Cody Rhodes doesn’t think Dwane ‘The Rock‘ Johnson will take his spot at WrestleMania 40.
WrestleMania 39 saw Rhodes unsuccessful in his attempt to finish his story and unseat Roman Reigns as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. While things could certainly change, reports indicate that a rematch between Rhodes and Reigns is the long term plan in WWE, with many believing the clash could once again take place on the Grandest Stage of Them All.
However, Rock dropped a major WrestleMania tease when he appeared on The Pat McAfee Show back in September. Not only did Johnson say that a match between himself and Reigns was “locked in” until creative plans didn’t come to fruition, he said he was “open” the weekend of WrestleMania in Philadelphia. Later that night, he made a surprise WWE return alongside McAfee on SmackDown.
“I Don’t Think He’ll Be In My Spot” – Cody Rhodes On The Rock
Speaking on a recent edition of Busted Open Radio, Rhodes addressed Rock’s recent return to WWE and made it clear that despite The Great One’s accolades, he believes he’s the rightful main eventer.
“Nobody has asked me about The Rock. I think they’re scared to ask me or they don’t want to be rude.
“I’ll say this about The Rock. Coming on Pat’s show [The Pat McAfee Show], which I was watching live because I love Pat and then SmackDown. The Rock did for sports entertainment so much, and continues to do so much by being the biggest star in Hollywood, that I’m able to be at the level that I’m at because I can stand on shoulders like those of The Rock’s.
“He could have come on there and run me down and I would still have the highest respect for The Great One. He’s honestly a model superstar for anyone who wants to supersede expectations. With that said, no matter what he said, anyone who asked me or confronted me on it. I’m not flinching. I’m not flinching. I feel if The Rock and I were in the same room, he would expect nothing less from me.
“If you think it’s somebody else, I’m going to do everything I can to make sure you know it’s me. That’s the same attitude The Rock had when he was climbing the ladder. I don’t care who it is. If that happens to be The Rock. If it happens to be anybody. A wonderful superstar like LA Knight, a stellar performer like Sami Zayn. Line them up and I’m going to do everything I can to outrun them. I mean that with the utmost respect.
“I wasn’t shook at all by Rock’s big day out. What I would say is: not flinching. If Rock is part of WrestleMania 40, that would be outstanding, it’s The Rock, but I don’t think he’ll be in my spot.”
Recent reports indicate that WWE currently has no plans for Johnson to compete in a match at WrestleMania 40.
h/t Fightful