Rhodes Title Match Decision Causes WrestleMania Mayhem

In what was WWE’s most viewed non-in-ring event across social platforms, the XL press conference to preview WrestleMania 40 made headlines. After the February 2nd episode of Friday Night Smackdown, all eyes were on a potential belt match between Roman Reigns and The Rock to determine who is the “head of the table” in the family bloodline. Things took a major turn when Cody Rhodes announced his Royal Rumble victory decision of who he would be fighting at WrestleMania, as he chose Roman Reigns. The WWE Universal Champion had choice words after the decision, saying Rhodes should take on Seth Rollins in a battle of “Number 2s.”

The two continued to make it personal, taking stabs at each other’s families. Reigns called Rhodes an embarrassment, “just like [Rhodes’] dad.” Cody came back saying that no one in the Reigns/Rock bloodline has “been doing any of the cooking for two years.” The Rock intervened, saying it was blatant disrespect, and slapped Rhodes. Just a week after Cody introduced Rock into the ring and the two embraced before Rock stared down Reigns, the sides have now flipped.

Triple H, the head of Content and Creative for the WWE, confirmed that Rhodes has made his choice, and he is the one who has the final say, not the Rock. To throw another wrench in the whole story, Seth Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion, said that he does not like the way Rock has been reintroduced to the WWE, trying to call his own shots. After a whirlwind segment that ended in all sides being separated, the Rock getting heated with Triple H, and Cody Rhodes calling his opponent, the main events for WrestleMania remain up in the air with a multitude of scenarios that can occur. Reigns and Rock are both expected to appear on the February 16th episode of Smackdown, where perhaps more pieces of the puzzle will be revealed for WrestleMania 40.