Recent reports have shed light on the original intention for Cody Rhodes to secure the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 39, only to have the plans redirected in favour of a return match a year later.
The latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter by Dave Meltzer disclosed the initial blueprint for Cody Rhodes’ victory and the subsequent decision to postpone it.
Meltzer confirmed that the original plan for WrestleMania 39 involved Cody Rhodes emerging victorious. Both Vince McMahon and Triple H were reportedly in favour of Rhodes’ return from pec surgery and the subsequent title win, drawing parallels to Triple H’s return from quad surgery and title win at the 2002 WrestleMania. However, various deliberations and negotiations took place behind the scenes, leading to the consensus that postponing the title victory by a year would yield a stronger narrative.
It is true that the original plan last year was for Rhodes to win. Both McMahon and Levesque were on board with the return from pec surgery and the title win, after the injury telling a story not altogether different from the HHH return from quad surgery and title win at the 2002 Mania. A lot happened behind the scenes, with the key points being argued and eventually agreed by all parties it would be stronger a year later.
Furthermore, it was argued that maintaining Roman Reigns as the champion would pave the way for a compelling storyline centred on elevating Jey Uso into a prominent singles star and a significant merchandise draw as a babyface. While Vince McMahon ultimately made the decisive call, Triple H was reportedly aligned with the decision, and no substantial issues arose in the process. Crucially, it was emphasised that the decision did not entail McMahon overruling Triple H and imposing the outcome.
It was also argued that keeping Reigns as champion would open up a key storyline to make Jey Uso into a major singles star and merchandise draw as a babyface. While Vince did make the call, Levesque was on board with the call and there were no significant issues with the decision. It was said that it was absolutely not Vince overruling Levesque and forcing the decision.
Which Promo Did Cody Rhodes Say He Felt Guilty About?
Cody Rhodes stated that he felt “a little guilty” after his promo on the March 18th episode of Raw. Rhodes said that although fans in attendance loved the promo he felt guilty due to having amassed a young fanbase and felt that his promo may not have been appropriate for them.