The Rock confronted Cody Rhodes on last week’s SmackDown with an unusual proposition that has sparked backstage discussions. During their face-to-face segment, The Final Boss offered to make Rhodes “his champion” and promised career opportunities outside wrestling.
The segment featured The Rock shifting between heel and babyface personas as he laid out an offer claiming to set up Rhodes, his wife, and daughter for life. He concluded by telling the Undisputed WWE Champion that more than anything, he wanted Rhodes’ soul.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the segment generated mixed reactions backstage. One source within WWE expressed concern that the proposition diminished the Undisputed WWE Championship’s prestige. The person noted that presenting movie roles as more valuable than the title potentially undercut the championship’s importance.
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The same source also felt the segment positioned Rhodes at a lower status level than The Rock, despite Rhodes being the biggest star currently on SmackDown.
This confrontation continues the evolving dynamic between the two stars, with The Rock claiming they’ve grown closer since WrestleMania 40. The Final Boss now plans to attend the Elimination Chamber premium live event this weekend to get Rhodes’ answer.
During Saturday’s show in Toronto, Canada, WWE will also determine Rhodes’ WrestleMania 41 challenger through the Elimination Chamber match, adding another layer to the developing storyline.
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