While the official announcement of The Rock vs. Roman Reigns has yet to be made, the WWE Universe is already expressing disappointment with the company’s booking decision.
Cody Rhodes emerged victorious in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble, becoming the first superstar in over two decades to achieve back-to-back Rumble wins. On the subsequent episode of SmackDown, The American Nightmare seemingly passed his opportunity at Reigns to The Great One.
The showdown between the two Samoans quickly became the most disliked video on WWE’s YouTube channel. Additionally, a “#WeWantCody” movement gained traction on social media platforms.
According to respected wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, this reaction was anticipated by the company.
Meltzer stated that WWE foresaw Rhodes receiving a “Daniel Bryan-like” response from fans. Allegedly, this was a significant factor in the decision to shift focus to The Rock vs. Roman Reigns at the upcoming Show of Shows, aiming to elevate The American Nightmare as an even greater fan favorite.
A rematch between Reigns and Rhodes had already been deemed a must-see by the majority of the fanbase following WrestleMania 39. Recent reports indicate that WWE has been closely monitoring the negative feedback regarding Cody’s exclusion from the main event of WrestleMania 40.
