The WWE Royal Rumble event is one of the most highly anticipated and unpredictable spectacles in the world of professional wrestling. Each year, fans eagerly await the announcement of the participating superstars, only to be blindsided by shocking eliminations and surprise winners. However, this year’s event saw a notable absence from the winner’s circle: Cody Rhodes. According to sources close to the matter, Rhodes was never a serious contender to win the Royal Rumble match.
The Decision Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes, the WWE creative team had already finalized the list of participants and the eventual winner long before the event. This is not an unusual practice for the company, as they often plan months in advance to ensure a smooth and cohesive storyline. The decision to exclude Cody Rhodes from the winner’s pool was reportedly a deliberate one, made with the intention of furthering the career of another superstar.
“Rhodes was always seen as a potential threat to the plans we had in place for the Rumble winner,” revealed a WWE insider. “We wanted to create a sense of urgency and momentum behind a different character, and Cody’s presence would have likely disrupted that narrative.”
The Rise of a New Challenger
The WWE has been building up the profile of a relatively new superstar, Austin Theory, in recent months. Theory’s quick rise to prominence, coupled with his charismatic personality and in-ring abilities, has many fans and insiders believing that he could be the next big thing in the company. By excluding Cody Rhodes from the winner’s pool, the WWE creative team aimed to create a clear path for Theory to ascend to the top.
“Cody’s presence at the top of the Rumble would have made it difficult for Theory to get the push he deserves,” acknowledged a source close to Theory. “The company wanted to give him a chance to shine, and that’s exactly what we saw happen on the night of the Royal Rumble.”
The Backlash and Fan Reaction
The decision to exclude Cody Rhodes from the winner’s pool sparked a wave of controversy among fans, with many feeling that the WWE had unfairly snubbed the popular superstar. Rhodes’ loyal fanbase took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration, with some even calling for a re-match or a title shot.
While the backlash is understandable, insiders suggest that the WWE had a clear plan in place to address the situation. By positioning Theory as the winner, the company created a clear narrative for the future, with Rhodes’ character taking a backseat to the rising star.
Cody Rhodes’ Reaction
Sources close to Rhodes revealed that he was initially disappointed by the decision, but ultimately understood the reasoning behind it. “Cody is a team player and knows that the WWE has a bigger picture in mind,” said a source. “He’s focused on his own career and is excited to see where this new direction takes him.”
The Future of Cody Rhodes
As the dust settles on the Royal Rumble, fans are left wondering what’s next for Cody Rhodes. Will he be relegated to the mid-card or will he find himself at the top of the mountain? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the WWE has big plans for Rhodes, and he will be a key player in the company’s future storylines.
The exclusion of Cody Rhodes from the Royal Rumble winner’s pool may have sparked controversy, but it’s clear that the WWE had a deliberate plan in place to further the career of a new challenger. With the likes of Austin Theory on the rise, the future of the WWE looks brighter than ever, and Cody Rhodes will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the company’s direction.