In a twist that has left the WWE Universe buzzing with emotions, Cody Rhodes, fresh off his triumphant victory in the 2024 Royal Rumble, finds himself facing an unexpected detour on the road to WrestleMania 40. Despite the fans’ fervent desire to witness Cody Rhodes take on ‘The Tribal Chief,’ Roman Reigns, recent developments hint at a paradigm shift with The Rock’s return to the WWE.
The parallels drawn between Cody Rhodes and the legendary Daniel Bryan are unavoidable, as the narrative takes a strikingly familiar turn. Here are three compelling reasons why ‘The American Nightmare’ seems to be treading the same path as Bryan Danielson did in the mid-2010s.
1. Fans’ Discontent:
WWE fans are expressing their dissatisfaction over the potential WrestleMania 40 main event, reminiscent of the resistance against Batista headlining ‘Mania 30. In 2014, Daniel Bryan’s fervent ‘Yes movement’ captured the hearts of the WWE Universe, only to face disappointment when Batista claimed the Royal Rumble victory. Now, a decade later, Cody Rhodes finds himself in a similar scenario, with fans adamantly against The Rock taking the spotlight at WrestleMania.
WWE were expecting Cody Rhodes to turn into Daniel Bryan following The Rock/Reigns segment.
They expected the switch-up to turn him into a martyr and turn him into an even BIGGER babyface.
(WOR) pic.twitter.com/n3LXOsn5rl
— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) February 5, 2024
2. Underdog Transformation:
The shift in Cody Rhodes’ narrative, from a contender with a clear path to WrestleMania glory to a perceived underdog, mirrors Daniel Bryan’s journey. WWE’s decision to potentially sideline Rhodes and thrust The Rock into the spotlight has sparked an outpouring of support for the underdog, reminiscent of the fervor that elevated Daniel Bryan to fan-favorite status.
Cody Rhodes, having endured setbacks and waiting for his moment, has now become the embodiment of resilience in the face of unexpected hurdles. Fans, angered by what they perceive as WWE’s inconsideration, are rallying behind ‘The American Nightmare.’
3. Proving Worth Through Tests:
Just as Daniel Bryan had to prove himself repeatedly before his historic WrestleMania 30 triumph, Cody Rhodes is seemingly on a similar trajectory. Despite headlining WrestleMania 39 last year, Rhodes couldn’t complete his story, and now, he is once again compelled to prove himself. WWE’s decision to potentially hand The Rock the coveted WrestleMania 40 main event spot has left Cody Rhodes in a position where he must endure further tests to stake his claim as the face of WWE.
The parallel narratives of Daniel Bryan and Cody Rhodes in their respective WrestleMania journeys underscore the cyclical nature of wrestling storytelling. The WWE Universe, impassioned by the echoes of history, is witnessing an emotional saga unfold as ‘The American Nightmare’ confronts unexpected obstacles on the grand stage. If The Rock’s match with Roman Reigns is officially confirmed, Cody Rhodes may be left with no choice but to forge a new path, potentially against Seth Rollins. As the drama intensifies, the wrestling world braces for an emotional rollercoaster leading to the grand spectacle of WrestleMania 40.
