Cody Rhodes has set the record straight on the events that led up to WrestleMania 40.
Following on from his second Royal Rumble victory at the 2024 event, The American Nightmare made it abundantly clear that Roman Reigns would be his champion of choosing just minutes after the match had concluded. However, as is the case with wrestling, things were far from straightforward as the return of The Rock seemingly halted plans for a Mania showdown and would instead see the Hollywood star take Rhodes’ place in Philadelphia.
Appearing on The Pivot, the Undisputed Champion first detailed his relationship with The Rock and how he has a lot of respect for The People’s Champion:
“I grew up a huge fan of The Rock. I have a lot of respect for The Rock. Maybe more than anybody in any locker room. When I made eye contact with The Rock for the very first piece of business we ever did, I got an instant understanding of who he is. He’s not a movie star. He’s not a potential Presidential nominee, which would be great at this point. He’s not a businessman with all these partnerships. When I looked at him in the eyes, I saw exactly what he is. He’s a pro wrestler. He’s a pro wrestler who understands the nature, ‘I like this crowd. I’m going to get them really excited. Then really upset. Then as excited as they’ve ever been. Then I’m going to get them to tell their friends to come back.’ At that moment, I had the utmost respect for him because in my heart, that’s how I feel. I could do a bazillion other things, but I’m a wrestler. To see that from the biggest movie star on the planet, it’s a lot of respect”
Following the infamous segment that took place in Birmingham Alabama after the Royal Rumble, reports and speculation began to circulate stating that The Rock was able to exercise his power and insert himself in the match and Rhodes would step aside. Continuing, Rhodes denied that this was ever a possibility and that he had no intentions of relinquishing the spot:
“Where we would butt heads is in the idea that you could just come back in the midst of a story that was taking place and just because you’re The Rock, you can step into the starting lineup and take WrestleMania for yourself. A lot of people said, ‘He’s The Rock. He can do whatever he wants.’ I saw a podcast with two wrestling heads talking and they said, ‘I’m sure Cody is fine stepping aside for WrestleMania and doing it later in the year.’ In my mind, I’m thinking, ‘That’s insane.’ That’s the Super Bowl of what we do. The last day of WrestleMania, the last match, it’s our literal Super Bowl. The idea that somebody thought I would be cool with it. They don’t know me. That’s nonsense. I worked my whole life for this. Rock should know I wouldn’t be cool with it. Maybe that’s an understanding him and I have. He found out, I’m not cool with it. That’s a good thing. You know who wasn’t cool with The Rock? Steve Austin. They made magic together. They rubbed together so much it created diamonds. I do have a lot of respect for him,”
Cody Rhodes In Action At Money In The Bank
The American Nightmare will compete at the Money in the Bank PLE on July 6th but the title will not be on the line. Instead, Rhodes will team with Kevin Owens and Randy Orton to take on 3 members of The Bloodline yet to be confirmed, likely leading to a title defence against Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam.
H/t to Fightful.
Featured image: WWE
