Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes, once fierce adversaries in the ring, now stand united in a common battle at WWE WrestleMania XL.
The World Heavyweight Champion has pledged his support to Rhodes in his feud against The Bloodline, joining forces against The Rock and Roman Reigns.
Despite their newfound alliance, the looming specter of betrayal hangs over their partnership. The complex history and power dynamics at play suggest that treachery may not be far off.
While betrayal is anticipated from within The Bloodline, Seth Rollins himself could harbor motivations to turn on his ally. Here are four compelling reasons why Rollins might betray Cody Rhodes at WWE WrestleMania XL:
#4. Losing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship to Drew McIntyre could trigger Seth Rollins’ downfall
It’s likely that Seth Rollins will have a packed schedule at WWE WrestleMania XL, competing both in the ring and as a character.
I think Drew will beat Seth at Wrestlemania 40 Night 1, leading directly into the tag team match. That he will also lose.
— Luke (@WukisWrestling) March 2, 2024
On Night One, he’ll likely be engaged in Cody Rhodes’ conflict with The Bloodline, possibly participating in a crucial tag team showdown to determine the stipulations for Rhodes’ title bout against Roman Reigns.
On Night Two, he’ll defend his World Heavyweight Title against Drew McIntyre.
If Rollins were to lose his championship, his perspective on the Cody-Bloodline situation could drastically shift.
Overwhelmed by jealousy at the thought of his rival potentially seizing what he’s just lost, he might sabotage Cody Rhodes’s opportunity.
This would inject new drama into Rollins’ storyline with Rhodes and Reigns, propelling him into another villainous phase with significant momentum.
#3. WWE may aim to prolong Roman Reigns’ historic title reign, possibly surpassing Hulk Hogan’s record.
There have been long-standing rumors that WWE is keen on extending Roman Reigns’ historic title reign, potentially surpassing Hulk Hogan’s record of 1474 days as world champion.
Imagine the following scenario…
– Roman Reigns retains at Mania 40, breaks Hogan's record and then Roman vs. Rock for the Undisputed Title.
– More layers are added to Cody Rhodes' story and he can finish his story in the same place his father was robbed.
– The story between… pic.twitter.com/uH8G34HR5F
— tribal chief ☝🏻🩸 (@luireigns) March 3, 2024
While discussions around this idea have cooled recently, it hasn’t necessarily been discarded.
If WWE opts to pursue this route, there are a couple of strategies they could employ to ensure Reigns retains at WrestleMania.
One possibility involves The Bloodline thwarting Cody Rhodes’s quest to conclude his storyline, perhaps through the introduction of a new member or The Rock exerting his influence.
Alternatively, a Seth Rollins heel turn could deliver a more unexpected and captivating twist to the narrative.
#2: A Seth Rollins heel turn would be a stunning curveball, especially with The Bloodline banned from ringside.
Seth Rollins’ infamous words, “There’s always a Plan B,” reverberate through WWE history, marking his initial heel turn. After triumphing over a storied stable, Rollins betrayed his own teammates with a ruthless chair assault.
Won't be heel vs heel.
Seth and Cody win the tag.
Seth loses to Drew.
Seth is overcome by jealousy and betrays Cody in the main event.
OR
The Bloodline offers him a future title shot. He knows he always beats Roman. Never beat Cody. Takes his chances with Roman https://t.co/DLe6wtU24B
— The Dark Knight (@MwizeraUwizera) March 7, 2024
If Rollins and Cody Rhodes overcome The Rock and Roman Reigns, The Bloodline’s exclusion from ringside for the WWE Universal Title match leaves Rollins as the sole outside interference factor.
His betrayal of Rhodes in favor of Reigns would catch many off guard, crafting a WrestleMania moment while aligning with his character’s ethos.
#1: Seth Rollins’ past record against Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns in WWE sets the stage for betrayal.
Seth Rollins has been a formidable adversary for Roman Reigns throughout their WWE careers.
Seth Rollins is 0-22 against Cody Rhodes in singles matches.
Why would he help Cody win the WWE Championship & the tag team match vs The Rock & Roman Reigns? It wouldn't make sense.
Seth is going to cost Cody at #WrestleMania and it's going to be CINEMA 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xj1hWBhaU7
— Tribal Megastar (@TribalMegastar) March 2, 2024
As Rollins frequently reminds the WWE Universe, Reigns has yet to defeat him in a significant singles match, with Rollins being the sole individual to hold a singles victory over Reigns in his current persona, albeit via disqualification.
Conversely, Cody Rhodes consistently seems to have Rollins’ number, besting him even in their early encounters in WWE.
Should Rollins arrive at Night Two’s main event having lost his World Heavyweight Title, the prospect of a future shot at Reigns, facilitated by betraying Cody Rhodes, could sway his allegiance.
Given Rollins’ history of success against the reigning champion and repeated setbacks against his challenger, betraying Rhodes would appear to be the logical outcome.