The headline bout for WrestleMania 40 is now officially set, featuring Cody Rhodes challenging Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
This announcement comes after Rhodes secured a title shot by winning the Royal Rumble earlier in the week, solidifying his move to SmackDown.
With Rhodes making his way to SmackDown, there’s a vacant prominent spot on RAW, leaving room for a significant name to fill the void.
Rather than immediate negotiations between Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis, there’s a possibility they might defer the decision until the Elimination Chamber.
The men’s Chamber match, determining Seth Rollins’ opponent at WrestleMania 40, is a dual-branded event. Randy Orton has already qualified by defeating Sami Zayn on this week’s SmackDown, securing at least one SmackDown star in the mix.
If Orton triumphs in Perth, he could essentially take Rhodes’ position as the top babyface on RAW alongside The Visionary.
A potential feud between Orton and Rollins, with a history of facing each other at WrestleMania 31, could add an exciting dynamic to the RAW landscape.
Randy Orton beats Sami Zayn to qualify for the Elimination Chamber
Sami doesn't qualify 💔💔 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/CKwIvef8L9
— CrispyWrestling (@CrispyWrestlin) February 10, 2024
However, the involvement of Drew McIntyre could impact the direction of the storyline. Keeping The Legend Killer separate from Rhodes until their eventual feud could maintain the freshness of their rivalry.
WrestleMania 40 could boast a compelling card with potential world title matches such as Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton.
The supporting cast of IYO SKY, Bayley, Rhea Ripley, Gunther, and The Rock makes it one of the most stacked WrestleMania in recent memory.
For Cody Rhodes, WrestleMania 40 is a pivotal moment. His quest to dethrone Roman Reigns must succeed at this juncture, as a second consecutive ‘Mania main event loss to Reigns would leave his story incomplete and diminish his standing as a potential face of the company.
The Rock’s expected involvement with Reigns post-WrestleMania further emphasizes the significance of Rhodes seizing the championship at this event on April 7, 2024.
