WWE plans to make Cody Rhodes out as a martyr with this new WrestleMania storyline. “We Want Cody” signs were handed out to the live crowd, but the fact is that the company didn’t expect fans to chant that Rocky sucks.
Rocky Sucks Chants in 2024
Seth Rollins even made a note that he didn’t expect to hear a “Rocky Sucks” chant. Michael Cole made a reference on commentary about how it feels like we’re in 1996. This was a big surprise for those backstage as well, and WWE wasn’t really ready for it.
— @LuigiWrestling (@luigiwvideos0) February 6, 2024
Wrestle Votes reports that the “Rocky Sucks” chants that occurred last night on RAW caught certain individuals by surprise.
Although the storyline regarding this “viral reaction” was embraced last night, that aspect of it was unforeseen.
I am told the “Rocky Sucks” chants that took place last night on RAW totally threw certain people off. While this “viral reaction” story was leaned into last night, that part of it was something unexpected.
I am told the “Rocky Sucks” chants that took place last night on RAW totally threw certain people off.
While this “viral reaction” story was leaned into last night, that part of it was something unexpected.
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) February 6, 2024
Cody Rhodes and Shinsuke Nakamura squared off in the main event of RAW in a bull rope match. They used the same historic rope that Dusty Rhodes used. It was quite a moment in the ring, but fans still chanted “Rocky Sucks” during the match, one which Cody won. Then Drew McIntyre jumped him right afterward to continue his story.
The St. Louis, MO crowd chanting “Rocky Sucks” during the Cody v Nakamura main event on #WWERAW tonight:
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) February 6, 2024
When inquiring whether the company is aware of the fan backlash, it was indeed confirmed. It has become impossible to overlook, given that publications like USA Today, TMZ, and others have already published headlines about fans expressing dissatisfaction with The Rock replacing Cody Rhodes on the showcase of the immortals.
More Reactions After The Rock’s Return
WWE fans have not been shy about voicing their displeasure in seeing The Rock come back to take Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania spot. They also filled the arena with boos this week during RAW in St. Louis when a clip was played of the Great One’s return.
The live crowd in St. Louis, MO booing The Rock during the video package airing tonight:#WWERAW
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) February 6, 2024
Many celebrities have commented on the matter, including George Kittle who suggested that they make The Rock a special referee in a Cody vs Roman Reigns match instead. That is not happening, but Triple H noticed the tweet from the NFL player super fan.
Inside The Rock’s WWE Return
WWE made plans for The Rock vs Roman Reigns in advance. I was told that these were the plans since Dwayne Johnson called his shot with the match during the January 1st episode of RAW.
Dave Meltzer reported that they agreed on a deal on January 3rd for WrestleMania. Also, The Rock taking a board seat for TKO was a part of the whole thing. The Rock received $30 million in TKO stock with this deal.
It was also made very clear to me that this WrestleMania match is not changing. After asking around days later, I received an additional note that said, “No chance this changes unless The Rock backs out. This has been The Rock calling the shot since January 1st.” That is when Rock showed up on the Day 1 episode of RAW and made his first head of the table comment.
