On a recent edition of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, Bully Ray discussed WWE’s current direction for Cody Rhodes, and how the creative team is taking steps to cement the American Nightmare as an even bigger star on the same level as Roman Reigns.
Ray said, “Yes, he’s the one because Roman Reigns is the one right now and has been the one more than just about anybody else has been in WWE history. They’ve done one hell of a job with Roman, The Bloodline, the whole nine years. And if you remember a year ago, Dave [LaGreca], I said that Cody Rhodes has to become as big of a star, if not bigger, across the entire planet than Roman Reigns for them to pull the trigger. I believe what they’re trying to do, and it’s going to require more patience from us, is to get Cody to truly that undeniable level.”
Rhodes, who won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble match and was originally set to challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 has reportedly been replaced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
WWE has a WrestleMania 40 Kickoff press conference scheduled for later today in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will feature a face-off between Roman Reigns and The Rock. Cody is also scheduled to be in attendance, and more will obviously be known at the event.
Meanwhile, Seth Rollins is hopeful that Cody Rhodes will challenge him for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL.
On a recent edition of the “Not Just Football” podcast, Rollins touched on the topic, saying,
“I hope he [Cody] does [face me]. I hope that he sees what I’m spitting out. I understand where he’s at. It’s difficult for him. He’s had this idea of this story in his head for the past three years since he came back to WWE. Things change. The Roman Reigns Championship, the WWE Championship, I hate to say it, it’s not what it used to be. He’s the head of his own table, he ain’t the head of our table. He’s got his own little table off to the side that no one wants to sit at no more. He’s at the little kids’ table. He put himself there.”
He continued, “There was a time and place where Roman Reigns was the top of the top, but he made a point to make himself obsolete. He wanted to go off on his own, do things on his own time. His title is not as relevant as this one and that’s the truth. I hope Cody Rhodes sees that. I don’t know if that’s going to be the popular decision, but the World Heavyweight Championship is the most prestigious championship in our industry, and I would love to test myself against the best. Cody Rhodes, no doubt, one of the best. I believe I’m the best. I think the two top guys should be vying for the top title on the biggest show of the year.”
