When Triple H announced that Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 was official, fans around the world rejoiced. In their eyes, The Rock deserved to be humbled after attempting to insert himself into this WrestleMania’s main event scene.

Amid the euphoria of the wrestling community, one loose end was left dangling like a Texas bullrope. Why did Cody Rhodes give up his main event spot in the first place? While he admirably stood up to Roman Reigns and The Rock at the WrestleMania Kickoff, he could have spared himself all this hassle if he had stuck to the decision he’d made right after his 2024 Royal Rumble victory.

Cody’s illogical actions since the February 2 episode of SmackDown might very well have a simple explanation: He has a plan. And the cornerstone of this blueprint is the man who showed up in Birmingham and whispered in Cody’s ear as Roman Reigns looked on.

What Counsel Did The Rock Offer Cody Rhodes?

The Rock Has Plenty Of Insights From His Storied WWE Career

Cody Rhodes made a smart choice in seeking counsel from The Rock
The Rock has a unique insight into how Roman Reigns operates
The Rock has had a wildly successful WWE career

At this stage in his career, Cody Rhodes doesn’t look like the type to keep doing the same thing and expect different results. When Cody won the Royal Rumble for the second straight year, he must have asked himself an important question: What do I have to do differently so that I don’t end up losing to Roman Reigns again?

As he recounted on February 2, Cody sought the counsel of “legends.” One of the big names that he spoke with was Dwayne Johnson, cousin of the very champion that Cody is obsessed with beating. After everything he’s seen and done in his illustrious pro wrestling career, The Rock perhaps reminded Cody that empires cannot be brought down by one man.

The Rock Has A Clear Motivation For Turning On Roman Reigns

The Rock Can’t Be Happy About His Family’s Actions In The Bloodline

Back in the Day 1 episode of Monday Night Raw, The Rock let the world know what he was coming after. Or, rather, who he was coming after.

“Should The Rock sit in a booth? Should The Rock sit at the bar? Or…should The Rock sit at the head of the table?”

Interestingly, The Rock did not mention the WWE Universal Championship in his mission statement. By zeroing in on “head of the table” at the end of the promo, The Rock revealed his desire to regain control of his family and heritage, both of which are currently locked in a vise grip by his cousin.

Despite the boos garnered by Rock’s “royal family” comment at the WrestleMania Kickoff, the significance of the Anoa’i clan cannot be argued. Several key chapters of wrestling history have been authored by this family—starting from the High Chief Peter Maivia; flowing right into The Rock and his cousins Yokozuna, Rikishi, Umaga, and Roman Reigns; and continuing all the way to The Usos, Solo Sikoa, Naomi, and Rock’s daughter Ava.

Samoa might be a small Pacific island country, but it has produced some of the best pro wrestlers ever. These 25 are the best of Samoan heritage.

What is also beyond dispute is Reigns’ exploitation of The Bloodline to maintain his grip on championship gold. There was no way that The Rock was smiling ear-to-ear as he watched his nephews Jimmy, Jey, and Solo being reduced to puppets by a man calling himself the Tribal Chief. At WrestleMania 39, it was these same Anoa’i family members that cost Cody Rhodes the WWE Universal Championship.

With their motivations intersecting like a crossroads, Cody and The Rock had a meeting of the minds to discuss the most effective way of bringing Roman down. What could they be cooking? Two words: show business.

Is The Rock Secretly Working With Cody Rhodes?

WWE Could Be Setting Up The Rock Vs Roman Reigns For WrestleMania 41

At face value, Cody looks indecisive, and The Rock is a corrupt Board member. However, their words and actions take on a deeper layer of meaning when you consider that both men are actors with multiple film roles or TV credits. It’s all a performance.

Dwayne Johnson is no Robert DeNiro, but he certainly put on a masterclass on the February 16 episode of SmackDown. Eagle-eyed fans have already pointed out the hints that The Rock is working his cousin Roman. These hints include Rock’s handgun gesture à la Bullet Club and the subtle way in which he may have been pointing to Reigns as he talked about orchestrating a downfall at WrestleMania.

Betrayals are fairly common in wrestling. Some happened from out of nowhere, while others fans easily saw coming.

Also, notice how The Rock took great care to show the back of his vest to the camera. A closer look at the vest reveals that the creature could be a leopard—which, as they say, cannot change its spots. Perhaps The Rock is saying that his character and motivation—which he revealed back at Day 1—have not wavered after all this time. Despite standing next to The Bloodline, The Rock is still coming after his nefarious cousin.

At WrestleMania 40, it’s entirely plausible that The Rock will finally break character, turn on Roman Reigns, and cost him the WWE Universal Championship. This sets up a blockbuster matchup for next year’s WrestleMania—one that the fans will genuinely look forward to—and the lasting image of The Rock once again arm-in-arm with a man who has just finished his story.