Cody Rhodes’ Road to WrestleMania 40: A Rocky Path to the Undisputed WWE Universal Title
A Haunting WrestleMania 39 Loss
WrestleMania 39 was a bittersweet moment for Cody Rhodes. The highly anticipated return of “The American Nightmare” to WWE culminated in a heart-wrenching defeat against Roman Reigns, leaving him empty-handed and devoid of the title that had eluded his family for over five decades. The weight of multi-generational expectations, meticulously crafted by his father, Dusty Rhodes, pressed heavily upon his shoulders as he failed to realize the ultimate dream.
Triple H’s Enigmatic Promise
WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Paul Levesque, also known as Triple H, attempted to assuage disappointed fans during the post-WrestleMania press conference. He assured them that if there wasn’t a compelling story to be told, the decision to have Rhodes lose wouldn’t have been made. This cryptic statement hinted at a potential title victory for Rhodes at WrestleMania 40, but the landscape has since shifted, casting a veil of uncertainty over his aspirations.
New Challenges and Competing Ambitions
The emergence of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, teasing a long-awaited dream match against Reigns, has introduced a formidable obstacle in Rhodes’ path to the title. Furthermore, Reigns’ impending record-breaking reign, poised to surpass Hulk Hogan and Bob Backlund as the second-longest reigning world champion in history, might incentivize WWE to delay Rhodes’ title triumph. The once seemingly ironclad claim to the championship has become less certain, perhaps intentionally, to heighten anticipation and drama.
Rhodes’ Relentless Determination
Despite the evolving landscape, Cody Rhodes remains steadfast in his pursuit of the undisputed WWE universal title. He acknowledges that another WrestleMania without the championship would be a failure and is laser-focused on his ultimate goal. Rhodes embraces the lingering doubts and skepticism, drawing inspiration from past underdog victories, like Daniel Bryan’s remarkable triumph at WrestleMania 30. He refuses to let uncertainty cloud his vision, maintaining a singular focus on his desired destination.
The Road to Redemption: Royal Rumble and WrestleMania
Rhodes’ opportunity to solidify his place in the WrestleMania main event lies in the upcoming Royal Rumble match on January 27. A consecutive Rumble victory would pave the way for his crowning achievement: becoming the WWE champion. While a “WrestleMania Moment” isn’t a prerequisite, it would undoubtedly be a fitting culmination to his arduous journey.
Rhodes recognizes the fluidity and unpredictability of WWE’s storytelling, acknowledging that the title win could occur before or after WrestleMania. However, he believes that the culmination at WrestleMania would be the sweetest, given the personal significance and the long-standing narrative arc of his family’s pursuit of the championship.
A Resurgence in WWE’s Main Event Scene
WWE’s main event scene has undergone a remarkable transformation, boasting a plethora of credible contenders capable of winning the Royal Rumble. This newfound depth is a testament to the creative team’s efforts under Triple H’s leadership, with Rhodes playing an indirect role in its resurgence.
Rhodes’ involvement in the foundation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) alongside CM Punk inadvertently revitalized WWE. The subsequent wrestling boom has empowered wrestlers with more opportunities, fostering a competitive environment that has elevated the overall quality of the product. Ironically, the increased diversity of the main event scene has diverted some attention away from Rhodes, a minor inconvenience he’s willing to accept, knowing that its significance will be more apparent in retrospect.
Rhodes’ Retrospective Appreciation
As Rhodes reflects on his career, he expresses gratitude for the experiences and collaborations that have shaped his journey. He acknowledges the transformative impact of The Bullet Club and The Elite, recognizing their role in changing the wrestling landscape. Rhodes emphasizes the contributions of eight individuals, without whom the alternative wrestling scene wouldn’t exist, propelling him to his current position. He credits the fans as the ultimate driving force behind the industry’s resurgence.
Conclusion: An Uncertain Path to Redemption
Cody Rhodes’ quest for the undisputed WWE universal title faces numerous challenges and uncertainties. The looming presence of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Roman Reigns’ record-breaking reign cast doubt on the timing of his title victory. Despite the obstacles, Rhodes remains resolute in his pursuit, embracing the doubts and skepticism as fuel for his determination. As he embarks on the road to WrestleMania 40, the outcome remains uncertain, but the journey promises to be captivating, filled with drama, twists, and the indomitable spirit of “The American Nightmare.”