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Cody Rhodes and The Rock Updates: Shocking New Partnership, Heel Turn Tease, Major Announcements Coming

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Cody Rhodes and The Rock are on the cusp of unveiling significant news that could mark a turning point for both WWE stars. With the wrestling world keeping a close eye, recent Cody Rhodes and The Rock updates suggest a shift from rivalry to collaboration, with major character developments and new projects on the horizon.

New Era Begins: Cody Rhodes and The Rock Move Toward Collaboration

Tension and fierce competition have long defined the relationship between Cody Rhodes, known as The American Nightmare, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, often called The Great One or The Final Boss. Their dynamic intensified in the build-up to WrestleMania 40, driving speculation about a potential marquee match and even a possible heel turn for Rhodes, currently one of SmackDown’s most prominent babyfaces. Rumors have circulated that The Rock himself has advocated for Rhodes to embrace a more villainous persona, in tune with shifting fan sentiment.

During a high-profile appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York City, Rhodes delved into his evolving professional and personal relationship with The Rock, hinting at dramatic changes in both their careers. The recent camaraderie signals less animosity and more cooperation between the legacy superstars, marking a fresh chapter in WWE storytelling and backstage partnerships.

Cody Rhodes Addresses WWE Persona, Teases Character Shift

Speaking with interviewer Kay Adams, Rhodes was asked about maintaining his “good guy status despite the evolving tastes of the wrestling audience, who often demand change from their favorite stars. He touched on his NFL fandom, explaining that his loyalty spans several teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, and Atlanta Falcons, a reflection of his own adaptability and openness to transformation.

Cody Rhodes
Image of: Cody Rhodes

He acknowledged the challenges of remaining a beloved figure for an extended period and signaled the impending close of this chapter in his career. Addressing the crowd, he shared insights into his mindset and openness to evolving on-screen:

“So, I’m a [Dallas] Cowboys fan because my sister cheers for the Cowboys. I’m a New York Jets fan because I won in their stadium at WrestleMania, and they hosted me, and treated me like family, and I’m an [Atlanta] Falcons fan because I grew up in Georgia, and that’s a hard fanbase to be a part of… so I really don’t have an allegiance, I’m open for business. I am open for business, and that helps with the ‘being a good guy’ aspect of it. I don’t ever get tired of it because you get to have all of this, and the moments. I do think we’re probably at the tail end of it, though, because there’s only so much someone can like you. I would love to do it until the end of my career, but there’s only so much [someone will say], ‘Alright, we did his “Whoooa,” we cheered for him…,’ because at a certain point, they want to see someone else. I get that, and that’s where you have to change as a character, so…” —Cody Rhodes

On the subject of a heel turn—a dramatic shift to a villain role—Cody revealed he has given serious thought to when and how this transformation might happen. He told Adams that fan reactions on social media would be the key indicator and estimated a timeline for when this significant change could take place:

“You’ll know because X and Instagram will hate it, because today’s heels [receive reactions] like, ‘Oh, that’s a cool heel, we’re loving John Cena!’ No. If you’re burying it, and hating it, and talking about how you don’t want it on your TV, that’s what an actual bad guy is. [Adams: how long do you have before the turn?] I think you have a good, solid year. Maybe even three years because I am not changing until I’m changed, if that makes any sense,”

—Cody Rhodes

The Rock’s Influence and Advice for Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes didn’t shy away from discussing The Rock’s role in shaping his recent career choices and his ring persona. Rhodes acknowledged that The Rock—a figure experienced in both wrestling and entertainment—has offered guidance, including encouragement to adopt a darker character direction, possibly as a heel.

When Adams asked if Rhodes would consider returning to his original, darker hair color for a more menacing presence, Rhodes replied candidly about The Rock’s advice:

“My hair is naturally dark. I don’t know if I could go back, but if The Rock had it his way, I would’ve been changed already. So, I think he sees something I don’t see, and that’s a very smart individual, so I may follow his lead. Maybe not,”

—Cody Rhodes

This exchange highlighted not just mutual respect but also The Rock’s desire to see Rhodes rise to new creative heights, echoing past reports that Rhodes’s next big move could be influenced by The Rock’s vision for storytelling and character development in the WWE.

Upcoming Joint Announcements and Ongoing Ventures

While speculation continues about their in-ring confrontation, Cody Rhodes revealed that he and The Rock have been collaborating on major announcements that will soon be unveiled to fans. The WWE Universe, and sports entertainment at large, are set to see the results of these high-profile efforts, possibly blending Rhodes’s wrestling legacy with The Rock’s crossover success in film and business.

The pressure of their respective schedules, especially given The Rock’s film commitments, kept The Final Boss from appearing at Fanatics Fest. Yet Rhodes was quick to express appreciation for the opportunities The Rock has provided, as well as excitement about what’s ahead:

“I mean, the guy’s got a good series of A24 movies coming out, Martin Scorsese and The Rock are working together. As a wrestler that grew up in the business, I’m just excited that those opportunities are there for him, and of course, it’s no secret that he’s been very helpful in kind of procuring some opportunities for me as well, that I never dreamed of in a million years… a bunch of good stuff that we’re about to be able to announce. So, I’m all for The Rock,”

—Cody Rhodes

What Lies Ahead for Cody Rhodes and The Rock?

With both stars promising significant news in the coming days, anticipation continues to build for what their partnership could mean for WWE programming and wider pop culture. Whether it’s a long-speculated match, a dramatic heel turn for Rhodes, or new entertainment ventures with the participation of major names like Martin Scorsese, fans will soon witness a shift shaped by both athletic performance and business acumen.

The developing relationship between Cody Rhodes and The Rock, set against the backdrop of the WWE, marks a critical juncture in both of their storied careers. Rhodes’s willingness to adapt, coupled with The Rock’s mentorship, is likely to influence not only their legacies but also the direction of future events in sports entertainment.

Kevin Jewell
Kevin Jewell
Kevin Jewell is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the WWE SmackDown Men’s Division. With two years of experience, he reports on headline matches, major rivalries, and superstar developments from WWE’s blue brand. Kevin brings sharp analysis, accurate updates, and a deep passion for storytelling to his coverage. His work highlights the key figures, championship pursuits, and weekly action that define the SmackDown men’s roster. From rising talents to veteran icons, Kevin delivers content that keeps fans informed and engaged with every twist in the ring.
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