At WWE WrestleMania 40, Cody Rhodes accomplished what many fans and pundits alike considered to be a watershed moment in modern wrestling: he ended Roman Reigns’ historic 1,316-day reign as the Undisputed WWE Champion. This victory not only marked a significant milestone in Rhodes’ career but also revealed the shifting narratives within WWE’s upper echelon.
Originally, plans were significantly different. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE had intended for The Rock to be the one to dethrone Roman Reigns at this landmark event. The setup seemed perfect, with The Rock, a major box office star and a wrestling legend, returning to potentially claim the title from his cousin, the “Head of the Table.” This confrontation had been teased several times, notably during The Rock’s appearance on WWE Raw and a significant face-off on SmackDown after the Royal Rumble, setting the stage for what could have been a colossal family feud.
However, the direction shifted dramatically due to overwhelming fan support for Cody Rhodes, which culminated in the ‘We Want Cody’ movement. This groundswell of support from the WWE Universe led the creative team to pivot, selecting Rhodes to be the one to conclude Reigns’ lengthy championship tenure.
The original plans for The Rock involved him winning the title at WrestleMania 40 and subsequently vacating it to return to his Hollywood commitments. Furthermore, The Rock was rumored to introduce a special “People’s Championship” belt that he would use during public appearances, symbolizing his ongoing connection to the wrestling world even while pursuing his acting career.
These plans were shelved when Rhodes was chosen to win the championship, allowing him to “finish the story” he had started upon his return to WWE at WrestleMania 38. This decision by WWE to let Rhodes win rather than having The Rock vacate the title soon after winning it likely stemmed from a desire to provide a more satisfying and substantive conclusion to the storyline, something that fans could resonate with more deeply.
Roman Reigns has not appeared on WWE television since the loss, adding an element of mystery and anticipation about his future moves. Meanwhile, The Rock has declared that he intends to return and challenge the new Undisputed WWE Champion, hinting at future high-stakes storylines and possibly reigniting the teased family rivalry.
This development is a testament to WWE’s dynamic storytelling approach, where fan reactions and the real-life schedules of its stars significantly influence the direction of its major storylines. WrestleMania 40’s outcome exemplifies how WWE adapts to these variables, crafting narratives that not only entertain but also respond to the shifting landscapes of fan engagement and star availability.
Cody Rhodes’ victory at WrestleMania 40 is not just a win in the record books; it’s a narrative shift that might define the future trajectories of WWE’s top stars and potentially set new standards for how stories are told in the realm of professional wrestling.
