood’s Richest Directors

Good Boy Filmmaker Reacts To Keanu Reeves’ Film While His Trailer Triggers Odd Query

Harry Potter TV Series on HBO: Who Are the New Weasleys? Details Inside

Every Peaky Blinders Villain, Ranked by How Close They Came to Actually Beating Tommy Shelby

Every Harry Potter Movie Ending, Ranked Worst to Best

“Just like a horse”: Aubrey Plaza, Amy Poehler Agree Rihanna’s Eyes Are on the Side of Her Head

Cody RhodesThe Rock