WrestleMania 40 saw Cody Rhodes finish his story, but this is just the beginning. The RAW after WrestleMania included a very interesting segment indeed.
Cody Rhodes started off WWE RAW this week as Triple H introduced him in the ring. They played a video package for Cody, and then he was left in the ring to start his first promo as champion.
The Rock interrupted Cody Rhodes’ speech, and he received a total heel reaction. He got in the ring, and he didn’t even get to say a word before the Philly crowd chanted, “shut the f*ck up” at him over and over again. They even had to bleep it on television.
Another HUGE record broken, as announced by @TheRock!#RawAfterMania pic.twitter.com/XcP7mFFKQV
— WWE (@WWE) April 9, 2024
Finally, The Rock said that he was out there to give Cody Rhodes his flowers. He also said that Philly broke another record for the biggest gathering of trailer park trash.
Fans were on fire for the segment, as they didn’t give The Rock any love as he raised his People’s Championship. They obviously didn’t want to show respect to The Great One.
The Rock then said that fans can chant whatever they want, because this was between himself and Cody. After reminding Cody everything that he went through on the road to WrestleMania, Dwayne Johnson then said that Dusty Rhodes had a big smile on his face during Mania.
After saying that Dusty was his hero, The Rock said Cody’s new belt looks beautiful with his American Nightmare name plate. Then he asked if there’s any way that The Rock can hold the title.
Cody agreed to The Rock’s request to hold his title for a moment, if they can switch titles. Then Cody took the People’s Championship from The Rock as Johnson took a closer look at Cody’s championship.
Can @TheRock hold the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship?#RawAfterMania pic.twitter.com/l4zrMtxvz0
— WWE (@WWE) April 9, 2024
Fans chanted “this is awkward,” as The Rock said it “feels right” to hold the Cody’s title. They switched titles again, and The Rock said he has to go away for a while. This made the fans very happy to hear.
The Rock said that he’s coming back to Cody Rhodes, whether he’s champion or not. Cody said he’s looking forward to it, and then Rock reminded him that he pinned Cody at WrestleMania Saturday.
"Our story has just begun."#RawAfterMania pic.twitter.com/rowZXf6ayq
— WWE (@WWE) April 9, 2024
The People’s Champion said that Cody ended his story with Roman Reigns, “but our story has just begun.” That received a rousing “Cody” chant from the crowd.
"You ARE my champion."#RawAfterMania pic.twitter.com/JMTBjXda0x
— WWE (@WWE) April 9, 2024
Before the segment ended, Cody reminded The Rock that he may be the boss, because he’s on the TKO board of directors, but The American Nightmare is still champion. Then The Rock gave Cody something, but we didn’t see what he gave him. Rock simply said that Cody doesn’t even need to look at what it is, and “don’t you ever break my heart again.”
The Rock hands Cody Rhodes something. He says that Cody Rhodes doesn't even have to open his hand to know what it is, and tells Cody to never break his heart again pic.twitter.com/LXSURadVcS
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) April 9, 2024
WWE’s Original WrestleMania 40 Plan
The Rock’s return on the road to WrestleMania 40 did not start out with the destination we ended up in. Rock wanted a match against Roman Reigns, but fan reaction played a huge part in changing that booking.
Cody Rhodes was initially supposed to go out of action with a kayfabed injury to take him out of the match, with him getting his match against Roman Reigns down the line. After The Rock conceded that Cody should face Roman Reigns instead, WWE changed up their booking plan for the show of shows.
