WWE were not only booking The Rock Vs Roman Reigns but WrestleMania 40 and now we learn who was supposed to win and an absurd fallout idea.
By now, we all know what happened on the Road to WrestleMania. Cody Rhodes won at the Royal Rumble and would meet Roman Reigns again. About a week later and WWE had Rhodes give his title shot to The Rock. Well, fans did not like this and WWE thankfully changed the angle with The Rock turning heel. WrestleMania 40 night 1 saw The Rock & Reigns defeat Rhodes & Seth Rollins. The following day, WrestleMania 40 night 2, witnesses Rhodes dethrone Reigns.
Now, per the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, we learning the original plans. Basically, The Rock would win the title and then leave for Hollywood. He would return the following year, claiming to still be champion and thus set his match with Rhodes up. “At one point there was an idea that Rock would win the title from Reigns,” said Meltzer. Then, give up the title to go to Hollywood and end the streak, but always call himself ‘The People’s Champion,’ which is where that idea and belt came in; which was long before the Hall of Fame ceremony.”
Fans Would Have Lost It
Perhaps, that reasoning explains the night of after WrestleMania 40. Inside the ring during the opening segment for RAW, Rhodes and The Rock briefly exchanged belts. It was bizarre as the crowd chanted, “this is awkward.” While things can change, The Rock vs Rhodes is being looked at for WrestleMania 41 from Las Vegas. Also, The Rock taking on Reigns will happen.
I think if The Rock won the title and simply vacated it, the fans would riot. When you hold the belt for almost four years, the new champion have a huge celebration and lengthy reign. And, we might get that from Rhodes. He won at Backlash against AJ Styles and is no look towards LA Knight. So, did WWE make the right call by not booking The Rock vs Roman Reigns.
More must-reads: