For Cody Rhodes fans, it’s been a roller coaster ride of emotions in the last month. Rhodes has confirmed he will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title at WrestleMania 40, something expected the night of the Royal Rumble, where he earned his title shot. It’s a rematch from WrestleMania 39, where Rhodes fell short to Reigns.
However, things were in doubt as it was widely believed WWE would announce The Rock vs. Reigns at the event instead. This was after The Rock heavily pushed to do the match to save the WrestleMania card. It looks like WWE is building towards a Rhodes & World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins vs. Reigns and Rock tag team match at the event as well. The negative reaction from fans caused Rock to change his mind about taking Rhodes’ spot.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Rhodes was told he was facing Reigns in the fall and not told about Rock getting the match, something agreed upon on January 3rd, until much later.
Meltzer noted, “Any interview he did about finishing the story prior to the Rumble was with the idea he was definitely in the match, even with the Rock rumors out.”
Rhodes learned the day of the Rumble that Rock was going wrestle Reigns despite plans for Rhodes to win the Rumble and 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 swerve people as much a build a later match.”
CM Punk was slated to win the Elimination Chamber match to earn the title shot at Rollins, but that was nixed due to injury. Some people in WWE were aware of plans changing before Rhodes, but it was kept quiet until the WrestleMania presser.
WWE had heavy talks with Rock in December about returning.
