How WWE Expected Fans To React To Cody Rhodes Being Replaced By The Rock

An update has emerged on WWE’s decision to have Cody Rhodes step aside for The Rock on SmackDown ahead of WrestleMania 40.

Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes stated that he won’t be challenging for Roman Reigns’ WWE Undisputed Universal Title on the February 2 show, moments before The Rock made his entrance to confront Reigns.

This has led to a fan movement online, with many WWE fans using the hashtag #WeWantCody in posts arguing that the American Nightmare deserves to headline the April 6-7 Show of Shows.

Per Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE was actually expecting to make Cody Rhodes a “bigger babyface” with the closing moments of SmackDown.

Noting that the fan support for Rhodes was absolutely expected – but the level of criticism for The Rock may not have been – Meltzer noted the following:

“They were expecting Cody Rhodes to turn into Daniel Bryan.

“They were expecting to make Cody Rhodes into a martyr and make him a bigger babyface out of that.

“Were they expecting the people to boo Dwayne? I don’t know, because I’ve asked that one and haven’t gotten a straight answer.

“The reaction for Cody, about Cody getting screwed and people getting behind Cody, that was part of the story. That was absolutely expected.”

If you use this transcription or any portion of it please credit WrestleTalk.com and link to this page

This would explain why Friday’s SmackDown broadcast featured so many shots of Rhodes leaving the ring and arena following The Rock’s entrance.

Meltzer also indicated that it was part of the deal between The Rock and WWE/TKO that was made as far back as January 3 that he’d be facing Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.

The Rock has addressed Cody Rhodes and WWE fans following his confrontation with Roman Reigns, which you can read more about right here.

For more details on WWE’s reactions to the actual fan response, click here.

Want to stay up to date with all the most important Wrestling and WrestleTalk News? Join our newsletter mailing list by clicking here, and selecting your preferences!