Dwayne Johnson’s Shocking Royal Rumble 2024 Pick Revealed: Why Cody Rhodes Wasn’t His Choice
In a move that sent shockwaves through the WWE universe, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s pick for the Royal Rumble 2024 winner has been unveiled, and it wasn’t Cody Rhodes. This revelation has sparked intense debate and speculation, as Cody’s victory in the Royal Rumble was a defining moment, propelling him towards the coveted Undisputed Universal WWE Championship, a title he aimed to be the first to claim in his Bloodline.
However, not everyone in the WWE was on board with this outcome. Among the dissenters was Brian Gewirtz, head writer for The Rock, who voiced strong opposition to Cody Rhodes winning the Rumble. Gewirtz’s stance was influenced by the much-anticipated potential clash between The Rock and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
Gewirtz’s Opposition to Cody Rhodes’ Victory
Brian Gewirtz, a veteran in the wrestling entertainment industry, has recently been more vocal about The Rock’s roles and storylines within WWE. In a revealing podcast interview, Gewirtz shared his candid thoughts on why he believed Cody Rhodes should not have won the Royal Rumble 2024.
Right after The Rock’s electrifying return to WWE in January in San Diego, the possibility of a showdown between The Rock and his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the championship was floated. This idea was met with mixed reactions and was contingent on the fans’ response. Gewirtz explained that while the match was still under consideration, Cody Rhodes’ victory in the Royal Rumble almost cemented his place in the title picture, complicating the potential Rock vs. Reigns narrative.
“The idea of Cody winning the Rumble, I thought, was problematic,” Gewirtz confessed during the podcast. “Even in San Diego, during that meeting, I felt the cleanest route, if we’re booking Rock and Roman, was to have CM Punk win the Rumble and challenge Seth Rollins. There’s a distinct storyline difference in my opinion between Cody wanting to finish his story and having earned that right by winning the Royal Rumble.”
Gewirtz further elaborated on his viewpoint, noting that despite his reservations, the overwhelming support from fans for Cody Rhodes to earn his spot in the championship match could not be ignored.
The WWE’s Decision to Back Cody Rhodes
Despite Brian Gewirtz’s opposition, WWE decided to stick with Cody Rhodes as the Royal Rumble winner. This decision was rooted in Cody’s impressive journey and the unwavering support from the WWE fanbase. Cody Rhodes has proven himself repeatedly, overcoming significant challenges to emerge as a deserving contender for the championship.
From his heartbreaking loss at WrestleMania 39 to his intense rivalry with Brock Lesnar, Cody’s resilience and determination have been undeniable. The WWE recognized his efforts and the fervent support from fans, who rallied behind the “WeWantCody” movement, pushing for Rhodes to finally achieve his dream.
At the same time, WWE could not ignore the massive reaction to The Rock’s return and the potential dream match between him and Roman Reigns. Balancing these two storylines posed a significant challenge for the creative team led by Triple H.
Ultimately, WWE chose not to alter the Royal Rumble result, allowing Cody Rhodes to win and maintain momentum. This decision kept options open, enabling the company to pivot based on fan reactions and evolving storylines.
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes and The Rock?
As WrestleMania approaches, the WWE universe is abuzz with speculation. Will Cody Rhodes finally claim the Undisputed Universal WWE Championship? Will The Rock face Roman Reigns in an epic cousin vs. cousin showdown? These questions keep fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the twists and turns on the road to WrestleMania.
While Brian Gewirtz’s comments have added a layer of intrigue, the ultimate direction of these storylines remains in the hands of the WWE creative team. One thing is certain: the path to WrestleMania is fraught with excitement, drama, and unpredictability.
