Last year at WrestleMania, WWE seemed poised to sideline Cody Rhodes for a dream match between The Rock and Roman Reigns, sparking fan outrage. WWE listened, pivoted, and delivered a satisfying conclusion for almost everyone. This memory resurfaces following the latest SmackDown, where the unveiling of “The Temptation of Cody” storyline has left some viewers puzzled. The Rock, now seemingly aligned with Cody Rhodes, has offered him immense wealth and power – in exchange for his soul.
The Rock himself has suggested that this narrative might not even culminate in a match between him and Rhodes. If The Rock’s in-ring days are truly behind him, he could conceivably spend years as a tormentor figure in Rhodes’ career. Should “The American Nightmare” refuse to bargain his soul to “The Final Boss,” another individual might, becoming The Rock’s proxy in the ring.
However, considering the potential for a blockbuster match, the stage seemed perfectly set for a generational clash between The Rock and Roman Reigns. The offer of unparalleled power extended to Rhodes could have easily been directed to Reigns, The Rock’s own cousin and Tribal Chief.
“Roman, your representation of this company and our family has been commendable. But it’s time for you to ascend. Become my champion, Roman, and together, we will dominate not just this industry, but the entire entertainment landscape. We will secure our dynasty, the Samoan Dynasty – our Bloodline – for generations.
“All I ask in return is your acknowledgment.”
Reigns, predictably, would have refused, igniting a WrestleMania showdown with The Rock and laying the groundwork for future, even more intense Bloodline conflicts. Instead, we are presented with this intriguing storyline involving Cody Rhodes.
To be fair, the unfolding narrative crafted by The Rock and WWE with Rhodes might prove to be both entertaining and groundbreaking. Yet, from a viewer’s perspective, the choice of Cody Rhodes is perplexing. This is especially highlighted by The Rock’s dialogue with Rhodes, where he expressed, “The one thing I have always lacked, the thing I desire most, is a brother. And that is what you could be.”
During last year’s WrestleMania kickoff event, The Rock proudly displayed an extensive family tree, illustrating the vast connections between the Anoaʻi, Fatu, Maivia, and Johnson families. The Rock is far from short of brothers within his own lineage. Leaving Reigns aside, talents like Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, or even Jey Uso, who is slated for a world title match at WrestleMania, are all family. Why not bestow these familial riches upon them?
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Should Rhodes decline The Rock’s proposition, perhaps Fatu or Sikoa could then receive the offer originally intended for cousin Dwayne’s kin. However, such an arrangement might be a considerable time away.
Following his WWE re-signing last year, it was revealed that Drew McIntyre enjoys a comfortable rapport with The Rock. As McIntyre persistently taunts and teases Rhodes on social media, could McIntyre be The Rock’s chosen successor? Victory in the Elimination Chamber match next Saturday could certainly pave that path.
A more outlandish possibility involves John Cena, potentially in his career’s final chapter, surrendering his spirit to “The Great One” for a record-breaking 17th world title reign and amplified Hollywood prospects. While compelling, this might not be the ideal send-off for the traditionally virtuous Cena in his presumed final wrestling year.
Conversely, Rhodes, who famously resisted a villainous turn during his AEW tenure, might actually accept The Rock’s offer, effectively telling fans to “stick it.”
Regardless of the trajectory of this Rock-Rhodes narrative, the window for a Reigns versus Rock confrontation seems, for now, firmly shut. While a Faustian bargain might eventually be struck with another Bloodline member, today is not that day.
It’s somewhat ironic. The Rock’s extensive involvement in five Fast & Furious films, plus a spin-off, underscores his on-screen devotion to family. Yet, in this wrestling storyline, family seems to be taking a backseat.
