Cody Rhodes: WrestleMania Script Slip-Up or a Star’s Genuine Reaction?
The world of professional wrestling thrives on scripted drama and planned rivalries, but real emotions can steal the spotlight even in a realm where storylines are king. Recently, an incident involving Cody Rhodes and The Rock at WrestleMania 40 turned heads, not just for the storyline implications but for the genuine human reaction that slipped through the cracks of a well-oiled narrative machine.
Scripted Expectations Versus Reality
In a twist that was supposed to inject excitement into the WrestleMania storyline, Cody Rhodes was scripted to relinquish his central event spot to The Rock with enthusiasm. The segment, crafted to showcase Rhodes’ magnanimity and The Rock’s star power, was meant to set the stage for a dramatic face-off against Roman Reigns. According to Brian Gewirtz, The Rock’s writer, the planned reaction was one of unequivocal support: “The idea was supposed to be, it’s like the Nixon-Kenedy debate a little bit where you read the transcript, you’re like ‘Nixon kicked his ass.’ If you watch the actual footage, ‘Oh, he was a sweaty terrible mess.’ Cody, it was supposed to be, in some form, ‘Yeah, F—in A! Go get em Rock! You’re going to get your ass kicked, Roman! Let’s do this!’” However, what transpired was markedly different.
His demeanour suggested anything but excitement as Rhodes handed over his chance to shine at WrestleMania. The disparity between the script and Rhodes’ actual response was palpable and unexpected, sparking widespread speculation and backlash from the WWE Universe. This deviation from the script highlighted a rare crack in the façade of professional wrestling’s storytelling, revealing a moment of authentic disappointment.
Brian Gewirtz says that Cody Rhodes was supposed to react differently when giving up his WM40 Main Event spot to The Rock:
“The idea was supposed to be, it’s like the Nixon-Kenedy debate a little bit where you read the transcript, you’re like ‘Nixon kicked his ass.’ If you watch… pic.twitter.com/5ckYewHg3a
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) May 18, 2024
Fan Reaction and Storyline Shifts
The wrestling community’s response was swift and vocal, leading to an organic push for Rhodes and a shift in the WrestleMania 40 storyline. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of live entertainment and the challenges performers face when their genuine reactions clash with their scripted roles. Fans expressed confusion over the storyline’s direction, calling it inexplicable and illogical, pointing out the dissonance between the planned excitement and Rhodes’ sombre expression.
Cody’s Professional Predicament
The scenario begs the question: was Cody Rhodes at fault for his reaction, or was the storyline not aligning with the emotional stakes? At its core, wrestling is an exhibition of larger-than-life characters and grand narratives, but it is also a platform where real emotions can override the best-laid plans. Rhodes, known for his authenticity, found himself in a predicament where his professional obligations to perform clashed with his investment in his career trajectory.
Looking Ahead: WrestleMania 41 and Beyond
As we look toward WrestleMania 41, the implications of this incident are significant. It raises questions about authenticity versus performance in professional wrestling and whether scripted reactions can truly capture those involved’s complex emotions. The incident with Rhodes and The Rock may well influence how future scripts are crafted, with perhaps a greater emphasis on aligning storyline developments with the wrestlers’ reactions.
In wrestling, as in all forms of storytelling, the tension between reality and fiction is a delicate balance. The incident at WrestleMania 40 is a compelling case study of what happens when that balance is disrupted, not by poor performance but by the sheer force of genuine human emotion. As fans, it provides us with a raw glimpse into the emotional realities that underpin the spectacles we see in the ring, reminding us that behind every character is a real person, wrestling not just with their opponents but with the narratives they are a part of.
