The Rock’s offer to Cody Rhodes is a missed opportunity with Roman Reigns, Bloodline – Cageside Seats
Filed under:The Rock made Cody Rhodes a tempting, Faustian offer — one that could have easily gone to a member of Rock’s family.Last year’s WrestleMania taught wrestling fans to trust the system. At least it should have. When it seemed like WWE was going to pause Cody Rhodes’ story in favor of a dream match between The Rock and Roman Reigns, fans revolted. As a result, WWE pivoted, and in the end, nearly everyone went home happy.I’m reminded of this following last Friday’s SmackDown, where many viewers were dissatisfied at the start of WWE’s new storyline: “The Temptation of Cody.” In short, Cody Rhodes and The Rock have patched things up, with The Rock now offering Rhodes a reward of wealth and power — in exchange for his soul.To hear The Rock tell it, whatever this leads to doesn’t have to culminate in a match between him and Rhodes. Assuming his days as an active wrestler are fully behind him, I suppose The Rock could spend the next several years tormenting Rhodes. If “The American Nightmare” won’t sell his soul to “The Final Boss,” someone else will, and that person would serve as The Rock’s in-ring surrogate.However, if The Rock had one more match left in him, now was the time for a generational battle with Roman Reigns. With slight modifications, The Rock’s offer to Rhodes for immeasurable power could have gone to Rock’s cousin, the Tribal Chief.“Roman, you’ve done a fine job representing this company and our family. But now, I want you to ascend to the next level. Be my champion, Roman, and together, we can run not only this industry but all of entertainment. Together, we can set up our clan, the Samoan Dynasty — our Bloodline — for years to come.“All I ask in return is that you acknowledge me.”Reigns would naturally decline, paving the way for a WrestleMania showdown with The Rock and fueling future, more intense Bloodline feuds. Instead, we’re getting this storyline with Rhodes.In fairness, whatever The Rock and WWE are cooking up with Rhodes might be fun and revolutionary. But as a viewer, I am confused. Why Cody Rhodes? It’s especially odd because, as The Rock spoke to Rhodes about their relationship, he said, “The one thing that I have never had, that I want more than anything, is a brother. And that’s what you can be.”At last year’s WrestleMania kick-off event, The Rock revealed an impressive family tree. It showcased the connections between the Anoaʻi, Fatu, Maivia, and Johnson tribes. Thus, The Rock has no shortage of brothers in his family. Setting Reigns aside, Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, or Jey Uso, who has a world title match at WrestleMania, are all family. Why not bless them with such riches?Should Rhodes reject The Rock’s offer, perhaps then Fatu or Sikoa could get the offer that cousin Dwayne denied to his family. But it may be some time before that deal comes around.After re-signing with WWE last year, fans learned that Drew McIntyre has a cozy relationship with The Rock. As he taunts and teases Rhodes on social media, maybe McIntyre will be Rock’s chosen one. If he can win the Elimination Chamber match next Saturday, that’s exactly what could happen.There’s also a wild possibility that John Cena, in the twilight of his career, could fork over his spirit to “The Great One” in exchange for a record 17th world title. Oh, and more opportunities in Hollywood. While that’s a strong option, it may not be the best way to have the squeaky-clean Cena go out in his final year as a wrestler.Then again, Rhodes, who refused to go rogue while performing in AEW, might actually take Rock up on his offer, telling fans to “stick it, brother.”Regardless of where this Rock-Rhodes storyline leads, the ship seems to have finally sailed on a confrontation between Roman Reigns and The Rock. While a Faustian bargain might someday be made with another member of The Bloodline, that day won’t be today.What a pity. The Rock has appeared in five films in the Fast & Furious franchise and a separate spinoff. Yet, he dropped the ball when it came to family.Check your inbox for a welcome email.Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.
