When Cody Rhodes announced that it would not be him facing Roman Reigns on the latest episode of SmackDown, fans were upset. Not only would Rhodes not be completing his story, but he would be giving away his rightful spot to Dwayne Johnson, something no one was expecting. As the news develops on the WrestleMania 40 main event booking, fans have turned against The Rock.
This has resulted in support for Rhodes’ movement across social media and more. After flooding WWE’s posts with negative comments, fans have found a new way to show their support.
Cody Rhodes supporters bring anti-Rock signs to NXT’s PLE
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It is safe to say that the WWE Universe did not take Rhodes handing his WrestleMania spot over to The Rock as positively as the WWE imagined. While fans cheered for The Great One and Roman Reigns finally sharing the ring, the online community had a different take on it. The segment of The Rock and The Tribal Chief in the ring has the highest dislikes on any of the WWE’s recent uploads on YouTube. Not only that, but fans have flooded the WWE’s social media posts with an outcry in support of the former AEW star. This mirrors what CM Punk said during his infamous pipebomb segment on RAW in 2011.
The Cody Rhodes signs are here at #VengeanceDay #WeWantCody pic.twitter.com/2KRCbL5eVQ
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) February 5, 2024
This anti-Rock feeling transcended the online space on NXT’s Vengeance Day PLE. Despite having nothing to do with the main roster, NXT fans showed up with anti-Rock signboards. One sign read out, “Rock Screwed Cody,” while another said, “We Want Cody vs Roman.” This is bound to show up on the upcoming episode of WWE RAW as well.
READ MORE: 2 Reasons Why The Rock Should Work a Brief Rivalry With Cody Rhodes Before Roman Reigns
While there has been no official statement by the WWE on this matter, NXT star Dijak did take to social media to persuade the fans not to continue hijacking the comment section of WWE posts. Since the announcement, fans, experts, and former WWE Champs have voiced their opinions on the matter. But why exactly has traction suffered for a highly anticipated matchup that has been hinted at for several years?
Why the sudden hate for Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson?
To call it hate would be a strong word. The WWE Universe loves The Rock. However, his sudden inclusion and Rhodes’ exclusion from WrestleMania 40’s main event has left a sour taste in the fans. While everyone spent a year cheering for Rhodes to complete his story, this WrestleMania seemed like the perfect end to give fans what they wanted.
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However, Rhodes’ moment to shine could be overshadowed by a matchup that doesn’t necessarily have the same stakes. While the WWE could still make changes to please the fans, The Rock’s position in TKO Holdings Groups might say otherwise. What do you think about the anti-Rock movement? Tell us down below.
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