The road to WrestleMania was full of twists and turns this year and at one point it was unclear who would be challenging Roman Reigns on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Ultimately Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 to win the Undisputed WWE Championship, but it’s being reported that a potential Rock title win was discussed.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that the original plan was for Cody Rhodes to win the Royal Rumble to set up a title match in the future. Rhodes would have been written off TV with an injury angle leading to The Rock getting the title shot then Cody Rhodes would get a title shot and victory later.
At one point there was an idea for The Rock to win the Undisputed WWE Championship, end Roman’s historic reign, then give the title up and return to Hollywood. It’s being said that the idea for The People’s Championship belt came up long before the Hall of Fame induction ceremony with the idea being that Rock would continue to call himself The People’s Champion after leaving for Hollywood.
According to the report many people were fighting against the idea of The Rock winning the title only for Roman Reigns to get it back after losing, and then dropping it to Cody Rhodes. The feeling was that it would hurt Cody’s eventual win and he’s the guy who would have to carry the company in 2024 and 2025.
Others were strongly against the idea saying that no matter what happens The Rock can’t win the title and that Cody Rhodes had to be the one to beat Roman Reigns first.
