WWE’s creative direction for WrestleMania 40 appears to have taken a turn in response to fan reactions, particularly the vocal support for Cody Rhodes. Vince Russo, a former WWE writer, expressed his opinion on the situation suggesting that WWE made a mistake by succumbing to online pressure.
Russo highlighted the initial plan of having a money match between Roman Reigns and The Rock as a significant draw for casual fans.
He criticized the decision to shift gears based on online trends like “We Want Cody,” asserting that it reflects a broader issue of WWE catering too much to existing fans rather than seeking to attract a broader audience.
According to Russo, WWE had a valuable opportunity to capture the interest of casual viewers, especially with the prospect of The Rock’s return.
Expressing his frustration, Russo emphasized the need to focus on drawing in casual fans by delivering on the anticipated clash between Reigns and The Rock.
He criticized the apparent shift in creative plans, suggesting that WWE risks alienating potential new viewers in favor of catering to the existing fanbase.
The discussion also touched upon Cody Rhodes’s recent dark match victory over Solo Sikoa, marking their first encounter since the RAW before WrestleMania 39.
While Cody secured a clean pinfall victory, Russo questioned the decision to have this match in the dark rather than incorporating it into the televised SmackDown episode, potentially missing an opportunity to engage a wider audience.
Overall, Russo’s perspective reflects concerns about WWE’s decision-making process, particularly regarding creative directions influenced by online fan reactions and the potential impact on reaching a broader audience.
