11 Times WWE Was Better Than Literally EVERYTHING
8. The Rock Bloodies Cody Rhodes In The Rain
Cody Rhodes is the wrestler of the 2020s.
At the halfway point alone, he was able to lay claim to being integral to the landscape-shifting formation of AEW at the end of the prior decade, a vital component in securing its future during the unprecedented times of the pandemic, an era-defining jump from the challenger brand to the market leader, a WWE Champion in title and position, and the true "next John Cena" babyface figure in a fashion fans never permitted Roman Reigns to be.
The strength of love behind the man has shocked and delighted over the years, but when "#WeWantCody" overwhelmed support for The Rock of all people, a WrestleMania 40 pivot (and with it a political victory for Triple H in his own internal war with 'The Final Boss') confirmed that good booking and the right call could at long last trump the historic thirst for keeping the big names happy.
Rock himself got it quickly, and seemed to embrace being the top heel again after years of being the all-smiles returning hero. Perhaps it was life imitating art and Dwayne Johnson didn't need yet more hassle and grief following Hollywood sharpening its knives, but he earned deserved plaudits for playing the supersized villain alongside Roman Reigns, particularly during a fittingly cinematic scene in the Chicago rain on 2024's Road To WrestleMania.
After surprising Cody and one of the company's hottest crowds by showing up unannounced, he beat Cody bloody in the car park and in the rain, swearing up a storm as he went. All of this spoke to a man in total control of his own destiny, which itself became perfect fodder for the build in the post-kayfabe world. Rock was so convincing as an insurmountable obstacle that he cast all sorts of doubt on Rhodes' ability not just to win in the ring, but to curry enough backstage stroke too. Even the universe was into it - of all weathers to aid the vibe, the rain mixing with Cody's blood to stain his body and clothes couldn't have added more to a deliciously tense and perfectly pitched atmosphere.