Time to take a look at how the CM Punk injury situation changed the WWE's plans for RAW. CM Punk's triceps injury means he won't be able to compete at WrestleMania, a situation that could make a major change to WrestleMania's main event. However, it also made a major change to the 29 January RAW. As we'll see, this change could also affect WrestleMania 40's night one main event.

Fightful Select is reporting:

“The creative on WWE Raw adjusted from what was planned as of Saturday night at the WWE Royal Rumble. We’re told that is directly tied to CM Punk’s injury, and that the Seth Rollins/Cody segment was added as a result of Punk’s injury.”

H/T Ringside News

On a related note, Punk's injury didn't change the original winner of the Men's Rumble. Despite some speculation that Punk's injury may have led the WWE to alter the Rumble's outcome, that is, having Cody Rhodes win instead of CM Punk, that's not the case.

Is Cody vs Seth the Main Event for WrestleMania 40's First Night?

Seth's promo where he challenged Cody to fight for the blue-collar title rather than the Hollywood title raised some eyebrows as did "The Visionary's" comments that Cody should compete for the workhorse title (not only that but Rollins referred to the other belt as the poser's title).

This would be ideal for the WWE if it still intends to book The Rock vs Roman Reigns as the WWE no longer has to worry about adding Rhodes to The Rock vs Reigns match (even if that was the plan). While Cody vs Seth might seem like a second-best way for Cody to finish his story, Seth made quite the case for why the World Heavyweight Championship is the prestige title in the WWE.

Another reason why Cody vs Seth is the right way for Rhodes to finish his story because of the history between Rhodes and Rollins. Rollins was Cody's first opponent when "The American Nightmare" returned to the WWE and the two quickly became embroiled in a rivalry for the ages as Rollins couldn't find a way to defeat Rhodes, even when Rhodes suffered a torn pectoral.

Defeating Rollins (who kayfabe knocked Rhodes out of action for several months the night after 2022's Hell in a Cell) would be the perfect bookend for their feud. Although Rhodes and Rollins respect each other now, that won't stop them from putting on another instant classic.

Fans should know soon whether Cody decides to wrestle Roman Reigns or Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40. Which match would you rather see? 

Photo Credit: WWE