![afwf](https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x960/filters:format(webp)/sky247-english/media/media_files/VVGfPT9IXR1G6NH3YF3S.png)
Roman Reigns (Source: Twitter)
WWE enthusiasts recently caught a glimpse of what WrestleMania might entail this year, and it seems not everyone is thrilled about it. The Rock has made a comeback to challenge Roman Reigns, while Cody Rhodes has reportedly taken a backseat. Fans have long anticipated Rhodes concluding his storyline against Reigns by triumphing over him and claiming the Undisputed WWE Universal Title once and for all. Initially, this match was anticipated for WrestleMania 40, although the notion of The Rock squaring off against Reigns was never entirely ruled out, lingering as a possibility.
During this week's WWE SmackDown, following his victory in the Rumble, Rhodes emerged to declare that while he desired to strip Reigns of everything, he preferred not to do so at WrestleMania. Instead, he unveiled the true contender to challenge Reigns - The Rock. The Rock received an enthusiastic reception from the live audience as he made his return after a month to confront Roman Reigns. Although it appeared to set up a WrestleMania 40 showdown, Reigns' reaction to the situation was captured after SmackDown concluded.
As SmackDown approached its conclusion, it seemed poised for a direct challenge from Cody Rhodes, winner of the 2024 Men's Royal Rumble, to Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. The entire preceding year had been building up to this moment. However, in a surprising turn of events, Cody disclosed that he wouldn't be squaring off against Reigns at WrestleMania, opting to introduce The Rock instead.
Cody Rhodes's future at WWE after feud with Roman Reigns
WWE fans online have expressed dissatisfaction with Cody Rhodes' decision to relinquish his WrestleMania match for The Rock. This sentiment arises despite multiple hints suggesting a showdown between Cody and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, with the latest indication coming just last Saturday when Cody reiterated his target. For many fans, the rationale behind not scheduling the match at WrestleMania seemed illogical.
With his WrestleMania match against Reigns seemingly put on hold, the next steps for Cody Rhodes are uncertain. One possibility is for him to pursue the World Heavyweight Championship, particularly with Rollins advocating for a match against Rhodes. Alternatively, Rhodes could still square off against Reigns at a different WWE event, such as the Elimination Chamber or even in Saudi Arabia. The future trajectory for Rhodes is yet to unfold.