In the world of professional wrestling, there are often storylines that captivate fans and keep them hooked for months or even years. One such storyline that has recently caught the attention of WWE fans is the ongoing tale of Cody Rhodes. Rhodes, who made his return to WWE, is determined to finish his story and potentially dethrone Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Undisputed Championship. But is this narrative truly the one that WWE should be focusing on?
While it is true that many WWE Superstars could make a case for winning the coveted Royal Rumble, including the likes of CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, and even the enigmatic GUNTHER, Cody Rhodes' story stands out as one that could be truly compelling. He doesn't necessarily have to win the Royal Rumble to conclude his narrative and achieve his goal. In fact, history shows us that only 53% of Royal Rumble winners go on to win a world championship. This includes Rhodes himself in 2023. However, it is this potential failure that could make his story all the more captivating.
Picture this: Cody Rhodes wins the Royal Rumble in 2023 but fails to defeat Roman Reigns for the championship. This setback only fuels his determination. In the following year, Rhodes defies the odds by winning back-to-back Rumbles and finally accomplishing his mission of dethroning the Tribal Chief in 2024. What a remarkable story that would be, showcasing resilience, perseverance, and the eventual triumph of the underdog.
On the other hand, there are other narratives in play that could complicate things. Take the case of The Rock, for example. With his recent appointment to the TKO Board of Directors, there is speculation that he may be eyeing the main event spot at WrestleMania 40. However, this could potentially rub fans the wrong way, as it might come across as a self-serving move by a hypothetical 'booker of the company.' The Rock should tread carefully to avoid turning himself into a villain and ensure the event remains fair and inclusive.
Interestingly, The Rock has shown support for Cody Rhodes, as evidenced by their warm embrace backstage during WWE Day 1 and his positive comments about Rhodes in various interviews. Nevertheless, Rock must be mindful of his increasing authority within WWE and not succumb to the temptation of giving himself the main event spot. The focus should be on the incredible roster of performers and collectively creating the greatest and biggest WrestleMania of all time.
Another notable contender for the Royal Rumble victory is CM Punk, who has recently made a highly-anticipated return to WWE. While Punk's presence in the match would undoubtedly create excitement, rewarding him with a win right away might not be the best decision. WWE has the opportunity to test if Punk is truly a team player, considering his history of being disgruntled and mentally unstable. There's no denying Punk's legendary status and future Hall of Fame induction, but he should prove his commitment and stability before being handed such an accolade.
And then there's GUNTHER, the wildcard in the mix. GUNTHER has transformed the Intercontinental Championship into something of a world title, boasting an impressive reign and becoming the longest-lasting Royal Rumble participant in history. While a Royal Rumble win for GUNTHER would be well-received by fans, this year might not be the right time for him. GUNTHER would be better suited to defend his illustrious title against the returning Brock Lesnar, creating a thrilling matchup that would solidify his reign.
Ultimately, it is Cody Rhodes who stands out as the prime candidate for a Royal Rumble victory. He has the ability to connect with the modern wrestling audience and play a compelling white-meat babyface. Fans are emotionally invested in his journey, and the overwhelming majority simply want to see him finish his story. However, WWE needs to act on this opportunity sooner rather than later, as fan interest can fade if the trigger isn't pulled at the right moment.
While nostalgia is undoubtedly appealing, the time is now for WWE to prioritize the exciting and fresh narrative of Cody Rhodes. The Rock and CM Punk may have their moments and highlights, but Rhodes is in his prime and possesses the perfect storyline. WWE has already teased a Rhodes and Reigns rematch, and now is the moment to seize that opportunity. It's time for Cody Rhodes to win the 2024 Royal Rumble and ascend to the throne that his father, Dusty Rhodes, never had the chance to sit upon. Nostalgia must take a backseat to the promise of a compelling and captivating story.
