Want to know what WWE superstar Cody Rhodes is up to on the road to WrestleMania 40? Check back here for the latest news and rumors regarding the most popular babyface in professional wrestling today as he continues his collision course with The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns.
Only the most reliable sources of information are used in this piece, with each news item containing additional context and analysis. The most recent updates will be provided at the top of the article.
Cody Rhodes comments on The Rock at WrestleMania 40
Details
When asked about the possibility of The Rock facing Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 instead of himself, Cody Rhodes said on Busted Open Radio that he isn’t “flinching”. While he’d love Rock to be a part of the show, he plainly stated that he doesn’t think the WWE legend will take his spot.
Analysis
Nor should he. The Rock is a certified draw and one of the greatest to ever step foot inside a WWE ring, but this is Cody Rhodes’ story to tell. Surely, more people are willing to see Cody get another crack at Roman at the Show of Shows and more people will pay to sit in arenas on Raw and SmackDown for a build to that match than a one-off between The Rock and Reigns that is all but guaranteed to end in the Tribal Chief’s hand raised again. Also, there is no way in the world Cody would see anyone in wrestling, no matter how much clout they have, taking his spot.
WWE plans on Cody vs. Roman at WrestleMania 40
Details
Per Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso, WWE’s plan is to have Cody Rhodes face Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 40, and an organic rise in support for LA Knight is the only possible thing that could threaten Cody’s spot – not a match between The Rock and Reigns.
Analysis
That makes much more sense. Cody vs. Roman feels like destiny, especially after the way their match ended at WrestleMania 39 in combination with Rhodes’ subsequent showings against Brock Lesnar. You know, the guy who was the gatekeeper to Reigns truly becoming The Guy in WWE. Rhodes dealt with Sami Zayn’s organic push, and yet he was always the favored guy by the crowd because of that layer of credibility he has as a babyface and with the emotional impact of his story.
Knight is over and can build up more long-term momentum than Zayn could, but he’s not as genuinely likable as Zayn. As good as Knight is – and he’s definitely not just a flash in the pan – he honestly isn’t a threat to Cody’s status. Cody’s been in the hearts of WWE fans for quite some time now, and arguably nobody – maybe not even Roman – has the respect he does from them.
Cody’s ridiculous merch sales
Details
Cody Rhodes is so popular that Fightful Select recently revealed that he’s even been outselling general WWE-branded merchandise at certain live events.
Analysis
That’s pretty much unheard of and serves as an exclamation mark on Cody’s popularity. He is OVER. Like, in the traditional sense of “over” only being utilized to describe someone moving the needle in a big way, Rhodes is doing just that. It’s been a long time since a babyface has been genuinely admired to this degree in professional wrestling. How can anyone dispute that he’s the right man to take down Roman Reigns?
Kevin was an editor at Daily DDT, covering professional wrestling, and is now doing the same here at Let Them Wrestle.