Cody's Shocking Statement
Cody Rhodes is making it clear how determined he is to finish his story, making a shocking statement to Sports Illustrated's Justin Barrasso about it.
Rhodes recently spoke with Barrasso about the news that Cody is the cover star of the upcoming WWE 2K24 console game. "The American Nightmare" made it clear to Justin just how important it is for him to finish his story:
“If I haven’t finished the story by WWE 2K25, don’t bring me back for the commercial. Don’t put me on the cover, don’t put me anywhere near it. I won’t deserve it. But it’s fun that this is happening in real time, and we all get to experience it together.”
What does "finishing his story" really mean for Cody Rhodes? In 2023, it meant defeating Roman Reigns for the Undisputed Championship. Cody wanted to do what his famous father couldn't do during his time in the WWE: win the company's top title. However, when Cody faced Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, there was only one world championship. However, that changed after Night of Champions when Seth Rollins became the inaugural World Heavyweight Champion. That being said, is Cody still looking to unseat Roman and if so, how likely is it to happen?
Cody's WrestleMania picture looks uncertain in light of the rumors that The Rock could face Roman Reigns at night two's main event. While one rumor suggests Cody could be added to the match, making it a Triple Threat Match, his chances of winning the Undisputed Championship seem unlikely at WrestleMania 40. That doesn't mean he can't win it another time. Nonetheless, talk that the WWE wants CM Punk to feud with Roman Reigns down the road has some fans believing Cody's future with Roman Reigns is grim.
Nonetheless, it's difficult to imagine the WWE pushing Cody so hard without him capturing a world championship. As WrestleLamia discussed in an article about what might happen if Cody was placed into a Triple Threat Match with The Rock and Roman at WrestleMania, it appears the WWE is changing the definition of what "finishing his story means." Cody recently told the fans after SmackDown that he's tired of coming home without a championship. Perhaps the WWE hopes the fans will be happy with Cody winning the World Heavyweight Championship.
Will it be enough for some fans? Up until recently, it looked like Cody vs Roman Reigns II was carved in stone as WrestleMania 40's main event. Would a World Heavyweight Championship win seem like a distant second to an Undisputed Championship win?
The good news is that Seth Rollins has done a phenomenal job building the World Heavyweight Championship up as a true world title. While fans were justifiably concerned the WWE's new world title might seem like a consolation prize for everyone who has come up short against Roman Reigns, that's no longer a concern. Rollins' frequent title defenses, the high quality of opponents he's defended the title against, and the outstanding quality of his matches have turned the World Heavyweight Championship into the WWE's only true world title in the men's division
Hopefully, the WWE Universe will see that Cody's quest can be fulfilled with a World Heavyweight Championship win. Given the WWE's Bizarro World booking of Roman Reigns as the greatest champion of all time and its obsession with having him defeat everyone and anyone, why waste Cody's time (and more importantly, his fans' time) with a pointless pursuit of Roman?
Fans may have more clues on the 22 January RAW because Seth Rollins is scheduled to address his physical status and more importantly, his championship future. In addition, Cory Rhodes and CM Punk will have a face-to-face conversation in the ring.
Regardless of who Cody faces, the WWE is crafting an interesting subplot between Rhodes and CM Punk as both men want to main event WrestleMania 40. Savvy fans know that there are different ways for both men to fulfill their dreams at WrestleMania. Nonetheless, the WWE also understands the dramatic potential this chase has and it's likely to lead to an exciting storyline heading into WrestleMania.
What do you make of Cody's statement about finishing his story? Do you think it will happen at WrestleMania?
Photo Credit: WWE