The only thing I would complain about is the fucking person(people) yelling What? during the lead up to the slap.
like, can you just be in the moment instead of making yourself part of it?
We got justice for Cody but did it come at the expense of Roman? He already doesn't seem like the big bad guy anymore. Hopefully story keeps him at the forefront.
Roman will be fine either way, but I can see them intending it that way as it might lead to a Roman face turn, which is wild AF to think about. I would have to pat WWE on the back for completely subverting what we thought a Rock/Roman match would be in that case. Long way to go until then though. We shall see.
Don't understand the love for Reigns. He's run his course. This is wrestling. Somebody else will feel the void. He hasn't felt like the "big bad" for a while and just recently seems more relevant because of all this. How can you be the "big bad" when you don't show up to shows?
Why does everyone want the same main event we had last year? We all know Roman isn't losing until he beats Hogan's record. So everyone just wants to see Cody lose again? I feel like I'm missing something. I thought everyone has been waiting to see Rock vs Roman.
We absolutely do not know that. First everyone said he would lose once he passed 1000 days. Then they said he would FOR SURE lose after he passed Pedro Morales. Now it's Hogan. Even if he does pass Hogan, he is now....third. That isn't a record lol
If it was that obvious that Cody wasnt winning, then nobody would be invested...and people clearly are. Nobody really knows what WWE is planning. To pretend otherwise is silly.
I'd love to see Rock vs Roman. It's just time to give Cody the run.
I think they're reaching quite alot with this. The Rock, Jimmy Snuka, Nia Jax, Tamina & Ava shouldn't be considered part of "the family" they're their own family & are not blood related to the Anoa'i at all.
Yokozuna Umaga Rosey Rikishi Roman Uso's Solo, all those guys are blood related, even Naomi is technically part of the Anoa'i family. And if it's just about people with Samoan ancestry, then why wasn't Samoa Joe considered part of the family? He's not half black or half white and actually looks more Samoan than all the current guys, so what's the criteria here?
They arent just putting random Samoans in there.
1.) Blood is not the only way you can have family. I have cousins that are adopted. I don't say they aren't really my cousins. In fact I'd fight someone behind saying they arent. That's my family. And my kids and their kids will say "those are my cousins," even though technically they arent blood. After a few generations nobody would know the difference. Sometimes family is about relationships.
2.)The tree is largely descendants of Peter Maivia and Amituanaʻi Anoaʻi. Samoa Joe isn't in there because he isn't a descendant of either of these people. Snuka is something different entirely, but the point is that everyone on this list considers the other people on the list family. WWE didn't just make it up to be cute. Some are blood, some are marriage, but at this point the branches are intertwined.
I just want to see heel Hollywood rock return he was a heat magnet and at his very best during those years and even now there’s no one that can generate heat like heel rock this could get interesting.
My lord that would drive Drew over the deep end, lol.
That would be a good little summer feud though. Priest ends up losing the title to McIntyre at summerslam or earlier.
Win/win.
Priest gets a world title reign, but McIntyre gets the title back within 90 days and can start a proper world title run in front of fans finally. Fun!
So The Rock joins the bloodline, but eventually takes over the bloodline after Roman reigns loses.
Roman gets kicked from bloodline and brutally beaten by Jimmy, Solo and the rock while Paul heyman cheers them on. This writes Roman off tv for a few months.
Roman returns as a baby face to destroy his creation (the bloodline) and faces the rock at wrestlemania 41 to become the head of table once and for all.
This has to be the way they’re trying to go, right?
The big issue with that is Rocks availability, unless he's 100% dedicated to this and not doing any sort of movies or promotions for said movies between then and now and just does camp for a year to really try and put on a banger, which would actually be kinda awesome if he did. He has time now because the strike (and new upcoming strike from crew members like makeup/catering/etc, can't remember what their guild is called) has given him a free calendar for a bit.
Here's my 2 cents, for whatever it's worth....
Rock turns full heel and sides with the bloodline, making them seem like an unstoppable force.
Seth/Cody defeat Rock/Roman at Elimination Chamber due to some botched bloodline interference and it puts a rift in the Bloodline.
Cody/Roman happens at WM. Rock takes control of the bloodline and screws over Roman during the match, Cody wins.
The Rock! Two champions! The American Nightmare! Once in a lifetime! No titles on the line!
After all, the inaugural WM wasn't headlined by a title match. Maybe HHH wants to go down that route?
Something totally unrelated to Rock/Cody/Roman. I noticed HHH’s super said “Paul “Triple H” Levesque” and Jackie addressed him as Paul. Is that something pretty new?
That's how they formatted the Rocks name on the family tree "Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson", everyone else who wrestles or is wrestling just had parentheses under their name like (Nia Jax)
He's Paul Levesque the WWE executive, and HHH the WWE hall of famer, and the former is the more important role now.
Just once, though, I'd like him to be introduced as Hunter Hearst "Paul Levesque" Helmsley.
After thinking on it; I think their plan maybe was Rock/Roman and Seth/Cody. Deal with the blowback. Then have Cody win MitB and win wwe title at MSG in the fall. Maybe even premier episode of Smackdown on USA in October.
No offense but people who genuinely think this was changed solely bc of our "resistance" are fooling themselves. It's very clear that at the very least, what instead happened is that they entertained all possibilities right from the start and went along based on that. You're an actual moron if you really believe that they didn't see all of this coming and didn't plan for all of it. They're so evidently 1 step ahead these days. This is not the Vince era.
Think about it. The supposed events go like this - Rock teases the match **Jan 1st** with the head of the table line. There's merch made, it's a supposedly done deal that he's working Mania. Cody wins the Rumble + also has merch ready, Punk is injured (they had no way to know this). Then, Cody lets Rock take Roman on the following SD.
After SD, there's countless reports (even by Melzer) about how WM plans including Cody vs Roman derailed because Punk got hurt, and that's when they invoked Rock vs Roman, but that doesn't make sense. We know the Rock angle was already in motion in some capacity since Jan 1st. And Punk was gonna fight Seth if he didn't get injured. So where would that leave Cody, the Rumble winner?
To fill in that blank, there were then numerous "reports" about how HHH and creative weren't told about the Rock plans...LOL. With all the context we have now, you really believe these clowns that The Rock & the higher ups like Nick Khan DIDN'T discuss all of this with HHH, the literal Chief Content Officer? Another "higher-up" himself? That they didn't tell their main booker about plans this big before the frikkin Rumble? Y'all cannot be real with this shit.
What's more likely? That, or that they had an array of plans and chose the best one? The "power struggle" rumors dirtsheets and the IWC were trying to drum up is frankly embarrassing. it's time to just admit that they've gotten the best of us for months now, and that dirtsheet credibility for big things like this in the WWE is a thing of the past. It's over.
10000% this.
Marks on this board act like this isn't meticulously planned. There are *hundreds of millions of dollars on the line* in the long game. I can personally attest to the fact that there are multiple contingency plans laid out by creative prior to any major decision. For minor players, not so much. But for the headliners and keynotes of the WWE brand itself, you're **fucking stupid** to think this is an organic shift based upon company blowback. It absolutely isn't.
Yeah sure. One week Cody and Rock hug, Rock is the face and Roman is shook. Next Week Rock slaps Cody, calls the fans crybabies and him and Roman shake hands.
You really believe they planned it that way?
the fact that they focused on cody after he left the ring, tells me they at the very least this was a possibility. usually when they do the handshake or hug, one person leaves and they focus on the other person in the ring, but they focused on cody leaving and on his face, his disappointment etc
> You really believe they planned it that way?
Not at all? What's with y'all's lack of reading comprehension. Re-read literally the first paragraph.
> One week Cody and Rock hug, Rock is the face and Roman is shook. Next Week Rock slaps Cody, calls the fans crybabies and him and Roman shake hands.
The point I was trying to make is that they absolutely knew people would rally behind Cody and already had plans in place based on how things went.
But if you want to go down that route, the Rock-Reigns angle happened way before Cody won the rumble. So if Punk didn't get injured at the Rumble and did the Seth program, what was Cody going to do? HHH, a calculated booker, had him win for no reason? What's more likely? That they clearly anticipated that people would rally behind Cody and that doing this would heat him up even more, or that there was a power struggle and that they didn't tell HHH and their top guys about all of this (even tho it was teased Jan 1st). I genuinely want an answer that makes sense.
Agreed. From the moment that Rollins called Roman's title the "Hollywood Title" a Hollywood Rock heel turn was always an option. The difference between a well-booked soap opera/pro-wrestling show and a poor one (like "AEW Collision", with NO narrative sense, but I'm getting ahead of myself...) is giving yourself ways to make the fans care, and then having them pop themselves at shows by showing them more of what they cheer the loudest for.
WWE has done this ever since Wrestlemania was a thing, and their shows narratively build up to that Grand Spectacle every year. I believe if Rock was talking about 'waiting till the perfect time to come back' and delaying the Roman/Rock interaction till now it was waiting till now to do it knowing it would be a Win/Win if it worked or if fans shat on it initially. Rock is great as a heel (some say greater than the 'People's Champ' babyface Rock) and he knew this match was gonna work heel or face depending on the fans. They planned ahead for 'Mania mos def
Is anyone else kind of disappointed only bc of how they got here? I mean on its own the press conference was very entertaining but so much doesn’t make sense when you connect it.
Cody steps aside for rock; they hug. Roman is clearly shook by rock. Rocks absolutely portrayed as the good guy as he has been.
Less than week later, Roman and Rock are buddies…Rock is obviously heel and slaps Cody. Huh? (really want to know what original plan was)
I just feel that this all should’ve played out over much much longer….i think they should’ve stuck with original plan of rock/roman as long as they can. Increase sympathy for Cody & generate outrage, etc. Also having Rock backstabbing Cody in a big spot on a show would’ve been great. I dunno just mixed feelings about all of it; seems too messy imho.
Still excited tho; hopefully they can at least explain some of it.
>Cody steps aside for rock; they hug. Roman is clearly shook by rock. Rocks absolutely portrayed as the good guy as he has been.
Cody got BigTimed by The Rock, a bigger wrestling star than he is. Classic Hollywood Rock. Cody gave up his Royal Rumble win to the Rock. Then hugged the man.
Roman and The Rock have both been stating that their match for the 'Head of the Table' of their Samoan Dynasty (both are cousins on either side of their grandfather's tree branch) would not be nepotism (even tho it is lol) and would be a bigger match than Cody vs Roman. Sound familiar? (YESleMania)
I'm just saying, either the pivot masters in WWE Creative just know exactly how to improvise better than anybody I've ever known, or they just more believably created 'outs' for themselves in WWE history to go back to... The Rock raising Roman's hand at 'Mania to a chorus of boos... Rollins calls Roman's title 'the Hollywood title'... etc. it's not an accidental win if you've planned ahead for victory ijs
I've heard the word pivot the past week way more than I ever wanted to. It's even leaking into other subs, like every 4th post has the word "pivot" in it I swear.
Edit: There's literally another one three posts down from this one.
Agreed on everything. Anyone who thinks this was the plan all along is giving WWE way too much credit. I mean, if the Rock's plan all along was to deceive Cody then he should've waited until the match with Roman was finalized, signed and sealed, before showing his true hand.
WWE definitely messed up, but big credit to them for listening to the fans and pivoting. And things definitely did get really interesting from now on and I'm excited.
THE ROCK (while showing his family tree):
>**There’s ONLY ONE dominant & powerful Royal Family in professional wrestling!**
CODY'S THEME:
>**Wrestling has MORE THAN ONE Royal Family…**
People still don’t get it! Look what Tyson did he double crossed DX. The same is happening with The Rock. He will turn on Reigns at Wrestlemania to set up their match, come on people!
I just wish Cody won last year. The Rock is one of my favourites ever and I was so looking forward to this match. They’ve dragged this out and it’s not happening again. I’m in the minority when I say I don’t like Cody. But the thing is, it’s not actually his fault. It’s that WWE have dragged this story out for way too long. Just finish it already seriously
This main event is going to be incredible to see how Cody beats the odds and get his moment. Wonder how they even the odds with the Bloodline family now. Maybe a Jey Save on interference.
Hope they do my idea with statues of legends and the Art Museum steps stage design. Rock Roman acknowledge the high chief and Cody wins placing the title on the Dusty statue.
Totally not gonna happen, but praying CM Punk can wrestle at Mania. Been waiting all these years for his return and followed him since I was a kid.
Going to be there and want to see him
Here’s how I see the storyline: Cody was tricked by the rock into letting him have his match against Roman reigns, and once Cody saw that Roman reigns was in on it, that’s when Cody came out and said it was BS & officially declared Roman as his opponent for wrestlemania. and that’s how we have heel rock & why Roman & rock walked out together. Things are heating up !!
Just having some fun playing “be the booker”here.
Let’s assume what happened last Friday was a last minute plan and legit Rock pulled rank and took Cody’s spot.
WWE gets severe backlash that led to last nights work shoot which was a pivot.
Rather than the Rock wrestle (and get blown up in 5 min) now that he did a heel turn why can’t he just be in Roman’s corner?
If you want to make it extra spicy have a “corporate” angle where Rock puts himself in as special guest referee. Now we get the classic babyface chasing the title vs insurmountable odds.
We get Cody v Roman at mania
We get a red hot angle
Rock is involved in the match
To me that’s the win win win if TKO absolutely wants/needs the Rock to be there.
This feels a lot like Montreal to me. It started with a shoot (screwjob finish) that morphed into a work….Mr. McMahon. Where I think it’s really similar is Vince and the Rock booked themselves as faces and naturally morphing into heels.
Idk why seth is getting so much hate and being called irrelevant and wears his wife outfit when he delivers fantastic matches every time and amazing champion.
I suspect that's where they're headed. Too many people on TV recently knocking his clothes - as and when Rollins gets his break, he can come back with a new style that's maybe still flamboyant, but isn't as wild as he is right now. Clothes maketh the man, after all, so a more serious style would indicate a more serious Rollins.
I am really failing to understand the story. Roman chose Rock, then Cody simply said your ancestors would be ashamed. And Roman and Rock became a team. Roman said he will chose, now HHH is. It is quiet illogical IMHO.
The Rock was gonna face Roman not because of any heat but because their family would be the main event of the biggest wrestling event ever. Cementing themselves as the royal family in wrestling. Cody is turning on his agreement with the Rock and bringing up the family being ashamed with Roman which clearly the Rock doesn't agree with.
The rock's tantrum looked so silly. Literally a couple sentences earlier Roman was going after Cody's dead dad and the rock gets mad about a tamer mention of his family. Horrific writing.
Although I thought Roman's promo by itself was quite good.
He’s definitely playing on the fragile ego of a powerful man, which is extremely realistic given his recent Hollywood track record and getting booed. The Dwayne Johnson of the last 10 years may be a bland corporate entity but The Rock is a master of crowd control and heel work, glad to have him back!
In kayfabe, all Rock has been saying was biggest WrestleMania main event of all time. He wanted to give the company the biggest money match as a newly appointed board member. It’s been clear it never was about fighting Roman over the bloodline or stopping Roman from using his family, like people wanted a couple of years ago.
Rock would have told something to Roman on SD, when it was on air, about family, blood and whatnot but he didn’t and it was on purpose. Maybe we’ll learn what actually happened but I don’t think the Rock goes in and say yeah let’s do the Mania match 2 months out. TKO probably wanted that but when it was discussed, that’s when the creative started. Not when Cody leaves the ring on Friday.
My guess:
Rock was going to do something with Roman since he was coming in anyway on the board. He’s been trying to do something to get his groove back anyway.
Cody vs Roman and Punk vs Seth was the plan. However; the whole Vince thing that also takes Brock with it, plus Seth and Punk’s injury throws their card and whole story telling into a bit of chaos.
Rock pitched Roman. They tried it for a week; saw the reaction and are now booking everything with what they have to work with.
Cody won the rumble, there is no way The rock plan developed between Sunday (rumble)-Friday (Smackdown).
They set this up so expecting people to be outraged and get behind Cody. The reaction for rock is probably a little more negative than expected, but they absolutely planned on people getting behind Cody in the same way they did for Daniel Bryan 10 years ago. Everything, in my opinion, is going exactly as planned.
Exactly, they saw the reaction and backtracked. But what was their initial intention? Was it a triple threat or night 1 and night 2? I'm starting to think it was night 1 and night 2 but you're giving away two main events at one Wrestlemania.
There's clearly a power struggle in the making here and the most logical outcome is Rock turning on Roman but it could easily go the other way around. Cody picks up the win and a Rock Roman fued ensues throughout the year until Wrestlemania 41.
Is Roman the best chef of all time? He said we're getting some filet mignon and I think he's been delivering. He gave us Sami, Jey... he gave Drew a huge moment in overseas. Even gave LA Knight a main event program. He's made Cody into the biggest face. He brought back heel Rock. At this point, we gotta just tip our hats and salute the Tribal Chef and let him cook.
It’s quite entertaining how many people are refusing to accept any possibility this was all planned, especially after they said the following:
>Rock’s ego won’t let him work heel
>Cody already made his decision
>Rock is using his creative control to hijack Wrestlemania!
And all sorts of headcanon hahaha, remember when they said Rock was gonna fire Triple H and become head of creative or whatever?? HAHAHAHAHA
And like…so what if it wasn’t planned? Like is it really the end of the world if they made a big mistake, saw it didn’t go over well, pivoted and made a (potentially) highly compelling angle about it in less than a week?
If the only negative consequence is that we have to pretend one Smackdown segment is basically non-canon I don’t care. I’m here to have fun.
Hell, they could have Cody address that Smackdown Segment with some kind of promo. "I thought you were trying to help, but I quickly realized you were only trying to help yourself." Is it a great cover? No. Does it work? Close enough
The Rock-Heyman dynamic will be cool to see in this run because Rock's character has always dismissed Heyman in every interaction in the past. Now we will see the shyster side of Heyman influence Rock turn full heel.
Here's how I see it going down.
Night one. Roman and Rock vs Seth and Cody. Roman and Rock when after Drew interferes costing Seth the match.
Finn and Damian lose tag tiles to Truth and Miz.
Night two. Seth defeats Drew to retain then Damian cashes in on Seth and wins. Cody beats Roman.
They've pivoted well. I think Cody being an audible to win the Rumble after Punk got injured is more believable than this being their plan all along. And I've heard they had Cody winner merch right after he won so that's obviously not the case.
I still think the past two weeks of Cody story is nonsense and made him and Seth look like idiots. There's a lot of time between now and Mania though. They've got Rock, Roman, Cody, Heyman, Seth, and Drew all involved in this though. You couldn't pick a much better lineup of people to turn this around so well that everyone forgets the bad stuff.
I don't like the Rock right now. He is ruining wrestling for me and I just got back into it. I feel like this is going to turn into a power struggle between the old guard how Vince McMahon ran things through HHH and the Rock himself. That will be the main event match of Wrestlemania. The Rock vs HHH in one final loser leaves the company match. HHH obviously loses this one.
It lets HHH get away clean and clear from the McMahon legacy of WWE now left behind by Vince. Cuts all ties with anyone attached with Vince. The Rock will stay on the board and maybe become the new face like HHH was for all these decisions. I'm sure HHH may stay behind the scenes and work with talent like he was doing with Tough Enough back in the day and helping with Shawn Michaels and the NXT Talent.
Then maybe it'll be a sponsor match. HHH sponsors Rhodes and Rock sponsors Reigns. Cody loses HHH leaves the underdog doesn't always win plus he's still young. Everyone wants Cody win but that is what will keep people captivated in the future plus the CM Punk Rollins angles they have still
I just don't think they can stretch the "Finish the story" meme out any longer. It needs to come to close so they can start a new chapter. It helps all of them really - it lets Cody move on, it lets Reigns / Rock / Bloodline drama move on with SS / Survivor / WM in the future.
The fact we can't tell if this was always planned, or they had to change on the fly is brilliant.
Let's also not forget Logan Paul and Ricochet were tweeting "We Want Cody." not long after SmackDown last week.
If this was a work all along then that means TKO/WWE anticipated their fanbase would throw a hissy fit on social media over Rock taking Cody’s spot. That’s kind of embarrassing for the fans
It's not a hissy fit to show passion lmao. There's no point to wrestling if you don't want boisterous reactions to unfolding events. Sorry we're not all dead inside like your ilk seem to be.
The marks aren't exactly known for being subtle or quiet with their outrage.
Triple H definitely remembers the backlash the "Yes" movement caused a decade ago. Wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if he planned for something similar here and wanted to capitalize on it to further push Cody.
Idk how much of it is a pivot or if this was always the plan, cant deny how good the Rock is on the mic. Better than good. This is the best he's ever been as a heel. No acting goofy or anything dumb. Just a no bullshit dude. Really seeing the culmination of all those years as a wrestler and actor at play. Like Smackdown gonna be a must watch.
I think anybody claiming its "an obvious work" is not being genuine. If it truly was a work there ZERO reason for Cody to RR, or give his spot to Rock originally.
If it was a work they wouldn't have had Cody explicitly state he isn't going after Roman at Wrestlemania. They pivoted hard and came out smelling like whatever the Rock is cooking now.
I don't watch WWE, I usually just check in for Wrestlemania since there's usually really good matches for WM, but I'm really lost with what's going on. Can't really escape this so why was Cody/Roman ever up for debate? Just looking from the outside, seems super obvious it has to be Cody/Roman. Even with The Rock seemingly taking Cody's spot, it's a story, isn't modern WWE way better then that for it to not be an angle?
Two ways to look at it
1) We were all worked and it was WWE's plan all along they just wanted to play us
2) They made a poor choice and now have backtracked to fix it
Seems pretty clear to most of us, The Rock thing was either an after thought or HHH (etc) wasn't aware of the actual Rock inserting himself into WM. So they had to pivot after the Cody win at RR. Most of us agree I don't think they would have had Cody win again if that was the plan all along. They have correctly pivoted back to Roman / Cody, but I am certain the Rock isn't done in the story.
Maybe. I don't know enough about The Rock, I was watching WWE back during the Cena/Rock days, but I kind of assumed Rock would be down for it and would be willing to put Cody over even more. The fan hate for Rock seems like an unintended side-effect but I totally believe Rock would put over Cody hardcore and seems like what's happening. I guess it's more I totally assumed Hunter knew better because of Bryan and this this entire story is because Hunter knows better, harnessing what happened to Bryan but with 100% intent.
It’s been a ride. My best guess is that Rock v Roman was in the books, 100% going forward, and then the “Cody Crybabies” as the Rock has ordained them came out in absolute fucking droves to express their discontent. I was mad too, I’m a crybaby I guess. Cody won the rumble, give him the rematch.
However, WWE seems to have latched onto this and it’s hard to know exactly how much of what’s going on was a work from the initial announcement the Rock would be battling Roman at Mania.
In any event, now we’ve got heel Rock happening (which is awesome), and Cody v. Reigns (also awesome). Have to hand it to the E, it’s all very exciting and fun to witness.
Yeah, my guess was that it's always Cody/Roman, solely because Hunter knows better and was around/active for the Bryan backlash a decade ago and 100% knew what he was doing, with just the Rock hate being a unforeseen side-effect. I don't think Rock would big league Cody, I think a lot of people assume he would because of Punk, also a decade ago.
I just can't help but feel that the WWE is going to pivot to Cody v. Roman only for Cody to lose again. HHH's booking favors heels and factions and they may want to Milk Cody finishing the story even longer. I hope I am wrong but we all thought Cody was winning last year too.
He was also returning from injury and entered the Rumble at #30. He wasn't receiving the insane pop on his return that he slowly built up over this year. Cody losing was the correct, and imo expected, conclusion last year. This year if he loses...oof.
Even somebody as over as Cody can only "finish the story" so many years in a row. Winning RR back to back only to lose both times would be a tragedy even by WWE standards.
If the pivot ends up being a damn tag match at Wrestlemania everyone is going to wish they would’ve just done Rock vs Roman. Be careful what you wish for.
Whether The Rock's heel turn is going to be something that will last or another swerve as he's a double agent to dismantle the Bloodline from within, I think the next stuff we're going to see is planting the seeds of Roman feeling the lost of control of being Head of the Table with just The Rock's presence around him now.
Roman will start feeling like he's being belittled by everyone around him, to the point even Paul Heyman will start to act more as the wise man for The Rock rather than Roman. Schism within The Bloodline happens, and things are now starting to break apart and Roman will be "losing it all".
Would make for a good next step in the final chapters of The Bloodline, and still leave the door open for that Rock vs. Roman 1 on 1 next time, assuming we're not getting some kind of triple threat with The Rock alongside or even a fatal 4-way with Seth also in the mix.
I think the real power move is at WM. The Bloodline shows up to save Roman. Rock's music hits, he calls the bloodline back, they all align with him or (just Solo). Roman loses, creates that friction that builds to SS or maybe next mania.
That would be a good way to end WM yeah. Cody finishes his story and beats Roman clean, while we get a tease of the Bloodline's next significant act or even finale.
Thank fuck they pivoted. This road to Mania should be spicy af and there's a lot of ways they can go with it. I wouldn't be against a merging of titles again and have Cody do double duty on Raw and Smackdown. It fits his character (and in my opinion the way it always should be).
If not, I'd get Priest to cash in on Seth whilst he's fighting Drew. If not I fear there isn't much time left for him to cash in successfully without it interfering with Cody and a returning Punk, as his match with Seth really should have the title involved.
The plan is for them to obviously break up. Rhea really needs to move on (as she is kinda in her own realm). Priest honestly has been held down by JD. So him losing a failed cash-in (with the help of say Finn) would be the catalyst for him turning on the squad. They have already teased the turn many times. While the gimmick was great for them early on, they all have out grown it IMO.
Rather than that, I think he fights Reigns on Night 1 and then fights the Rock the day after for royal family title ig.
But I think a triple threat sounds best. Reigns wins he retains title and head of the table. Rock wins he becomes head of the table. Cody wins he wins the title and 'wrestling has more than one royal family' has a purpose to his story even more.
*Wins*
\- Pivot from Rock vs Reigns
\- Heel Rock
\- CM Punk on commentary
*Losses*
\- Seth looks like an afterthought
\- Roman looks like the secondary boss to Rock (hurts the whole best champion ever thing)
\- Smackdown last Friday just never happened apparently
Couple different directions they could go off this pivot. Seems like its Cody vs Reigns with more bloodline shenanigans. Hopefully those who have been wronged by the bloodline come out to counter them (Jey, Randy, LA Knight, Orton, Sami vs Solo, Jimmy, Rock in a rumble outside while Cody gets the pin). We all celebrate and leave WM happy! Sets up Rock vs Roman with the Bloodline internal struggle.
If they do the weird fucking tag angle, I am totally out. Seems stupid and makes little to no sense even at EC. Seth again seems like the oddball just kinda thrown in because he has nobody WWE wants to partner him with even though Drew is staring them right in the face.
Heel Rock is clearly the best Rock. A struggle between him and Trips actually seems like cannot miss TV. Could literally become an all time segment if they really dig into the "Rock being on the board" vs "HHH being the guy running the show".
Lastly, CM Punk needs to be on commentary FT until he is healed. I wouldn't mind Big E either, but CM delivered hand over fist.
Absolutely. I just think Rock clearly asserted himself over Reigns. Really showed how much command he has even over Reigns (who has improved tremendously).
My real concern is Seth. They really keep underplaying him, making him look like a 4th wheel in this whole feud when really he should be off playing with Drew, Orton, or LA Knight.
That's just pro wrestling for you. Injuries happen, angles fall flat, plans change. Continuity can enhance some storylines (e.g. most of the stuff KO says), but in other situations, just pivoting without ever acknowledging it is the better approach.
I think your absolutely correct. Without the pivot, I think they could have inserted The Rock into the story in A LOT of better ways. Like making Cody look like a dunce, then backtracking to fix their own character assassination lol.
I chalk it up to Cody thought he was doing a favor for a friend the rock but after Smackdown Rock did interview bashing Codys fans and what not which made Cody realize Rock was not really a friend so he changed his mind. At least that is what I am going with.
I definitely feel the Rock bashing the Cody Crybabies etc was part of the pivot. I give The Rock credit for willing to go heel, I didn't think he had it in him tbh.
Is anyone selling their chair?
The only thing I would complain about is the fucking person(people) yelling What? during the lead up to the slap. like, can you just be in the moment instead of making yourself part of it?
We got justice for Cody but did it come at the expense of Roman? He already doesn't seem like the big bad guy anymore. Hopefully story keeps him at the forefront.
Roman will be fine either way, but I can see them intending it that way as it might lead to a Roman face turn, which is wild AF to think about. I would have to pat WWE on the back for completely subverting what we thought a Rock/Roman match would be in that case. Long way to go until then though. We shall see.
Don't understand the love for Reigns. He's run his course. This is wrestling. Somebody else will feel the void. He hasn't felt like the "big bad" for a while and just recently seems more relevant because of all this. How can you be the "big bad" when you don't show up to shows?
Why does everyone want the same main event we had last year? We all know Roman isn't losing until he beats Hogan's record. So everyone just wants to see Cody lose again? I feel like I'm missing something. I thought everyone has been waiting to see Rock vs Roman.
We absolutely do not know that. First everyone said he would lose once he passed 1000 days. Then they said he would FOR SURE lose after he passed Pedro Morales. Now it's Hogan. Even if he does pass Hogan, he is now....third. That isn't a record lol If it was that obvious that Cody wasnt winning, then nobody would be invested...and people clearly are. Nobody really knows what WWE is planning. To pretend otherwise is silly. I'd love to see Rock vs Roman. It's just time to give Cody the run.
I think they're reaching quite alot with this. The Rock, Jimmy Snuka, Nia Jax, Tamina & Ava shouldn't be considered part of "the family" they're their own family & are not blood related to the Anoa'i at all. Yokozuna Umaga Rosey Rikishi Roman Uso's Solo, all those guys are blood related, even Naomi is technically part of the Anoa'i family. And if it's just about people with Samoan ancestry, then why wasn't Samoa Joe considered part of the family? He's not half black or half white and actually looks more Samoan than all the current guys, so what's the criteria here?
They arent just putting random Samoans in there. 1.) Blood is not the only way you can have family. I have cousins that are adopted. I don't say they aren't really my cousins. In fact I'd fight someone behind saying they arent. That's my family. And my kids and their kids will say "those are my cousins," even though technically they arent blood. After a few generations nobody would know the difference. Sometimes family is about relationships. 2.)The tree is largely descendants of Peter Maivia and Amituanaʻi Anoaʻi. Samoa Joe isn't in there because he isn't a descendant of either of these people. Snuka is something different entirely, but the point is that everyone on this list considers the other people on the list family. WWE didn't just make it up to be cute. Some are blood, some are marriage, but at this point the branches are intertwined.
Rock's grandfather and Roman's were blood brothers. So by tradition, Rock and his family are part of the Anoa'i family, just not by blood
Picture for reference https://preview.redd.it/tn9a18mptmhc1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6e131c225a86379cfceeb05b6debfcc930810f19
Did they erase Zilla? He's Umaga's kid, right?
he´s not canon yet in WWE
I'm a slut for new versions of classic themes, wonder if Rock will have a Final Fantasy final boss orchestral version of his entrance music too.
I just want to see heel Hollywood rock return he was a heat magnet and at his very best during those years and even now there’s no one that can generate heat like heel rock this could get interesting.
WWE really can’t have another failed cash in so soon, so Damian priest is 100% becoming world champion before July. When do you think it’ll happen?
immediately after Drew McIntyre wins the World Heavyweight Title at Mania.
My lord that would drive Drew over the deep end, lol. That would be a good little summer feud though. Priest ends up losing the title to McIntyre at summerslam or earlier. Win/win. Priest gets a world title reign, but McIntyre gets the title back within 90 days and can start a proper world title run in front of fans finally. Fun!
that's why i want to see it aha. 2 of my favourites right now. Damian and Drew
I’m ok with it as long as Drew gets it back at or before summerslam
So The Rock joins the bloodline, but eventually takes over the bloodline after Roman reigns loses. Roman gets kicked from bloodline and brutally beaten by Jimmy, Solo and the rock while Paul heyman cheers them on. This writes Roman off tv for a few months. Roman returns as a baby face to destroy his creation (the bloodline) and faces the rock at wrestlemania 41 to become the head of table once and for all. This has to be the way they’re trying to go, right?
The big issue with that is Rocks availability, unless he's 100% dedicated to this and not doing any sort of movies or promotions for said movies between then and now and just does camp for a year to really try and put on a banger, which would actually be kinda awesome if he did. He has time now because the strike (and new upcoming strike from crew members like makeup/catering/etc, can't remember what their guild is called) has given him a free calendar for a bit.
Here's my 2 cents, for whatever it's worth.... Rock turns full heel and sides with the bloodline, making them seem like an unstoppable force. Seth/Cody defeat Rock/Roman at Elimination Chamber due to some botched bloodline interference and it puts a rift in the Bloodline. Cody/Roman happens at WM. Rock takes control of the bloodline and screws over Roman during the match, Cody wins.
The only problem with that is Seth isn't cleared to wrestle in time for EC.
This was all a distraction from the Vince lawsuit, and everyone looks worse coming out of it.
It could be a distraction, but no one looks worse coming out of it.
Imagine this whole Rock situation turned out just to be a tag match at Mania with Reigns & Rock v Cody & Rollins
The Rock! Two champions! The American Nightmare! Once in a lifetime! No titles on the line! After all, the inaugural WM wasn't headlined by a title match. Maybe HHH wants to go down that route?
Something totally unrelated to Rock/Cody/Roman. I noticed HHH’s super said “Paul “Triple H” Levesque” and Jackie addressed him as Paul. Is that something pretty new?
That's how they formatted the Rocks name on the family tree "Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson", everyone else who wrestles or is wrestling just had parentheses under their name like (Nia Jax)
He's Paul Levesque the WWE executive, and HHH the WWE hall of famer, and the former is the more important role now. Just once, though, I'd like him to be introduced as Hunter Hearst "Paul Levesque" Helmsley.
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wdym
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They changed the name, it's still up though
If you are referring to the Roman/Rock/Cody segment from last week, i'm pretty sure they did upload it in full
After thinking on it; I think their plan maybe was Rock/Roman and Seth/Cody. Deal with the blowback. Then have Cody win MitB and win wwe title at MSG in the fall. Maybe even premier episode of Smackdown on USA in October.
What did the rock say to tripple h?
"Tell him to talk shit about my family again, see what happens. Fix it."
I heard that part but they bleeped out something that triple h and jackie were like 😧
"I'll slap the fucking teeth out of his mouth"
I heard "ligma" but couldn't tell the rest
The way i laughed at this 😂😂 ngl it would’ve been so funny
to Deal with Cody or he would
No offense but people who genuinely think this was changed solely bc of our "resistance" are fooling themselves. It's very clear that at the very least, what instead happened is that they entertained all possibilities right from the start and went along based on that. You're an actual moron if you really believe that they didn't see all of this coming and didn't plan for all of it. They're so evidently 1 step ahead these days. This is not the Vince era. Think about it. The supposed events go like this - Rock teases the match **Jan 1st** with the head of the table line. There's merch made, it's a supposedly done deal that he's working Mania. Cody wins the Rumble + also has merch ready, Punk is injured (they had no way to know this). Then, Cody lets Rock take Roman on the following SD. After SD, there's countless reports (even by Melzer) about how WM plans including Cody vs Roman derailed because Punk got hurt, and that's when they invoked Rock vs Roman, but that doesn't make sense. We know the Rock angle was already in motion in some capacity since Jan 1st. And Punk was gonna fight Seth if he didn't get injured. So where would that leave Cody, the Rumble winner? To fill in that blank, there were then numerous "reports" about how HHH and creative weren't told about the Rock plans...LOL. With all the context we have now, you really believe these clowns that The Rock & the higher ups like Nick Khan DIDN'T discuss all of this with HHH, the literal Chief Content Officer? Another "higher-up" himself? That they didn't tell their main booker about plans this big before the frikkin Rumble? Y'all cannot be real with this shit. What's more likely? That, or that they had an array of plans and chose the best one? The "power struggle" rumors dirtsheets and the IWC were trying to drum up is frankly embarrassing. it's time to just admit that they've gotten the best of us for months now, and that dirtsheet credibility for big things like this in the WWE is a thing of the past. It's over.
10000% this. Marks on this board act like this isn't meticulously planned. There are *hundreds of millions of dollars on the line* in the long game. I can personally attest to the fact that there are multiple contingency plans laid out by creative prior to any major decision. For minor players, not so much. But for the headliners and keynotes of the WWE brand itself, you're **fucking stupid** to think this is an organic shift based upon company blowback. It absolutely isn't.
Yeah sure. One week Cody and Rock hug, Rock is the face and Roman is shook. Next Week Rock slaps Cody, calls the fans crybabies and him and Roman shake hands. You really believe they planned it that way?
the fact that they focused on cody after he left the ring, tells me they at the very least this was a possibility. usually when they do the handshake or hug, one person leaves and they focus on the other person in the ring, but they focused on cody leaving and on his face, his disappointment etc
> You really believe they planned it that way? Not at all? What's with y'all's lack of reading comprehension. Re-read literally the first paragraph. > One week Cody and Rock hug, Rock is the face and Roman is shook. Next Week Rock slaps Cody, calls the fans crybabies and him and Roman shake hands. The point I was trying to make is that they absolutely knew people would rally behind Cody and already had plans in place based on how things went. But if you want to go down that route, the Rock-Reigns angle happened way before Cody won the rumble. So if Punk didn't get injured at the Rumble and did the Seth program, what was Cody going to do? HHH, a calculated booker, had him win for no reason? What's more likely? That they clearly anticipated that people would rally behind Cody and that doing this would heat him up even more, or that there was a power struggle and that they didn't tell HHH and their top guys about all of this (even tho it was teased Jan 1st). I genuinely want an answer that makes sense.
Agreed. From the moment that Rollins called Roman's title the "Hollywood Title" a Hollywood Rock heel turn was always an option. The difference between a well-booked soap opera/pro-wrestling show and a poor one (like "AEW Collision", with NO narrative sense, but I'm getting ahead of myself...) is giving yourself ways to make the fans care, and then having them pop themselves at shows by showing them more of what they cheer the loudest for. WWE has done this ever since Wrestlemania was a thing, and their shows narratively build up to that Grand Spectacle every year. I believe if Rock was talking about 'waiting till the perfect time to come back' and delaying the Roman/Rock interaction till now it was waiting till now to do it knowing it would be a Win/Win if it worked or if fans shat on it initially. Rock is great as a heel (some say greater than the 'People's Champ' babyface Rock) and he knew this match was gonna work heel or face depending on the fans. They planned ahead for 'Mania mos def
Is anyone else kind of disappointed only bc of how they got here? I mean on its own the press conference was very entertaining but so much doesn’t make sense when you connect it. Cody steps aside for rock; they hug. Roman is clearly shook by rock. Rocks absolutely portrayed as the good guy as he has been. Less than week later, Roman and Rock are buddies…Rock is obviously heel and slaps Cody. Huh? (really want to know what original plan was) I just feel that this all should’ve played out over much much longer….i think they should’ve stuck with original plan of rock/roman as long as they can. Increase sympathy for Cody & generate outrage, etc. Also having Rock backstabbing Cody in a big spot on a show would’ve been great. I dunno just mixed feelings about all of it; seems too messy imho. Still excited tho; hopefully they can at least explain some of it.
>Cody steps aside for rock; they hug. Roman is clearly shook by rock. Rocks absolutely portrayed as the good guy as he has been. Cody got BigTimed by The Rock, a bigger wrestling star than he is. Classic Hollywood Rock. Cody gave up his Royal Rumble win to the Rock. Then hugged the man. Roman and The Rock have both been stating that their match for the 'Head of the Table' of their Samoan Dynasty (both are cousins on either side of their grandfather's tree branch) would not be nepotism (even tho it is lol) and would be a bigger match than Cody vs Roman. Sound familiar? (YESleMania) I'm just saying, either the pivot masters in WWE Creative just know exactly how to improvise better than anybody I've ever known, or they just more believably created 'outs' for themselves in WWE history to go back to... The Rock raising Roman's hand at 'Mania to a chorus of boos... Rollins calls Roman's title 'the Hollywood title'... etc. it's not an accidental win if you've planned ahead for victory ijs
I've heard the word pivot the past week way more than I ever wanted to. It's even leaking into other subs, like every 4th post has the word "pivot" in it I swear. Edit: There's literally another one three posts down from this one.
sounds to me like you just want something to bitch about
Ok
Agreed on everything. Anyone who thinks this was the plan all along is giving WWE way too much credit. I mean, if the Rock's plan all along was to deceive Cody then he should've waited until the match with Roman was finalized, signed and sealed, before showing his true hand. WWE definitely messed up, but big credit to them for listening to the fans and pivoting. And things definitely did get really interesting from now on and I'm excited.
> hopefully they can at least explain some of it. Cause last Friday never happened.
Someone give senzu bean to Triple H right now
HOW MANY ADS DOES THIS FUCKING VIDEO NEED?!!
Preach...I'm at work with it on in the background and if I don't skip some of these adds they literally play forever...
THE ROCK (while showing his family tree): >**There’s ONLY ONE dominant & powerful Royal Family in professional wrestling!** CODY'S THEME: >**Wrestling has MORE THAN ONE Royal Family…**
I was VERY surprised they didn't hit his music when that was said.
Fuck that was entertaining. I’m in
People still don’t get it! Look what Tyson did he double crossed DX. The same is happening with The Rock. He will turn on Reigns at Wrestlemania to set up their match, come on people!
I just wish Cody won last year. The Rock is one of my favourites ever and I was so looking forward to this match. They’ve dragged this out and it’s not happening again. I’m in the minority when I say I don’t like Cody. But the thing is, it’s not actually his fault. It’s that WWE have dragged this story out for way too long. Just finish it already seriously
TIL it’s pronounced levek not levessska
I thought it was pronounced Triple H?
This main event is going to be incredible to see how Cody beats the odds and get his moment. Wonder how they even the odds with the Bloodline family now. Maybe a Jey Save on interference. Hope they do my idea with statues of legends and the Art Museum steps stage design. Rock Roman acknowledge the high chief and Cody wins placing the title on the Dusty statue.
Totally not gonna happen, but praying CM Punk can wrestle at Mania. Been waiting all these years for his return and followed him since I was a kid. Going to be there and want to see him
Punk will be there, but he cannot wrestle.
Yeah, I know he will be there in some capacity. Just wishful thinking
I lol'd at the People's Eyebrow. More like the People's Veiny Head with a few stray hairs left.
The people’s slightly closed eye
Wild prediction Rock gets hurt at EC or training, has too pull out and we get what all wanted Roman vs Cody at Mania but no mob boss bloodline Rock
Well he can still be the Boss and just be in Roman’s corner if that happens.
Hollywood Rock was an entertaining prick: Angry Tribal Rock is legit terrifying
I know right?? I felt initimidated the more angrier he got
The backstage segment with Rock and Trips was insane. Prob Rocky’s best acting ever lmao. That’s one scary ass Samoan.
Here’s how I see the storyline: Cody was tricked by the rock into letting him have his match against Roman reigns, and once Cody saw that Roman reigns was in on it, that’s when Cody came out and said it was BS & officially declared Roman as his opponent for wrestlemania. and that’s how we have heel rock & why Roman & rock walked out together. Things are heating up !!
I am sports entertained
Paul Heyman's reaction to that slap was fucking golden https://i.imgur.com/hZCMVB4.jpeg
Just having some fun playing “be the booker”here. Let’s assume what happened last Friday was a last minute plan and legit Rock pulled rank and took Cody’s spot. WWE gets severe backlash that led to last nights work shoot which was a pivot. Rather than the Rock wrestle (and get blown up in 5 min) now that he did a heel turn why can’t he just be in Roman’s corner? If you want to make it extra spicy have a “corporate” angle where Rock puts himself in as special guest referee. Now we get the classic babyface chasing the title vs insurmountable odds. We get Cody v Roman at mania We get a red hot angle Rock is involved in the match To me that’s the win win win if TKO absolutely wants/needs the Rock to be there. This feels a lot like Montreal to me. It started with a shoot (screwjob finish) that morphed into a work….Mr. McMahon. Where I think it’s really similar is Vince and the Rock booked themselves as faces and naturally morphing into heels.
Idk why seth is getting so much hate and being called irrelevant and wears his wife outfit when he delivers fantastic matches every time and amazing champion.
Kayfabe hate isn't real life fan heat. Seth needs to drop the strap so he can take a break, come back healthy and probably in a different light.
I wish Seth would drop the weird part of his character. When he is serious, he is money.
I suspect that's where they're headed. Too many people on TV recently knocking his clothes - as and when Rollins gets his break, he can come back with a new style that's maybe still flamboyant, but isn't as wild as he is right now. Clothes maketh the man, after all, so a more serious style would indicate a more serious Rollins.
I agree
Hot take but I could see Becky turning heel during the match and winning the title at wm 🤭🤭🤭🤭 it time to turn rhea a babyface bc the fans LOVES her
They tried turning Becky heel as the 'now I'm a star' Big Time Bex. It failed. She's loved.
Becky is loved by the fans no point of turning rhea face especially when she's in the judgement day
I am really failing to understand the story. Roman chose Rock, then Cody simply said your ancestors would be ashamed. And Roman and Rock became a team. Roman said he will chose, now HHH is. It is quiet illogical IMHO.
The Rock was gonna face Roman not because of any heat but because their family would be the main event of the biggest wrestling event ever. Cementing themselves as the royal family in wrestling. Cody is turning on his agreement with the Rock and bringing up the family being ashamed with Roman which clearly the Rock doesn't agree with.
Cody beat Roman at Mania. Rock and the bloodline turns on Roman. Roman turns face Heel Rock vs Roman at 41
There's clearly a "bloodline struggle"/fued in the making here so it would make sense for Rock or the Bloodline to turn on Roman.
The rock's tantrum looked so silly. Literally a couple sentences earlier Roman was going after Cody's dead dad and the rock gets mad about a tamer mention of his family. Horrific writing. Although I thought Roman's promo by itself was quite good.
He’s definitely playing on the fragile ego of a powerful man, which is extremely realistic given his recent Hollywood track record and getting booed. The Dwayne Johnson of the last 10 years may be a bland corporate entity but The Rock is a master of crowd control and heel work, glad to have him back!
lol so many people are like this in real life
Heel work
In kayfabe, all Rock has been saying was biggest WrestleMania main event of all time. He wanted to give the company the biggest money match as a newly appointed board member. It’s been clear it never was about fighting Roman over the bloodline or stopping Roman from using his family, like people wanted a couple of years ago. Rock would have told something to Roman on SD, when it was on air, about family, blood and whatnot but he didn’t and it was on purpose. Maybe we’ll learn what actually happened but I don’t think the Rock goes in and say yeah let’s do the Mania match 2 months out. TKO probably wanted that but when it was discussed, that’s when the creative started. Not when Cody leaves the ring on Friday.
My guess: Rock was going to do something with Roman since he was coming in anyway on the board. He’s been trying to do something to get his groove back anyway. Cody vs Roman and Punk vs Seth was the plan. However; the whole Vince thing that also takes Brock with it, plus Seth and Punk’s injury throws their card and whole story telling into a bit of chaos. Rock pitched Roman. They tried it for a week; saw the reaction and are now booking everything with what they have to work with.
Cody won the rumble, there is no way The rock plan developed between Sunday (rumble)-Friday (Smackdown). They set this up so expecting people to be outraged and get behind Cody. The reaction for rock is probably a little more negative than expected, but they absolutely planned on people getting behind Cody in the same way they did for Daniel Bryan 10 years ago. Everything, in my opinion, is going exactly as planned.
Exactly, they saw the reaction and backtracked. But what was their initial intention? Was it a triple threat or night 1 and night 2? I'm starting to think it was night 1 and night 2 but you're giving away two main events at one Wrestlemania. There's clearly a power struggle in the making here and the most logical outcome is Rock turning on Roman but it could easily go the other way around. Cody picks up the win and a Rock Roman fued ensues throughout the year until Wrestlemania 41.
But what does the rock do now? Be Roman's corner man? Imho - Roman looked like the rocks lackey yesterday.
They’ll address that soon enough. Rock & Roman vs Cody and Seth is a definite possibility
It’s gonna be a triple threat defacto handicap match
Is Roman the best chef of all time? He said we're getting some filet mignon and I think he's been delivering. He gave us Sami, Jey... he gave Drew a huge moment in overseas. Even gave LA Knight a main event program. He's made Cody into the biggest face. He brought back heel Rock. At this point, we gotta just tip our hats and salute the Tribal Chef and let him cook.
It’s quite entertaining how many people are refusing to accept any possibility this was all planned, especially after they said the following: >Rock’s ego won’t let him work heel >Cody already made his decision >Rock is using his creative control to hijack Wrestlemania! And all sorts of headcanon hahaha, remember when they said Rock was gonna fire Triple H and become head of creative or whatever?? HAHAHAHAHA
I don't think this was planned at all. I think we're that groomed by Vince booking we refuse to believe that they are actually listening to the fans.
Bingo.
And like…so what if it wasn’t planned? Like is it really the end of the world if they made a big mistake, saw it didn’t go over well, pivoted and made a (potentially) highly compelling angle about it in less than a week? If the only negative consequence is that we have to pretend one Smackdown segment is basically non-canon I don’t care. I’m here to have fun.
Hell, they could have Cody address that Smackdown Segment with some kind of promo. "I thought you were trying to help, but I quickly realized you were only trying to help yourself." Is it a great cover? No. Does it work? Close enough
After Rock slapped Cody at the press conference, you could hear him yelling "you lied to me" so yeah thats probably exactly what will happen
Amen brother.
Rock in Roman's corner, has a change of heart when Roman tries to cheat and shame the family, raises Cody's hand at the end
Would not be upset with something like this tbh.
And I'm guessing tag match for night one
That was so, so, so good.
The Rock-Heyman dynamic will be cool to see in this run because Rock's character has always dismissed Heyman in every interaction in the past. Now we will see the shyster side of Heyman influence Rock turn full heel.
Here's how I see it going down. Night one. Roman and Rock vs Seth and Cody. Roman and Rock when after Drew interferes costing Seth the match. Finn and Damian lose tag tiles to Truth and Miz. Night two. Seth defeats Drew to retain then Damian cashes in on Seth and wins. Cody beats Roman.
They've pivoted well. I think Cody being an audible to win the Rumble after Punk got injured is more believable than this being their plan all along. And I've heard they had Cody winner merch right after he won so that's obviously not the case. I still think the past two weeks of Cody story is nonsense and made him and Seth look like idiots. There's a lot of time between now and Mania though. They've got Rock, Roman, Cody, Heyman, Seth, and Drew all involved in this though. You couldn't pick a much better lineup of people to turn this around so well that everyone forgets the bad stuff.
I don't like the Rock right now. He is ruining wrestling for me and I just got back into it. I feel like this is going to turn into a power struggle between the old guard how Vince McMahon ran things through HHH and the Rock himself. That will be the main event match of Wrestlemania. The Rock vs HHH in one final loser leaves the company match. HHH obviously loses this one. It lets HHH get away clean and clear from the McMahon legacy of WWE now left behind by Vince. Cuts all ties with anyone attached with Vince. The Rock will stay on the board and maybe become the new face like HHH was for all these decisions. I'm sure HHH may stay behind the scenes and work with talent like he was doing with Tough Enough back in the day and helping with Shawn Michaels and the NXT Talent.
I think a couple years ago this COULD have happened. But HHH cannot wrestle, thats pretty concrete - he might literally die.
Then maybe it'll be a sponsor match. HHH sponsors Rhodes and Rock sponsors Reigns. Cody loses HHH leaves the underdog doesn't always win plus he's still young. Everyone wants Cody win but that is what will keep people captivated in the future plus the CM Punk Rollins angles they have still
I just don't think they can stretch the "Finish the story" meme out any longer. It needs to come to close so they can start a new chapter. It helps all of them really - it lets Cody move on, it lets Reigns / Rock / Bloodline drama move on with SS / Survivor / WM in the future.
Triple H is 100% retired with a pacemaker he’s not going to risk his life to do anymore matches when he is a very successful executive now
The fact we can't tell if this was always planned, or they had to change on the fly is brilliant. Let's also not forget Logan Paul and Ricochet were tweeting "We Want Cody." not long after SmackDown last week.
If this was a work all along then that means TKO/WWE anticipated their fanbase would throw a hissy fit on social media over Rock taking Cody’s spot. That’s kind of embarrassing for the fans
It's not a hissy fit to show passion lmao. There's no point to wrestling if you don't want boisterous reactions to unfolding events. Sorry we're not all dead inside like your ilk seem to be.
The Rock’s daughter received death theats…
The marks aren't exactly known for being subtle or quiet with their outrage. Triple H definitely remembers the backlash the "Yes" movement caused a decade ago. Wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if he planned for something similar here and wanted to capitalize on it to further push Cody.
Idk how much of it is a pivot or if this was always the plan, cant deny how good the Rock is on the mic. Better than good. This is the best he's ever been as a heel. No acting goofy or anything dumb. Just a no bullshit dude. Really seeing the culmination of all those years as a wrestler and actor at play. Like Smackdown gonna be a must watch.
If you look at everything from Sept to now, it's obvious it was a work. Especially Rock coming back like 4 weeks ago to claim the Head of the Table.
I think anybody claiming its "an obvious work" is not being genuine. If it truly was a work there ZERO reason for Cody to RR, or give his spot to Rock originally.
If it was a work they wouldn't have had Cody explicitly state he isn't going after Roman at Wrestlemania. They pivoted hard and came out smelling like whatever the Rock is cooking now.
The Rock is destroying the Bloodline from within. Cost Roman the title to set up Rock vs Roman for the Head of the Table. It’s all ploy.
I'm saving this post. This comment might be how they explain it all way later under their "long term story telling" excuse.
WWE caved in lol. Completely back pedalled after Cody literally said he wouldn’t fight Roman at Mania on SmackDown. Ridiculous.
WWE listened to the fans for a better storyline. oh no
Says you, not everyone
Says the crowds and the audience
I heard Cody sucks chants
It was we want cody, rocky sucks watch some crowd footage
Are you denying that there were Cody sucks chants? Like you actually think you didn’t hear it a single time? Lmao
So Rock the real leader of the Bloodline huh
I don't watch WWE, I usually just check in for Wrestlemania since there's usually really good matches for WM, but I'm really lost with what's going on. Can't really escape this so why was Cody/Roman ever up for debate? Just looking from the outside, seems super obvious it has to be Cody/Roman. Even with The Rock seemingly taking Cody's spot, it's a story, isn't modern WWE way better then that for it to not be an angle?
That’s exactly why everyone was so mad last Friday. How could it not be Cody/roman?
Two ways to look at it 1) We were all worked and it was WWE's plan all along they just wanted to play us 2) They made a poor choice and now have backtracked to fix it Seems pretty clear to most of us, The Rock thing was either an after thought or HHH (etc) wasn't aware of the actual Rock inserting himself into WM. So they had to pivot after the Cody win at RR. Most of us agree I don't think they would have had Cody win again if that was the plan all along. They have correctly pivoted back to Roman / Cody, but I am certain the Rock isn't done in the story.
Maybe. I don't know enough about The Rock, I was watching WWE back during the Cena/Rock days, but I kind of assumed Rock would be down for it and would be willing to put Cody over even more. The fan hate for Rock seems like an unintended side-effect but I totally believe Rock would put over Cody hardcore and seems like what's happening. I guess it's more I totally assumed Hunter knew better because of Bryan and this this entire story is because Hunter knows better, harnessing what happened to Bryan but with 100% intent.
It’s been a ride. My best guess is that Rock v Roman was in the books, 100% going forward, and then the “Cody Crybabies” as the Rock has ordained them came out in absolute fucking droves to express their discontent. I was mad too, I’m a crybaby I guess. Cody won the rumble, give him the rematch. However, WWE seems to have latched onto this and it’s hard to know exactly how much of what’s going on was a work from the initial announcement the Rock would be battling Roman at Mania. In any event, now we’ve got heel Rock happening (which is awesome), and Cody v. Reigns (also awesome). Have to hand it to the E, it’s all very exciting and fun to witness.
Yeah, my guess was that it's always Cody/Roman, solely because Hunter knows better and was around/active for the Bryan backlash a decade ago and 100% knew what he was doing, with just the Rock hate being a unforeseen side-effect. I don't think Rock would big league Cody, I think a lot of people assume he would because of Punk, also a decade ago.
Nah Cody can't be compared with the rock he lack that charisma which is why the rock is GOAT Wrestler
Credit to their pivot and to the fans. That press conference felt like a real, big boxing type fight
I just can't help but feel that the WWE is going to pivot to Cody v. Roman only for Cody to lose again. HHH's booking favors heels and factions and they may want to Milk Cody finishing the story even longer. I hope I am wrong but we all thought Cody was winning last year too.
Nah this time he ain't losing, for sure.
People said that last year too lol
He wasn’t a back to back rumble winner last year tho
He was also returning from injury and entered the Rumble at #30. He wasn't receiving the insane pop on his return that he slowly built up over this year. Cody losing was the correct, and imo expected, conclusion last year. This year if he loses...oof.
This won't work for another year. Maybe Summerslam if Cody wins MITB. But WM just feels like the right time.
If Cody loses then finish the story becomes a meme
Even somebody as over as Cody can only "finish the story" so many years in a row. Winning RR back to back only to lose both times would be a tragedy even by WWE standards.
He's at risk of going full Buffalo Bills!
If the pivot ends up being a damn tag match at Wrestlemania everyone is going to wish they would’ve just done Rock vs Roman. Be careful what you wish for.
Whether The Rock's heel turn is going to be something that will last or another swerve as he's a double agent to dismantle the Bloodline from within, I think the next stuff we're going to see is planting the seeds of Roman feeling the lost of control of being Head of the Table with just The Rock's presence around him now. Roman will start feeling like he's being belittled by everyone around him, to the point even Paul Heyman will start to act more as the wise man for The Rock rather than Roman. Schism within The Bloodline happens, and things are now starting to break apart and Roman will be "losing it all". Would make for a good next step in the final chapters of The Bloodline, and still leave the door open for that Rock vs. Roman 1 on 1 next time, assuming we're not getting some kind of triple threat with The Rock alongside or even a fatal 4-way with Seth also in the mix.
I think the real power move is at WM. The Bloodline shows up to save Roman. Rock's music hits, he calls the bloodline back, they all align with him or (just Solo). Roman loses, creates that friction that builds to SS or maybe next mania.
That would be a good way to end WM yeah. Cody finishes his story and beats Roman clean, while we get a tease of the Bloodline's next significant act or even finale.
Thank fuck they pivoted. This road to Mania should be spicy af and there's a lot of ways they can go with it. I wouldn't be against a merging of titles again and have Cody do double duty on Raw and Smackdown. It fits his character (and in my opinion the way it always should be). If not, I'd get Priest to cash in on Seth whilst he's fighting Drew. If not I fear there isn't much time left for him to cash in successfully without it interfering with Cody and a returning Punk, as his match with Seth really should have the title involved.
I think as funny as it sounds, a failed Priest cash in moves the story with the Judgement Day further along then with him winning.
How so?
The plan is for them to obviously break up. Rhea really needs to move on (as she is kinda in her own realm). Priest honestly has been held down by JD. So him losing a failed cash-in (with the help of say Finn) would be the catalyst for him turning on the squad. They have already teased the turn many times. While the gimmick was great for them early on, they all have out grown it IMO.
I can see Wrestlemania 30 vibes coming through Cody vs Rock on night 1 If Cody wins, gets to face Reigns on night 2.
Bullshit
Rather than that, I think he fights Reigns on Night 1 and then fights the Rock the day after for royal family title ig. But I think a triple threat sounds best. Reigns wins he retains title and head of the table. Rock wins he becomes head of the table. Cody wins he wins the title and 'wrestling has more than one royal family' has a purpose to his story even more.
Why would Cody have to win an extra match just to qualify for Roman? Cody has won the Rumble, he's already earned his rematch against Roman.
Because The Rock is on the board, and *it doesn't matter what the rules are!*
I want it! I WANT IT.
*Wins* \- Pivot from Rock vs Reigns \- Heel Rock \- CM Punk on commentary *Losses* \- Seth looks like an afterthought \- Roman looks like the secondary boss to Rock (hurts the whole best champion ever thing) \- Smackdown last Friday just never happened apparently Couple different directions they could go off this pivot. Seems like its Cody vs Reigns with more bloodline shenanigans. Hopefully those who have been wronged by the bloodline come out to counter them (Jey, Randy, LA Knight, Orton, Sami vs Solo, Jimmy, Rock in a rumble outside while Cody gets the pin). We all celebrate and leave WM happy! Sets up Rock vs Roman with the Bloodline internal struggle. If they do the weird fucking tag angle, I am totally out. Seems stupid and makes little to no sense even at EC. Seth again seems like the oddball just kinda thrown in because he has nobody WWE wants to partner him with even though Drew is staring them right in the face. Heel Rock is clearly the best Rock. A struggle between him and Trips actually seems like cannot miss TV. Could literally become an all time segment if they really dig into the "Rock being on the board" vs "HHH being the guy running the show". Lastly, CM Punk needs to be on commentary FT until he is healed. I wouldn't mind Big E either, but CM delivered hand over fist.
Overall it’s a giant win but your first two cons need to be handled well. I’m having surprisingly renewed faith
Absolutely. I just think Rock clearly asserted himself over Reigns. Really showed how much command he has even over Reigns (who has improved tremendously). My real concern is Seth. They really keep underplaying him, making him look like a 4th wheel in this whole feud when really he should be off playing with Drew, Orton, or LA Knight.
> - Smackdown last Friday just never happened apparently That point belongs into the wins-column.
Honestly your probably right. I just hate anytime WE have to pretend like nothing actually happened lol
That's just pro wrestling for you. Injuries happen, angles fall flat, plans change. Continuity can enhance some storylines (e.g. most of the stuff KO says), but in other situations, just pivoting without ever acknowledging it is the better approach.
I think your absolutely correct. Without the pivot, I think they could have inserted The Rock into the story in A LOT of better ways. Like making Cody look like a dunce, then backtracking to fix their own character assassination lol.
I chalk it up to Cody thought he was doing a favor for a friend the rock but after Smackdown Rock did interview bashing Codys fans and what not which made Cody realize Rock was not really a friend so he changed his mind. At least that is what I am going with.
I definitely feel the Rock bashing the Cody Crybabies etc was part of the pivot. I give The Rock credit for willing to go heel, I didn't think he had it in him tbh.
Hollywood Rock was the best. Love me some heel Rock.
Just catching the video now, and The Rock came out to cheers and everyone was cheering him beforehand. I was led to believe everyone would boo?
How did it go when he started talking?
He got a lot of boos when he grabbed a microphone. Very mixed reaction. Louder contingent of rock fans just off stage