3 Reasons Why Roman Reigns Will Main Event WrestleMania 40 Against Cody Rhodes, and Not Against Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

Who could be the guy who will end Roman Reigns’ historic title run? This doubt has been bothering numerous wrestling enthusiasts for a very long time. While some believed it would be Edge at WrestleMania 37, others thought that Brock Lesnar was the favorite to defeat Reigns at the 38th edition of WrestleMania. When both were not able to meet their expectations, the WWE universe put their money on Cody Rhodes as a guy who could end Roman Reigns’ run at WrestleMania 39, but Reigns still proved them wrong.

Nonetheless, the fans are still ready to put stock in The American Nightmare, considering him a favorite to end Reigns’ story. However, there are many who believe that Dwayne Johnson might be the one who could start and even end a Samoan saga with Reigns. But keeping in mind the current scenario, it seems tough for The Rock to initiate a feud with the 38-year-old champion. But what could be the potential hindrances in the path of an epic Samaon storyline? And why is Cody Rhodes still a favorite to face Reigns at Mania 40? Let’s dive deep into the discussion.

The end of the actors’ strike might initiate the Hollywood return of Dwayne Johnson

Ever since Dwayne Johnson made a grand appearance on SmackDown, the fans have been highly optimistic about a prospective storyline between him and Roman Reigns. Furthermore, his statements that he was open for WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia set the wrestling world ablaze. But looking at the Hollywood industry, which is slowly and gradually returning from its historical halt, The Rock’s WrestleMania match is looking into a gray area. After the Hollywood writer’s strike ended, negotiations for the actor’s strike also seemed on the horizon, hinting at Johnson’s return to Hollywood before the Mania season gets underway.

If this is not enough, The People’s Champ has also got a mile-long list of upcoming movies such as Fast X (part 2), Moana, The Red Notice 2, and whatnot, which might require future Hollywood commitments and could prove to be a major obstacle for a clash at WrestleMania. Why? Well, these commitments will surely eliminate the regular appearance of Johnson in WWE, sidelining the storyline with The Head of the Table for WrestleMania.

Thus, with his future Hollywood commitments, it looks tough for Johnson to make it to WrestleMania 40. Also, given that Cody is being prepared to face Reigns at WrestleMania and that it won’t make sense for a heel like Reigns to defend his title twice in the two-night event, WWE might not think of Johnson as an option. In fact, the TKO holdings would make things even more certain concerning a potential Dwayne Johnson match. How? Let’s find out.

It’s not Dwayne Johnson’s decision

WrestleMania 40 will be WWE’s first signature event under the TKO holdings. Also, the new ownership might not consider the return of The Rock inside the squared circle as an option for WrestleMania. In fact, a report from Sports Illustrated revealed that neither it would be Johnson’s decision to return to WrestleMania nor is it a topic of substance hinting at Johnson’s match against Reigns in limbo.

Considering the same, TKO’s plans might be to invest in talent that could remain in the company for a relatively longer period of time. However, due to the movie commitments and obligations surrounding Johnson, he might not wrestle for an extended time frame. Indeed, it makes sense. How? Well, with the same strategy, they made the UFC a profitable venture too, and even if the WWE works differently, they might think to invest in those guys who could sustain themselves in the company for an extended period of time without any further commitments.

And keeping all the things mentioned above in mind, there might be relatively higher chances for Cody Rhodes to end the story at Mania.

Cody Rhodes is still the prime candidate eyeing Reigns

Cody Rhodes was indeed one of the biggest names in the AEW. The American Nightmare crafted his wrestling resume while being an AEW star in such a way that the WWE couldn’t help but offer him a contract. Since then, Rhodes has been a hot favorite to win the biggest gold in sports entertainment. Even though he had a chance last year against Reigns, he was not able to clinch the strap because of interference from The Bloodline.

Since then, Reigns has not been a frequent face in the WWE. In fact, he would be fighting his first match after SummerSlam at Crown Jewel. Meanwhile, Rhodes has been getting over numerous hurdles, and among those, Brock Lesnar was the biggest. With so many fights registered in his resume, Rhodes stands out as a hot favorite to go against Reigns yet again. Also, the sole reason for his commitments with WWE was to eventually hold the undisputed title. The outcome of last year’s WrestleMania was followed by a huge uproar from the fans since they completely had their faith in Rhodes to win the title. Thus, it won’t make sense if the former Intercontinental champion doesn’t face Reigns one more time at WrestleMania.

Read More – Despite Being in His Heart, Dwayne Johnson Reveals Big Reason to Choose NFL Over Wrestling, Years Before the Same Sport Saved His Life

And even if some have forgotten Rhodes as a probable favorite, his intense face-off with Reigns in the season premiere of SmackDown might have revealed yet another chapter of this intriguing story.

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