The Rock is not backstage at WWE Raw tonight, FightfulSelect.com reports.
One of the most anticipated storylines in recent times has centered around Cody Rhodes’ journey to conclude his narrative, initiated upon his return to WWE. Last year, there were expectations that Cody would finally dethrone Roman Reigns, but the decision was deferred, with WWE aiming to build on the storyline for this year.
Throughout the past year, Cody faced multiple obstacles hindering the resolution of his story. However, the situation appeared poised for a resolution when he won the 2024 Royal Rumble.
On the February 2nd episode of WWE SmackDown, Cody Rhodes confronted Roman Reigns, expressing his desire to win the WWE Championship but asserting that WrestleMania was not the chosen venue for it. Unexpectedly, The Rock made an entrance, seemingly sidelining Cody as he confronted his cousin, Roman Reigns.
This turn of events prompted dissatisfaction among wrestling fans, evident in the negative response to The Rock’s return on WWE’s YouTube channel. The video became the most disliked on the channel, reflecting fan discontent.
Addressing the fan backlash, Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com discussed the potential for WWE to alter their WrestleMania 40 plans in response to negative reactions. He acknowledged WWE’s ability to change direction at any time, including reverting to the original Cody vs. Roman plan. While there is a prevailing expectation of a Rock vs. Roman matchup, Johnson indicated that WWE and The Rock might consider steering away from this direction to avoid further negative responses.
“They can change direction any time they want and pivot to something different, including the original Cody vs. Roman plan. Whether they actually do remain to be seen. My gut is that we’ll see Rock vs. Roman but it’s always possible Rock and/or WWE management will see the negative responses and seek to prevent that from getting worse. We’ll see. I know that WWE was absolutely monitoring the responses.”
The ongoing situation highlights the dynamic nature of professional wrestling storylines, where fan feedback plays a significant role in shaping the direction of narratives and potential changes in plans. The outcome remains uncertain until it unfolds on-screen.
