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The Rock Challenges Cody Rhodes for Tag Match at WrestleMania

The challenge was issued on SmackDown

Justin Barrasso

The Rock Challenges Cody Rhodes for Tag Match at WrestleMania
The Rock Challenges Cody Rhodes for Tag Match at WrestleMania /

Finally, The Rock is returning to WrestleMania.

In an ode to the main event of the very first WrestleMania, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson challenged Cody Rhodes for a tag team match at Night One of WrestleMania 40, where Rock would team with Roman Reigns against Rhodes and Seth Rollins.

A stipulation was also included. If Rhodes and Rollins win, then The Bloodline will be barred from their respective matches on Night Two. But if Rock and Reigns emerge victorious, then the Reigns-Rhodes match will take place under advantageous Bloodline Rules.

This all unfolded only hours after Rock posted an incredibly compelling video on social media earlier in the day, criticizing Rhodes and his fan base. That was an uncut version of The Rock, and though it was premeditated and WWE brass knew it was coming, it gave off the air of unpredictability that makes Johnson so special.

This is the best case scenario for Rhodes, who will have multiple options thanks to this match. He can get pinned by The Rock, setting up a solo match between the two at a later date, or he can pin The Rock on Saturday and then dethrone Reigns on Sunday. Another option is for Rhodes to lose on Saturday, then overcome the seemingly insurmountable odds of Bloodline Rules on Sunday. It will also be interesting to see how Rollins factors into the story.

Another twist on SmackDown was The Rock acknowledging Reigns as his Tribal Chief, adding a whole new layer to the plot.

Though Rock is clearly enjoying his run as a heel, it is a safe bet he will even the odds for Rhodes on the second night of WrestleMania, perhaps even stopping Solo Sikoa from delivering his Samoan Spike. That move cost Rhodes the match against Reigns a year ago, and it is a callback that will certainly be used again at WrestleMania 40.

Whether he is getting booed or cheered, there is no denying that The Rock has added a tremendous value to this year’s build to WrestleMania.

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Justin Barrasso
JUSTIN BARRASSO

Justin Barrasso has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 2014. While his primary focus is pro wrestling and MMA, he has also covered MLB, NBA, and the NFL. He can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.

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