In the world of professional wrestling, storylines are carefully crafted, and the culmination of these narratives often takes place at the grandest stage of them all.. WrestleMania. However, the recent return of Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson to WWE has stirred a wave of discontent among fans, who had been eagerly anticipating the conclusion of a long-running story between Cody Rhodes and Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
Cody Rhodes, fresh off his victory at the 2024 Royal Rumble, made his intentions clear on a recent episode of “Smackdown” he wants to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40. Rhodes spoke passionately about “finishing the story” and claiming the title from Reigns, but he expressed a desire not to do it at WrestleMania.
However, the WWE universe was taken by surprise when The Rock’s iconic entrance music hit, signaling his return to the ring. This unexpected twist not only disrupted Rhodes’ heartfelt proclamation but also added uncertainty to the narrative that had been meticulously built over the past two years.
The backlash from fans on social media was swift and intense. The disappointment stemmed from the belief that The Rock’s return would overshadow Rhodes’ journey, which had come tantalizingly close to victory at WrestleMania 39. The chance to win the championship at WrestleMania 40 was seen as the culmination of the Rhodes family’s decades long quest, making it a storyline of profound emotional resonance for both the performers and the audience.
Social media platforms were flooded with negative comments, and the hashtag “We want Cody” trended, reflecting the fans’ strong desire to see Cody Rhodes take center stage. Comparisons were drawn to past instances, such as CM Punk’s situation in 2013 when The Rock was chosen to main event WrestleMania over him, leaving fans feeling that history was repeating itself.
YouTube, a significant platform for WWE content, mirrored the discontent. The full segment from “Smackdown” garnered over 200,000 dislikes, dwarfing the 71,000 likes, showcasing the overwhelming dissatisfaction among viewers.
The underlying sentiment revolves around the frustration that a star like Cody Rhodes, who has earned his spot through hard work and dedication, is being overshadowed by a part-time return from a legendary figure like The Rock. Fans argue that Rhodes, having secured the Royal Rumble victory, deserves the spotlight at WrestleMania, and his potential match against Reigns is the climax fans have been eagerly awaiting.
The question now arises… will WWE listen to its fans and alter the course of the storyline, or will The Rock vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania be officially announced as expected? The uncertainty looms large as the wrestling world anticipates the WrestleMania 40 kickoff press conference in Las Vegas, where the fate of this storyline might be sealed.
In my opinion, I share the sentiment of many fans. While The Rock’s return undoubtedly brings star power and spectacle, Cody Rhodes’ journey and the story built around him should not be sacrificed for a part time appearance. WrestleMania is the stage for long-anticipated payoffs, and Cody deserves the opportunity to “finish the story” he started with Roman Reigns. Let’s hope WWE hears the voices of its passionate fanbase and gives Cody Rhodes the chance to shine at WrestleMania 40….or perhaps fans will show their displeasure at next incoming shows. Things are going to get very interesting.
