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Cody Rhodes Was Scheduled to Face John Cena at WrestleMania 39 Before Vince McMahon Retired!

Rishabh Singh
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Cody Rhodes John Cena

Cody Rhodes made his triumphant return to WWE after six years by defeating Seth Rollins in a riveting match at WrestleMania 38. During his absence from the company, Rhodes was busy making a name for himself in the rival company AEW. In the lead-up to his match with Seth Rollins at Hell in a Cell PPV, Rhodes had an unfortunate accident in the gym as he ended up tearing his pectoral muscle. While it was inadvisable for him to wrestle in that condition, Rhodes still showed up and defied the odds by beating Rollins once again. 

His return was met with great adulation from the WWE Universe. Rhodes has reportedly recovered from his injury and is ready to make his return to the ring. Before 2023, fans speculated that Rhodes would dethrone the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39.

However, the rumors were laid to rest after it was reported that Rhodes may reignite his rivalry with Seth Rollins. Rhodes’ return still is a mystery but fans are certain that 2023 will be a big year of achievements for the American Nightmare.

A new report has revealed that before Vince McMahon stepped down as the CEO, Rhodes was poised to be involved in a WrestleMania dream match with John Cena. 

Cody Rhodes was booked to face John Cena at WrestleMania 39 before Triple H’s regime

According to Fightful Select, Cody Rhodes was internally slated to face John Cena at the grandest stage before Triple H assumed leadership of the Creative. It is believed that Vince McMahon’s regime was preparing the WWE Universe to see the passing of the torch if Cody was to win the match.

Vince’s retirement led to the dream match being scrapped but, the change in plans does not mean that Cody will be underwhelmingly booked. Rhodes has spent years in the business and paid his dues to get to the top. His years of dedication to wrestling will not go unnoticed.

According to previous reports, Triple H may have an extended rivalry between Rhodes and Rollins because of their chemistry. 

Other reports suggest that Rhodes will be the one to win the Royal Rumble. Although The Game’s way of doing business is different from his father-in-law’s, he recognizes what the fans want and what Cody truly deserved.

Let’s not forget that Rhodes’ second run in the company is a far cry from his previous run. Considering his transformation, WWE is pushing Rhodes as a main-event superstar. It remains to be seen what Triple H’s regime has planned for the former AEW TNT Champion. 

Cody Rhodes Vs Seth Rollins at Hell in a Cell lauded as the best match of 2022

Cody Rhodes is three up against Seth Rollins. Following his win over Rollins at WrestleMania 38, The American Nightmare defeated Rollins at WrestleMania Backlash once again. But the match that won over the fans the most out of the trilogy was their Hell in a Cell match.

Speaking on After the Bell, Corey Graves declared that nothing in 2022 can compare to their final battle in June. Cody’s valiant effort at Hell in a Cell is easily the top highlight of 2022. 

“Anyone arguing with me, you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. This was as close to perfect as anything gets.

“Hell in a Cell, to me, was the greatest match of the trilogy.

“The rivalry, the promos back and forth, the vitriol between Rollins and Rhodes, the backstory—Everything about it to me was a perfect sports entertainment story in the year 2022.”

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About the author

Rishabh Singh

Rishabh Singh

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Rishabh has been a pro wrestling aficionado for two decades. As a gullible seven-year-old kid he believed that his dad could only be defeated by The Undertaker. His love for pro wrestling is visible in his writing. Over the years, he took inspiration from his favorite wrestling icons and adopted fitness lifestyle. He is a big proponent of exercise. Besides that, he is a movement coach, a Steelmaceflow artist, and a Krav Maga instructor.

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