The road to WrestleMania 40 has been anything but predictable, especially concerning the main event picture and the involvement of two of WWE’s biggest stars: The Rock and Roman Reigns. For weeks, the wrestling world was in a whirlwind, unsure of the direction WWE was heading. But after a series of unexpected turns, a clear, and arguably more captivating, path has emerged. What started as a potential head-to-head clash between The Rock and Roman Reigns has morphed into something far more intriguing: a powerful alliance.
The Rock and Roman Reigns face off, hinting at a potential clash or alliance.
Initially, the stage seemed set for a dream match: The Rock versus Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40. This matchup, pitting cousin against cousin, promised to be a box office spectacle. However, the overwhelmingly negative fan reaction to this plan quickly became undeniable. The WWE Universe voiced their support for Cody Rhodes, the 2024 Royal Rumble winner, who had been widely expected to finally “finish his story” and challenge Roman Reigns for the title.
The now-infamous SmackDown segment where Cody Rhodes seemingly stepped aside to allow The Rock to face Roman was met with a chorus of boos and online backlash. Fans passionately chanted “We Want Cody,” making it clear that they were not on board with sidelining Rhodes in favor of a Rock vs. Roman match at this juncture. This vocal disapproval forced WWE to reconsider its direction, demonstrating the significant influence fans can have on the storylines.
In a swift pivot, WWE addressed the fan outcry during the WrestleMania 40 Kickoff event in Las Vegas. In a segment that effectively retconned the previous SmackDown episode, Cody Rhodes re-emerged to officially challenge Roman Reigns for the championship at WrestleMania. Crucially, The Rock did not protest. Instead, in a surprising and masterful move, “The People’s Champion” embraced a heel persona, aligning himself with his cousin Roman Reigns.
Wrestling cousins The Rock and Roman Reigns stand together in a show of force.
This unexpected alliance between The Rock and Roman Reigns has injected a new level of excitement and complexity into the WrestleMania main event picture. No longer is it just about Cody Rhodes challenging Roman Reigns; it’s now about Cody facing the combined might of “The Tribal Chief” and “The Final Boss.” This shift has opened up a plethora of exciting possibilities for WrestleMania 40, potentially spanning across both nights of the event.
Several scenarios are now in play, each offering a unique dynamic:
Night One: The Rock & Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins, Night Two: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes: This option allows for a tag team match on night one, bringing Seth Rollins and his World Heavyweight Championship into the fold. This could set the stage for a grueling night two main event where Cody, potentially weakened from the tag match, faces an even more formidable Roman Reigns.
Night One: The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes, Night Two: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes: Alternatively, WWE could book Cody in two singles matches across both nights. This would be a significant test for Rhodes, potentially elevating him to legendary status if he were to overcome both The Rock and Roman Reigns. This structure echoes Daniel Bryan’s WrestleMania XXX triumph, where he competed twice in one night to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Night One: Cody Rhodes LOSES to The Rock (or Tag Team Loses), Night Two: The Rock vs. Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes: This scenario introduces the possibility of a Triple Threat match for the championship on night two. A stipulation could be added where The Rock only earns his place in the championship match if he defeats Cody on night one, adding further stakes to the proceedings. However, this option might diminish Cody’s momentum if he were to suffer a loss before the main championship match.
The Rock points and gestures during a promo, emphasizing his new heel persona.
Roman Reigns stares intensely, projecting dominance and control as "The Tribal Chief".
Regardless of the specific match configurations, the formation of The Bloodline alliance, with The Rock and Roman Reigns at the helm, presents a compelling narrative. Their combined star power and in-ring prowess create a formidable obstacle for Cody Rhodes to overcome. The storyline has cleverly incorporated the concept of family and legacy, with Cody’s perceived disrespect towards the Samoan Dynasty serving as the catalyst for the cousins to unite.
The Rock’s heel turn has been particularly noteworthy. He has fully embraced the role of the antagonist, delivering arrogant and condescending promos that have generated significant heat. This willingness to adapt and play the villain showcases The Rock’s understanding of the wrestling business and his commitment to delivering a compelling story.
Looking ahead to WrestleMania 40, the possibilities are vast. Will Cody Rhodes be able to overcome the overwhelming odds and defeat both Roman Reigns and The Rock? Could we see other wrestling families align with Cody to combat The Bloodline’s dominance? The alliance of The Rock and Roman Reigns has not only salvaged the WrestleMania main event scene but has arguably made it even more captivating. The WWE Universe is now eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this unfolding saga, ready to witness how this blockbuster alliance will shape the road to WrestleMania and beyond.
The Rock, with a raised eyebrow, delivers a promo with intensity and charisma.
