Cody Rhodes Calls Original WrestleMania 40 Plan Insane

One big thing

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has labeled the original plan for WrestleMania 40, which would have seen The Rock face Roman Reigns instead of him, as “insane.”

Why it matters

Rhodes’ comments highlight the tension between established stars and rising talent in WWE, as well as the importance of long-term storytelling in professional wrestling.

Key details

• Rhodes won the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40 Night Two, defeating Roman Reigns.
• Initial plans reportedly had The Rock facing Reigns, sidelining Rhodes despite winning the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble.
• Fan backlash led to a change in plans, with The Rock turning heel and aligning with Reigns against Rhodes and Seth Rollins.

What they’re saying

Rhodes told The Pivot Podcast:

• “Where we would butt heads is in the idea that you could just come back in the midst of a story that was taking place, and just because you’re The Rock, you can step into the starting lineup and take WrestleMania for yourself.”
• “That’s the Super Bowl of what we do. To get to Sunday, the last day of WrestleMania, the last match, it’s our literal Super Bowl.”
• “The idea that somebody thought I would be cool with it. They don’t know me. That’s nonsense. I worked my whole life for this.”

The big picture

Rhodes’ comments reflect the changing landscape of WWE, where fan input and long-term storylines are increasingly influencing major decisions, even when involving megastars like The Rock.

What’s next

Rhodes will team with Randy Orton and Kevin Owens to face The Bloodline at WWE Money In The Bank on July 6.

What do you think about Cody Rhodes’ comments on the original WrestleMania 40 plan? Do you agree that it would have been “insane” to sideline him for The Rock? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.