WWE News
Following Smackdown's conclusion, it appears Cody Rhodes won't "finish his story" at WrestleMania 40. Multiple WWE sources confirm the decision to pit The Rock against Roman Reigns was pushed by The Rock, backed by TKO Group Holding executives.##
While WWE built towards a Rhodes-Reigns rematch, some sources believe Johnson intervened to "save WrestleMania" after CM Punk and Brock Lesnar were sidelined. Others posit Rock pushed regardless, given his $30 million stock payday partly contingent on hitting milestones, likely including a match this year. He believes Reigns vs. Rock is a bigger attraction.##
Therefore, regardless of injuries, Rhodes-Reigns might not have happened. With Rock back, key management acquiesced to his ideas.##
Leveraging his board position, Hollywood fame, and executive endorsements, Johnson secured the main event, aiming for broader appeal and positive company momentum. One source likened it to his DC film franchise attempts, initially portraying Black Adam, but eventually pushing for his own movie and facing Superman, even bypassing executives. Though he didn't gain complete control, WWE won't easily dismiss his ideas.##
PWInsider.com assures this wasn't malicious towards Rhodes, but based on maximizing profits and respecting Johnson's new position. This strategic move empowers Johnson and shows Endeavor's faith in him, even over Paul Levesque's creative leadership. Gewirtz, Johnson's former associate, will represent him in WWE Creative.##
Some wonder if Johnson was always planned but committed late, leaving Punk's potential WrestleMania position uncertain. Whether his injury prevented him from learning his fate is unknown.##
Rhodes is currently slated to face Seth Rollins, frustrating readers as he's been pushing to "finish his story" all year, culminating in a Royal Rumble win. Even the WWE 2K24 cover, featuring Rhodes, revolves around fans "finishing" their stories. For his character, to have that moment in reach and not choose Reigns seems illogical. Beating Rollins doesn't complete his story, especially since he openly stated needing to win the title held by his father, carried by Heyman for Reigns.##
While no one denies external forces altered the scenario, this reflects the new WWE, where old rules don't apply, and Endeavor prioritizes maximizing business, even if unpopular with loyal fans.##
Interestingly, some discussed Rhodes winning the World Heavyweight Championship and then challenging the winner of Roman vs. Rock for a title unification at Summerslam, allowing him to "finally" finish the story.##
But given the young audience's enthusiasm for Rhodes, not fulfilling their desired Rhodes-Reigns showdown, a story expertly built for a year, is a risky creative decision that might alienate fans. While recent complaints focused on other issues, this storyline shift has drastically changed perspectives.##
In 2014, facing a similar situation with CM Punk's departure, WWE embraced the audience's desire for Daniel Bryan, leading to memorable WrestleMania 30 moments. This year, however, they've done the opposite, removing the desired hero and moment from the fans. Whether they attempt to rectify this situation by bringing Rhodes back into the mix with Rock and Reigns, or continue on the current path, remains to be seen. ##
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