The Rock’s business partner explains why it was the right choice for Cody Rhodes to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40

Cody Rhodes will battle Roman Reigns for the Undisputed Universal Championship on Night 2 of WrestleMania.

The Rock’s business partner explains why it was the right choice for Cody Rhodes to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40

The Rock, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns (via WWE)

When this year’s Royal Rumble winner, Cody Rhodes, handed his opportunity to The Rock, the WWE Universe wasn’t happy. Fans voiced their displeasure, causing chaos on social media until The American Nightmare once again challenged Roman Reigns at the WrestleMania Kickoff show. The Great One’s business partner, Brian Gewirtz, explained why that was the right direction. 

Gewirtz, who worked as a writer in WWE before, now works at The Rock‘s filmmaking company, Seven Bucks Productions. He spoke with ESPN and explained why going ahead with Cody Rhodes as the challenger was the right choice. Gewirtz stated that they couldn’t play with fans’ emotions by not giving Rhodes a chance, especially after winning consecutive Royal Rumble matches. 

YouTube video

The Rock ultimately accepted the scenario after “We Want Cody” started trending online. He thought they should continue the storyline as naturally and realistically as possible. Capitalizing on the heat he got from fans, Rocky completely changed his character and turned heel by slapping Rhodes in the face. This started a realistic storyline of the battle between The American Nightmare and The Bloodline, which fans completely got behind. 

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Would the fans be as adamant Cody needs to finish his story if he didn't win the Royal Rumble? Once he won the Royal Rumble, then I think there was a certain element of, 'Hey, don't screw with us now.' You can't dangle the Royal Rumble win and then take it away. And I think everyone, Rock included, was like, 'Yeah, they're right. We should continue this story as it naturally would play out if this were real life.'
Brian Gewirtz via ESPN

Cody Rhodes will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed Championship in the main event of WrestleMania on Night 2. However, that match is connected with a high-risk stipulation. Rhodes, along with Seth Rollins, will battle the duo of The Rock and Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania on Night 1. If they lose, Rhodes’ world title match will be Bloodline Rules, where anything goes. However, if they win, his match will be free of the faction.

Will Stone Cold appear at WrestleMania to help Cody Rhodes?

It is obvious that The Bloodline has the numbers advantage over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins ahead of WrestleMania. However, The Rock’s greatest rival could potentially return at the Show of Shows to even the odds. The name in question is “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

Cody Rhodes and Stone Cold Steve Austin
Cody Rhodes and Stone Cold Steve Austin (via Wrestling Observer)

Steve Austin shared a video on TikTok in which he informed fans that someone left him a basket of beer and Easter eggs in his truck. According to many fans, this certain someone could, in fact, be The American Nightmare. They speculated that Rhodes sent an invite to the legend to come to WrestleMania and help counter the biggest threat in The Bloodline, The Rock. 

Somebody rang my doorbell and hauled a**, come out to my work truck. you see you got these boxes here, and look at there, somebody put a goddamn easter egg and a basket full of beer at the back of my work truck.
Steve Austin on TikTok

Austin came out of retirement to compete at WrestleMania 38 against Kevin Owens, nineteen years after he had his ‘last’ match with The Rock. With legends like Stone Cold and John Cena speculated to appear, this WrestleMania is destined to be one of the greatest events of all time.

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