Cody Rhodes and the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins, made a memorable appearance on Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, responding to a challenge laid down by none other than The Rock for WrestleMania 40.
In a fiery exchange, both sides engaged in a war of words inside the ring. Things escalated when The Rock, in a provocative move, referred to Rhodes’ birth as a “mistake,” provoking a swift reaction from Rhodes, who delivered a resounding slap to The People’s Champ. As tensions reached a boiling point, The Rock appeared ready to retaliate before being restrained by Roman Reigns as the show concluded.
The culmination of this confrontation sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown at WrestleMania in Philadelphia. Rhodes and Rollins will unite to take on The Rock and the undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, with significant stakes on the line.
"WE ACCEPT!" 😤@WWERollins is tired of hearing @TheRock talk and lets him know that he and @CodyRhodes accept #TheBloodline's #WrestleMania challenge! 🔥🔥🔥#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/1VpqUHLMpe
— WWE (@WWE) March 9, 2024
Should The Rock and Reigns emerge victorious, the main event of Night 2 will see Rhodes and Reigns battling under Bloodline rules, allowing for anything to happen. Conversely, a victory for Rhodes and Rollins would see The Bloodline banned from interfering in the title bout between Rhodes and Reigns.
Initially poised to challenge Reigns at WrestleMania following his second consecutive men’s Royal Rumble victory in January, Rhodes appeared to step aside after The Rock’s surprise return on SmackDown. However, fan support for Rhodes prompted a change of heart as he announced his decision to face Reigns at WrestleMania during a press conference in Las Vegas.
"You were a mistake!"#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/eKiD7QQxj3
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) March 9, 2024
Since then, tensions between Rhodes and Reigns have escalated, with both competitors trading barbs about each other’s families. The Rock’s unexpected slap to Rhodes solidified his alignment with Reigns and The Bloodline, marking a clear shift towards a villainous persona for The Great One.
Despite Rhodes’ earlier challenge for a one-on-one match at Elimination Chamber, The Rock declined, opting instead for the tag team match proposal that has now been accepted by Rhodes and Rollins. With this star-studded matchup now set, WWE has secured one of the most significant tag team matches in WrestleMania history to headline Night 1.
As anticipation builds for WrestleMania, fans eagerly await the outcome of this blockbuster showdown, which promises to deliver unforgettable moments and potentially alter the course of WWE history.
