The new year brought explosive action to WWE fans, with Cody Rhodes and Bayley emerging as the victors in their respective Royal Rumble matches in January. In an in-depth conversation on the debut episode of “What Do You Wanna Talk About?,” Rhodes and Bayley revisited the highlights of this year’s Royal Rumble. Rhodes shared insights on his intense rivalry with CM Punk and how it shaped his approach to the event, even before any controversy involving The Rock came into play.
Rhodes candidly discussed feeling “pitted against” CM Punk as the Royal Rumble approached, noting that this rivalry significantly influenced his mindset. “I had been pitted against Punk on the go-up towards the Rumble, and eventually WrestleMania,” Rhodes stated. “Punk is as hot as he’s ever been. Punk is beloved.”
Face-to-Face Confrontation
In the lead-up to the Royal Rumble, Rhodes and Punk confronted each other on an episode of “WWE Raw.” This encounter was charged with emotion as they discussed Cody’s legendary father, Dusty Rhodes, and their individual journeys towards WWE WrestleMania 40. This confrontation set the stage for a dramatic Royal Rumble, with Punk positioned as Rhodes’ most formidable adversary.
During the Royal Rumble match, Rhodes sensed a shift in the crowd’s sentiment. “In the match, there was this general 50-50ish [feeling] that slowly went to 60-40, slowly went to 70-30 in my favor,” Rhodes recalled. “I thought, ‘Oh, okay. This is the way. We’re all in on this together. Okay, great.'”
A Triumph of Persistence
Rhodes’ second consecutive Royal Rumble victory was a milestone in his career. He described it as a “nice moment” that affirmed his connection with the fans. “It would have felt bad leaving the arena had I won against the wishes of the fans, but fortunately, the crowd stayed behind me through the night and throughout the entire WrestleMania season,” Rhodes said.
A Brief Alliance
Following their earlier confrontations, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk have since briefly united, finding themselves aligned against a common foe. Last month on an episode of “WWE SmackDown,” Punk came to Rhodes’ aid in his ongoing battle against The Bloodline, showcasing the fluid and ever-evolving dynamics in WWE storylines. This unexpected alliance highlighted the complex nature of WWE’s narrative landscape, where past rivalries can give way to strategic partnerships.
Punk’s intervention in Rhodes’ struggle added a fresh twist to the ongoing saga, drawing significant attention from fans and commentators alike. The two superstars, both known for their strong personas and in-ring prowess, brought a new level of intensity to the conflict with The Bloodline. Their temporary unity not only emphasized the unpredictable nature of WWE storytelling but also underscored the shared respect and common goals that can emerge even between former adversaries.
This development has opened up intriguing possibilities for future storylines. Whether this alliance will evolve into a long-term partnership or dissolve back into rivalry remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds depth to the characters and their narratives. As WWE continues to weave intricate story arcs, the collaboration between Rhodes and Punk serves as a reminder of the ever-changing alliances and rivalries that keep the audience captivated.
Stephen’s Insight
Cody Rhodes’ journey and his rivalry with CM Punk highlight the complexities of professional wrestling. The intense competition, personal histories, and the influence of the crowd create a dynamic environment where each match becomes more than just a physical contest—it’s a narrative filled with emotion and strategy. This story is a testament to the dedication and resilience required to succeed at the highest levels of WWE.
