The road to WrestleMania 40 was something to see. The anticipated match between The Rock and Roman Reigns didn’t happen as planned. Instead, the “Cody Crybabies” stirred things up, leading to a major two-night event where Cody finally got his moment at the end of the second night.
Cody Rhodes recently shared his thoughts about heading into WWE WrestleMania XL. The Rock and Roman Reigns teamed up against Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the main event of night one, where the bad guys won. The next night, Rhodes defeated Reigns to claim the Undisputed WWE Universal Title, with The Rock and others getting involved.
In an interview with The Pivot Podcast, Rhodes discussed WrestleMania XL. He expressed respect for The Rock, recognizing him as a pro who knows how to captivate fans from their first eye contact.
“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 even 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. To get to Sunday, 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 that 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.”
Initially, Rhodes was set to face Reigns for the title without The Rock’s involvement. However, The Rock returned in January and pushed for a singles match with Reigns, postponing Rhodes’ match with Reigns. Now, Cody vs. The Rock is being planned for WrestleMania 41, depending on Rock’s schedule.
The Rock has announced his return to WWE, citing his new board role as a factor that will make it easier for him to get what he wants. Time will tell if this leads to Rock vs. Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.
What’s your take on The Rock’s return to WWE? Were you among the “Cody Crybabies” back then? Share your thoughts in the comments section!