So, where does this complex situation leave Cody Rhodes? Well, for fans who hoped that WWE were going to pull a swerve, it doesn’t look like that’s the case, as PWInsider reports that Rhodes will likely take on Seth Rollins for the World Title at WrestleMania 40 in April:

“The current plan is for him to face Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, a direction change that a lot of readers we’ve heard from resent given that he’s been pushing to “finish his story” all year, that finishing that story was in reach after a Royal Rumble win and that even the WWE 2K24 video game (which Cody is on the cover for) is themed in part around fans “finishing” their own story…”

Naturally, this has led to criticism, particularly on social media. Rhodes vs. Rollins has come out of nowhere, and despite the two having history from 2022, the feud was settled, and they have shown no signs of resentment since.

There is also the issue of Rhodes going for the title he’s ignored for months, and a title that has been trashed both by booking decisions, as well as Reigns’ verbal tirade aimed at the legitimacy of the title this past week on SmackDown.

Additionally, WWE moving forward with a Rhodes vs. Rollins feud could create problems on TV. The fans may audibly turn on the idea of the match, which would make both men, particularly Rollins look weak as a result. Booking this match also leaves key names, most notably Drew McIntyre out of the picture. When CM Punk went down with his injury, McIntyre seemed like the most logical person to take Punk’s place, but now it looks like that this isn’t on the horizon.