Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes recently shared candid details about a tense situation with WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on the Flagrant podcast. The American Nightmare revealed his reaction to the possibility of The Rock nearly taking his spot at WrestleMania 40, sparking what he called “lingering tension.” Here’s a closer look at Rhodes’s perspective on the situation and his respect for The Rock.
On a recent appearance on Flagrant, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes discussed the backstage tension with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson over the possibility of the WWE icon stepping into his spot at WrestleMania 40. Rhodes opened up about his admiration for The Rock, despite the tension that arose, and reflected on how things unfolded. Here’s what Rhodes had to say about the experience and his hopes for a future “debrief” with The Rock.
Cody Rhodes on The Rock’s Possible WrestleMania Appearance
The Rock’s Busy Schedule and WWE Legacy
Rhodes acknowledged The Rock’s commitment to his career outside of WWE, explaining that he didn’t think The Rock was fully aware of the current WWE landscape. “In his defense, I think Rock has become so busy, his output is incredible. I don’t think he knew so much about the current landscape,” Rhodes said, emphasizing The Rock’s lasting impact on WWE.
As Rhodes noted, “He knows the company backward and forwards; the show is called SmackDown because he said that word.” While The Rock has remained influential, Rhodes believes the legend may not have been completely up-to-date on WWE’s current roster dynamics before WrestleMania 40.
Rhodes’s Initial Reaction: ‘I Got Very Defensive’
Cody didn’t hide his emotional response to the potential shake-up. The idea of The Rock stepping in created a moment of tension, making Rhodes feel protective of his position. “When that happened, you start thinking, ‘What if I told such and such this story?’ No, you can’t. I got very defensive,” he shared. Rhodes went on to explain that his defensiveness stemmed from his respect for the WWE fans’ preferences and their support for his journey.
Rhodes clarified that he holds no “beef” with The Rock, though he acknowledges some unresolved tension between them. “No, just when a situation like that happens and it’s very real, the fans have made a choice,” Rhodes said. Despite the tension, Cody expressed his admiration for The Rock, saying he “universally loves him” and even grew up as a fan of the People’s Champion.
While Cody respects The Rock’s legacy, he feels a conversation might help ease any lingering tension. “We have yet to debrief on WrestleMania and what happened,” he noted, expressing hope for a future conversation where they can both share their perspectives on the events leading up to WrestleMania 40.
(H/T to Fightful for transcribing the above quotes)
A Look Ahead: Cody Rhodes’s Path Forward
Rhodes made it clear that he wants to focus on transparency with fans, and he’s committed to staying open about the highs and challenges in his career. For Cody, the WrestleMania situation with The Rock serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the wrestling world and the importance of connecting with fans who are invested in his journey.
No Hard Feelings, But Cody Stands His Ground
While Cody Rhodes’s WrestleMania 40 situation with The Rock may have stirred some tension, the WWE Champion’s admiration for The Rock remains intact. As he looks forward, Rhodes hopes to continue his journey in WWE with honesty and transparency, both for himself and for the fans who support him. A future “debrief” with The Rock might bring closure, but for now, Cody is focused on moving forward and honoring his connection with the WWE Universe.
FAQ Section
Did Cody Rhodes have a conflict with The Rock?
While Rhodes acknowledges some tension, he clarified that there’s no “beef” with The Rock. He hopes they can discuss their perspectives on WrestleMania 40 in the future.
Why did Cody Rhodes feel defensive about The Rock’s WrestleMania role?
Rhodes explained that he became defensive because he respects the fans’ choice and felt protective over his role, especially given his journey and connection with the WWE Universe.
