Dwayne Johnson, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns made WrestleMania 40 a spectacle to behold. With legendary superstar John Cena and The Undertaker’s surprising return and Seth Rollins reviving The Shield nostalgia against his former partner, the group revealed the immense detail of storytelling.
Fans hailed WrestleMania 40, The Rock’s double in-ring appearance and Rhodes’ stake under The Bloodline rules game was certainly living up to the standards of the nail-biting thriller. The biggest WWE event was dubbed as an Avengers: Endgame—like scenario.
The Ultimate Heel vs The Ultimate Babyface— The Rock’s Next Opponent Is Not Roman Reigns
It was wildly speculated that Roman Reigns would be the next Superstar The Rock would face after WrestleMania 40. It was somewhat plausible as almost everyone expected another Reigns’ win at WrestleMania 40 defeating Cody Rhodes while Dwayne Johnson was expected to betray his cousin for the title. That further enhanced the dream match, The Rock vs Reigns. However, that did not happen, and Cody secured the Universal Championship from Reigns.
Regardless, the road and the ride to WrestleMania 40 were considered some of the greatest storytelling in WWE. The ultimate babyface Rhodes defeated the ultimate heel. The Rock’s heel was also interesting, and certainly added flavor to the mix. In fact, it made the thrilling road to WrestleMania 40 more engrossing than ever. Now, new reports have surfaced that The Rock wants to go toe to toe with The American Nightmare instead of Reigns.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter recently reported the potential Heel vs Babyface battle for WrestleMania 40.
“From what we’re told, this is very much a long-term thing. There is no planned date for Rock to return for a match, but it’s been talked about next year’s Mania. Originally he wanted to come back and work with Reigns, but obviously based on everything that went down, the singles title match with Rhodes is the bigger match right now,” (via Ringside News).
Makes sense, as it would be the continuation of the storyline WWE has created for The Final Boss and The American Nightmare.
Fans Responded To Potential The Rock vs Cody Rhodes Match At WrestleMania 41
While it was wildly speculated among fans that The Rock would face Reigns for the Undisputed Championship title at the upcoming WWE big event, SummerSlam, and the beginning of a new storyline between The Tribal Chief and The Great One, it proved to be the unlikely scenario.
The Rock announced on RAW after WrestleMania 40 about his absence in the squared circle for a while for his prior commitment to several upcoming Hollywood projects. So, the People’s Champion might come back for the 41st edition of WrestleMania. But when he comes back, he would prefer working with Rhodes and his storyline as it was an astounding hit.
“As things stand right now, he may work a match later this year but that is not a lock. He would prefer to work with Rhodes in the main event of next year’s Mania, and as we’ve seen, he is generally going to get what he wants. That would seem to lock Rhodes in for at least a one-year title reign. We are told is that isn’t a lock, but Johnson would prefer it,” WON reported (via Ringside News).
Fans reacted to the news on X.
The ultimate heel Vs the ultimate babyface . The Rock Vs Cody Rhodes as of now seems bigger than Rock and Roman 🤷🏽♂️ Cody vs Rock is huge money right now . Wouldn’t mind this
— 💸 ROB 💸 (@x_rob_) April 12, 2024
obviously cuhz of the rock and if roman versed seth it would be a bigger draw then versing cody so they right there should tell u everything
— calem worthy (@CalemWorthy) April 12, 2024
Their story is better anyways. pic.twitter.com/D2d7DVQGem
— K ☄️ (@princeLariat) April 12, 2024
Honestly I wouldn’t hate that. They could run back Roman vs Seth as well
— David (@dm402431) April 12, 2024
People acting shocked, I’m not at all. The whole story has pivoted to Rock/Cody for weeks. It would be a little awkward to suddenly go to a Rock/Roman match when so much focus has been on Rock and Cody.
— Mel Mills™ (@theMelMills) April 12, 2024
The Rock is one of the current TKO Board of Directors and he would want what’s best for business. Rhodes and The Rock feud has worked like a charm as The Great One joined The Bloodline turning heel and giving fans a nostalgic treat. So, the continuation of the saga would be the most likely scenario.
