When he won the 2023 Royal Rumble match and earned a shot at Reigns at WrestleMania 39, Cody Rhodes said that the event didn’t need The Rock as everything has been established. Remember that throughout 2022 and into 2023, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been positioned as the most anticipated challenge to Roman Reigns’ Undisputed WWE Universal title.
Cody Rhodes Dials Back Statement About The Rock Not Being Necessary for WrestleMania 39
Now, it was taken as pretty brash by some observers at the time but Cody wasn’t entirely wrong. One of the worst things from creative is when a storyline is shotgunned post-Royal Rumble just so it can be featured on WrestleMania.
The match needs a reason to be on the biggest show that year unless it’s an annual featured match. However, with a big name presence, you want that build but there are likely time restrains on what they can do build-wise.
Also, unless WWE knows for certain a star is going to be free for that Road to WrestleMania build, it can be a risky investment to bring them in. Also, as Cody said: the major storyline were already established.
With some time to allow his words to marinate, it appears that Cody Rhodes is rolling things back on his victory statements. In speaking with Sports Illustrated, Cody praised what The Rock means to WWE history and long-time fans.
He would also welcome The Great One and his family to WM and noted that it would be a boon for Hollywood.
“I hope I didn’t talk out of turn because I absolutely adore The Rock and would love it if he was present in any setting. His family is massively important to what we do and if Rock decides to show up to WrestleMania, Hollywood would love that.”
The American Nightmare would go on to say that WWE has “an unbelievable card, if not the best ever” planned and expects a juicy gate even if The Rock doesn’t show up.
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