Jonathan Coachman believes WWE is attempting to recreate the legendary Steve Austin versus Vince McMahon feud with The Rock and Cody Rhodes, but feels the current execution lacks authenticity. The former WWE announcer shared his perspective during a recent episode of the Coach & Bro show alongside Vince Russo.
The discussion centered on The Rock’s recent SmackDown appearance where he offered to make Cody Rhodes his “corporate champion.” This storyline development will continue at Elimination Chamber when the two meet again.
Coachman, who witnessed the iconic Austin-McMahon rivalry firsthand during the Attitude Era, sees clear parallels in WWE’s current direction. He noted how the original feud involved a corporate figure and a rebellious star occasionally working together, similar to what appears to be developing between The Rock and Rhodes.
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Despite being a self-described big fan of The Rock, Coachman didn’t hold back his criticism of the current angle.
They are now resorting to trying to duplicate one of the biggest times in the business and that was when Vince and Stone Cold Steve Austin had their thing but it has to feel right and we’ve both agreeing that what Rock did Friday, and I’m his biggest fan, that felt weird to me. It didn’t feel like a Corporate guy and a worker in Cody. Did it feel weird to you?
The Rock’s character has recently shifted between heel and babyface tendencies, creating confusion about his true role in the storyline. His proposition to Rhodes included promises of opening doors outside wrestling and setting up Rhodes’ family financially in exchange for Rhodes essentially giving The Rock his “soul.”
Fans will get more clarity on this developing situation when Rhodes and The Rock confront each other at Elimination Chamber in Toronto this weekend. The premium live event will also determine Rhodes’ WrestleMania 41 challenger through the Elimination Chamber match.
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