The rivalry between Rhodes and The Rock became a pivotal point in Rhodes' quest to become the Undisputed WWE Champion at WrestleMania 40, where he ultimately defeated Roman Reigns. Prior to this, Rhodes had initially given up his Royal Rumble-earned title shot to The Rock on an episode of SmackDown. However, significant fan backlash, with "Cody" chants echoing globally, reportedly led WWE to pivot from plans involving The Rock and Roman Reigns in a singles match.

The adjusted WrestleMania 40 card featured a tag team main event on Night One, pitting The Rock and Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. After a loss on Night One, Rhodes went on to defeat Reigns on Night Two to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Their encounters did not end at WrestleMania 40. The Rock and Rhodes have had additional run-ins, including an instance in 2025 when The Rock was present as John Cena reportedly turned heel on Rhodes. Despite this history, Rhodes expressed that while he doesn't want to force a resolution, he views their narrative as an "unfinished story."

"Dwayne Johnson has become, I think it's safe to say, a bit of a fixture in my career and my life, and not just for his flag in the sand moment that was WrestleMania 40... I don't want to give it an absolute and say that we do have to settle that, but I think it's an unfinished story."

Rhodes outlined two potential ways he believes their story could conclude:

• A "proper fight," which Rhodes believes WWE fans would prefer.

As the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes has a busy schedule ahead. He is slated to wrestle both Gunther and Sami Zayn in a triple threat match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions on Saturday afternoon in Saudi Arabia. Other announced matches for the event include:

• Trick Williams

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