10 DUMB WWE Booking Decisions (We Didn't Want To Admit Were GENIUS!)
3. Cody Rhodes Steps Aside For The Rock
As the intro says, even accidental genius counts.
Fans were irate when Royal Rumble winner Cody announced that he’d willingly step aside so The Rock could challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 on the 2 February 2024 SmackDown. WWE pivoted again at the Kickoff event on 8 February, which led to Rock’s vicious heel turn. Everything actually worked out for the best.
People rallied behind Rhodes 'cause they thought he was being screwed over by Triple H/The Rock, and we got Rocky’s memorable ‘Final Boss’ character as a result. In storyline, he viewed 'Mania as a family affair between Roman and himself. Now, after agreeing to that, Rhodes has changed his mind?! Cue Rocky rage.
WWE had almost a full week to sit and watch support pour in for Cody. That confirmed suspicions that everyone was ready to see Rhodes "finish the story" and topple Reigns for the top belt. Accidental? Yes. Genius trolling on the backend? Absolutely.
Everybody was happy in the end, and Trips still has Rock vs. Roman in reserve.