Fans have been buzzing about a potential encounter between the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and The Rock at WrestleMania 39. However, it turns out that if The Rock doesn’t return to WWE, then it’ll likely be Cody Rhodes who’ll face The Tribal Chief at The Grandest Stage of Them All next year.
Cody Rhodes could be the backup opponent for Roman Reigns
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter suggested that Rhodes is expected to be out of action for six months. He’ll likely return around Royal Rumble 2023. If The Rock vs. Roman Reigns isn’t cemented by then, Rhodes will likely be The Tribal Chief’s WrestleMania opponent:
”Will likely be out about six months, which makes the Royal Rumble probably the smart time frame for a return. If Dwayne Johnson doesn’t wrestle Roman Reigns, it’d make the returning Rhodes vs. Reigns as the most likely biggest of next year’s Mania.”
Cody Rhodes picked up a huge win over Seth Rollins inside the Hell In A Cell at the namesake Premium Live event. It was previously speculated that he might be a part of the show as it was announced that he suffered an injury. He also cut an emotional promo following the victory.
WWE announced shortly before the event that Rhodes tore his right pectoral tendon off the bone while preparing to face Seth Rollins. Despite showing severe bruising, he went on to defeat his long-term rival in a gruesome battle that lasted for 24 minutes. The injury is quite severe and WrestlingInc’s Raj Giri stated that Rhodes suffered a complete tear. Giri stated that Rhodes might need a recovery time of four to six months. WrestlingNews.co reported that Rhodes was cleared because he couldn’t suffer more damage to his completely torn pec. They also added that a few spots were scrapped from the match: The report stated that Rhodes had the option not to compete, and WWE would’ve come up with an alternate plan. However, it was ‘The American Nightmare’ who insisted on wrestling anyway. His wife, Brandi Rhodes was also concerned during the match.
