Not Cody Rhodes, 8x WWE Champion Was Vince McMahon’s First Choice to Face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39

The pro wrestling world is buzzing with Cody Rhodes’ name at the moment. He has not only won over the WWE Universe, but the American Nightmare is a revered name across the industry. But if you have been following Dusty Rhodes’ younger son, you probably know that this wasn’t the case during his first stint with WWE. After leaving it in 2016, Rhodes went on to reinvent himself and, in the process, help pave his way as a top pro wrestler.

After staying away from the WWE for six years, The Prince of Pro Wrestling made a triumphant comeback at WrestleMania 38. A year later, he would go on to lock horns with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns in the main event at WrestleMania 39, which placed him as a top guy in the promotion. Now, it seems that a majority of this wouldn’t have taken place had Vince McMahon managed to execute his actual plan.

WWE icon’s message likely to rile Cody Rhodes’ fans

Following a pectoral muscle tear, Rhodes was forced to stay out of in-ring competition for half of 2022. Fans, however, saw him again at Royal Rumble this year, which he won and challenged Reigns for his belts. The next few months saw him set up the clash with the Tribal Chief and play out the narrative about finishing his story, which would find closure with Rhodes winning the WWE Championship.

While Rhodes failed at the SoFi Stadium, a revelation by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson now shows it was always headed that way. According to The Great One, who was a guest on The Pat McAfee Show, his match against Reigns was locked by Vince McMahon.

The 8-time WWE Champion joined the host and crew of the show in Colorado, where the new episode of SmackDown will take place. Johnson also spoke about his absence from the WWE, which will reach four years in October.

Read More: ‘It’s Not the Injuries, It’s Not My Schedule’: Dwayne Johnson Breaks Silence on Snubbing WrestleMania 39 Match Against Roman Reigns Despite Being ‘Locked’ by Vince McMahon

Meanwhile, Dwayne Johnson’s admission is likely to rile Rhodes’ fans, who now is likely to face barbs from Reigns’ admirers. Additionally, Johnson also said that he’s open to fighting Reigns. This could jeopardize Rhodes’ aspiration to take on Reigns in a re-match at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia.

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