Cody Rhodes believes that The Rock may have underestimated him at first but one particular segment made him undeniable to The People’s Champion.
The return of the Hollywood star sent long-term plans into disarray in early February as it appeared that Rock had inserted himself into a championship match against Roman Reigns despite the fact that Rhodes won the 2024 Royal Rumble and WWE had been building to the rematch since WrestleMania 39.
Dismissing Rhodes as an unworthy challenger and feeling he was the bigger star, Rock discussed the importance of The Anoa’i Family at the WrestleMania press conference and why a match between himself and Reigns was the only match fitting for WrestleMania 40. As Rhodes interrupted and chose Reigns as his champion, Rock slapped The American Nightmare for disrespecting his family and made it clear that he was the bigger threat, slowly transitioning into The Final Boss. However, according to the new Undisputed Champion, there was a point where Rock realised just how big of a star Rhodes had become.
On March 8th, Rhodes and Rollins made their way to the ring through the crowd to accept the monumental tag team match between themselves and Rock and Reigns on night 1. Rhodes believes this was the night when any doubt was erased.
Appearing on the SI Media With Jimmy Traina podcast, Rhodes stated that Rock being able to experience his entrance live and in the arena made the Hollywood star see just how big of a star The American Nightmare had become:
“There was a moment, in the ring, live, happening in real time where Seth and I came down through the people to confront the Tribal Chief and Final Boss. I got a big kick out of seeing them see us. I’ve given a lot of respect to The Rock, and will certainly continue to do so, but I think he didn’t know who I was as a player.
I think in the moment, he saw, ‘Geez, they’re all doing the WOAH. He’s signing autographs on the way down here.’ It’s a different type of individual than perhaps he maybe saw a picture online or one clip. We base so much off GIFs and social media. That moment, right before I slapped him, and I brought that slap, that moment was a nice moment amongst myself and Seth and our place in all this,”
During the same interview, Cody Rhodes discussed one WWE promo that was not PG.
John Cena Recalls WrestleMania Conversation With Cody Rhodes
Victorious in the Bloodline Rules match on WrestleMania 40 night 2, Rhodes became the new Undisputed Champion thanks to help from Jey Uso, Seth Rollins, The Undertaker and John Cena. Following the victory, friends and family of Rhodes joined the new champion in the ring to celebrate the victory. In an interview after the match, John Cena revealed what he told Cody Rhodes.
H/t to Fightful.