The ongoing saga between Cody Rhodes and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, intertwined with The Bloodline storyline, may appear as a fresh and captivating narrative in the world of WWE. It pitches the quintessential hero against the ultimate villain.
Yet, surprisingly, a promo delivered by these two figures 11 years ago foreshadowed the spectacle we witness today. Let’s delve into how a single segment on RAW in 2013 laid the groundwork for the epic feud currently captivating WWE enthusiasts.
Presently, The Rock aligns himself with The Bloodline, pledging to safeguard Roman Reigns’ WWE Universal Championship title at WrestleMania XL. Conversely, Rhodes is determined to surmount any obstacle hindering the conclusion of his personal narrative.
For those unaware, Johnson departed from WWE in 2004 upon the expiration of his contract, transitioning into a full-time career in Hollywood. His return in 2011 marked a part-time stint, kickstarting feuds with the likes of John Cena and CM Punk.
During the February 18, 2013, episode of RAW, Johnson graced the stage to unveil the new WWE World Championship title belt.
Distinguished by a unique center plate and customizable side plates featuring his iconic “Brahma Bull” logo, the unveiling sparked excitement among fans. However, Rhodes seized the moment, interjecting into the proceedings.
Stepping into the ring, Rhodes expressed his desire to inspect the new championship belt. Donning his signature mustache, he maintained a cautious distance from The Rock before boldly proclaiming, “I wanna take a look at the title. That, for the next 13 years, won’t be synonymous with The Rock.
It will be synonymous with Cody Rhodes.” Despite not embodying the beloved persona he currently holds, Rhodes’ declaration elicited a thunderous response from the audience. Was this a stroke of long-term planning by WWE, or merely a serendipitous occurrence?
Regardless, WWE can attribute the seamless alignment of events to lay the foundation for one of its most compelling storylines in recent memory. However, the journey was not devoid of hurdles. Credit must be accorded to The Rock, whose unexpected heel turn breathed new life into WrestleMania 40.
Undoubtedly, the Rhodes-Johnson feud has fans eagerly anticipating WrestleMania. Equally undeniable is the fervent backlash Rhodes faced after relinquishing his Royal Rumble victory to Johnson.
Whether this was a predetermined twist or a reactionary measure devised by WWE post-backlash, Johnson’s portrayal as a heel proved to be a masterstroke.
Presently, Johnson commands a formidable presence as one of the premier heels in the industry, effortlessly captivating audiences with a single slap and a piercing promo.
It is his star power that prompted WWE’s desire to incorporate him into WrestleMania. As for the future trajectory involving The Bloodline and Johnson post-Mania, only time will tell.
