The Rock's WWE return sparks controversy ahead of WrestleMania 40

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Feb 5, 2024, 20:47 IST

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The Rock's unexpected return to WWE has now sparked a fan revolt as fans express dissatisfaction with Cody Rhodes being replaced in the main event of WrestleMania 40. Despite the online movement, WWE is unlikely to change their plans due to The Rock's top merchandise sales, indicating strong fan support.

The Rock's WWE return sparks controversy ahead of WrestleMania 40

The Rock (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: The Rock's unexpected return to WWE has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, but the controversy surrounding his involvement in the main event of WrestleMania 40, seemingly replacing Cody Rhodes, has sparked a fan revolt.
Since the events unfolded on SmackDown, the hashtag #WeWantCody has been trending relentlessly, reflecting the dissatisfaction among fans regarding the sudden change in plans.

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Reports surfaced suggesting that The Rock played a significant role in securing the match against Roman Reigns, diverting attention from Cody Rhodes' storyline.

Despite the widespread online movement and fan revolt, recent developments indicate that WWE may be unlikely to alter their course. The Rock's return has propelled him to the top of WWE Shop's merchandise sales, with his new collection holding the coveted number one spot. Notably, this places him ahead of other notable stars like CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Jey Uso.

The surge in merchandise sales for The Brahma Bull implies a significant level of fan interest and support for his return, possibly giving WWE justification to maintain the planned main event between The Rock and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. The popularity of his new merch collection suggests a strong market demand for The Great One's presence in the marquee match.

Given these circumstances, the chances of Cody Rhodes being re-inserted into the main event picture alongside the two cousins seem slim. The Rock's merchandise success serves as a potential indicator that WWE might prioritize the financial and commercial aspects, further solidifying the current trajectory for the WrestleMania main event.

With fans continuing to voice their opinions online with #WeWantCody, the wrestling world awaits any potential shifts or responses from WWE. The intersection of fan sentiment and merchandise sales creates a unique dynamic that could influence the company's decision-making as they navigate the controversial path leading up to WrestleMania 40.
(Inputs from agencies)

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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