Cody Rhodes has already decided who he wants to face at WrestleMania 40.
On January 27th, Cody Rhodes became the first man in 26 years to win back-to-back Royal Rumbles, with the last man to do it being Stone Cold Steve Austin with his victories in 1997 and 1998.
The American Nightmare entered the 30-man spectacular at Number 15 and eliminated four men on his way to the historic victory. The last of these was CM Punk, who was competing in his first televised WWE match in 10 years. Punk looked on the verge of the win after a Go To Sleep, but Rhodes countered his second attempt at the move and threw the Straight Edge Superstar out of the ring for the win.
Normally, after winning the Rumble, the victor traditionally points at the huge WrestleMania sign hanging from the rafters. However, Rhodes put his own spin on things, instead pointing at Roman Reigns in the skybox and yelling at the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Cody Rhodes Confirms He Wants To Finish The Story At WrestleMania 40
At the press conference following the Royal Rumble, Rhodes was quick to confirm that he would target Reigns for the second time on the Grandest Stage Of Them All. Noting that he didn’t want to run from his loss at WrestleMania 39 and would face it head-on.
“I feel like everyone knew that, right? I’m very glad he decided to take the sky box seat. It could make it really clear where we’re at.
“All due respect in the world to Seth Rollins. That title gains more prestige every single day, but WrestleMania 39 did happen. If you’re me, you can’t look at that and you can’t run from it. I want to be back in the ring with Roman Reigns and I want to finish the story.
Rhodes went on to joke that he “detests” the “finishing the story” statement now as too many people have their own stories, but a promise is a promise and he intends to keep it.
I detest the statement now because, apparently, everyone has a story. Punk wanted a story, Drew has a story, everyone has a story. A big part for me, I’m very big on keeping my word. If I say something silly on TV, but it’s a promise, I intend to keep the promise. I don’t know if two times is the charm with Roman, we’ll see.”
With the main event of WrestleMania now set, many have wondered about the status of another much-anticipated bout, but a recent report has confirmed that WWE still plans for Roman Reigns to face The Rock.
During the press conference, Cody Rhodes also spoke of his surprise that he and CM Punk never faced off in AEW.
H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.