In the world of WWE, where heroes and villains blur the lines with every promo, Cody Rhodes and The Rock have taken their verbal sparring to a level that has fans on the edge of their seats. This past week on WWE RAW, Cody Rhodes delivered a fiery response to The Rock’s provocations, igniting a debate on whether WWE boundaries were crossed. Here’s a deep dive into the electrifying exchange between these two titans of the ring.
Cody Rhodes’ Bold Rebuttal
Cody Rhodes, known as “The American Nightmare,” did not hold back during his latest appearance on RAW, responding to The Rock’s verbal jabs from last week’s SmackDown. In what can only be described as a tit-for-tat, Rhodes matched The Great One’s intensity and language, raising eyebrows and speculation about the freedom WWE superstars have when the microphones are in their hands.
According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE granted Cody Rhodes the rare exemption to use language that typically would have network censors jumping. This move suggests that WWE is willing to bend the rules to fuel the fire of this rivalry, recognizing the value of authenticity in the storytelling of its characters.
The Rock’s Unapologetic Persona
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a legend in the wrestling world and a global entertainment icon, has never been one to shy away from controversy. His remarks about Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins’ family on SmackDown were pointed and personal, setting the stage for an intense build-up to their potential clash. The Rock has hinted at his disregard for network restrictions, emphasizing his commitment to remaining true to his character, even if it means walking a fine line with the content of his promos.
The Rock cut a promo on Cody's dog.
Pharoah responds.
Will @TheRock respond? or is he truly a cat?@CodyRhodes @WWE
The Rock vs Pharoah WrestleMania night 2. https://t.co/0q9HmrtIHa pic.twitter.com/uvXzffEa74
— Joe Rivera (@JaeBsoNasty) March 18, 2024
A Mind Game Masterclass
The interactions between Cody Rhodes and The Rock have transcended the physical aspect of wrestling, venturing into a psychological warfare that has captivated the WWE universe. Vince Russo, on Legion of RAW, highlighted that Rhodes’ intense focus on The Rock might signify that the latter has successfully infiltrated Rhodes’ psyche, especially considering Cody’s impending match with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL.
What’s Next in This Epic Showdown?
With WrestleMania XL on the horizon, the WWE universe is buzzing with anticipation over what could unfold next. The Rock has announced his return to RAW on April 1, 2024, promising another explosive encounter before the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania. Fans are eager to see how Cody Rhodes will use this opportunity to assert his dominance and possibly outmaneuver The Rock in their ongoing psychological battle.
Conclusion
As we inch closer to WrestleMania XL, the WWE continues to deliver compelling narratives that captivate and entertain. The ongoing saga between Cody Rhodes and The Rock is a testament to the power of storytelling in professional wrestling, blending personal vendettas with athletic prowess. Whether boundaries were crossed or not, one thing is clear: the WWE universe is witnessing a rivalry that will be talked about for years to come.
