On February 21, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown, The Rock made his much anticipated return with a major announcement and influence directed towards WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. During the initial part of his promo, “The Great One” announced that New Orleans will host WrestleMania 42 next year to the delight of the crowd. Later he was seen having a one to one conversation with Rhodes, where he asked the WWE Champion to align with “The Final Boss”. There has been lots of buzz generated towards this as it will affect the two wrestlers along with the forthcoming WrestleMania 41.
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The Call-Out
The Final Boss kicked off his segment on Friday Night SmackDown by pepping up the arena and announcing WrestleMania 42 would be held at the Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana. Afterwards, he turned his attention to the current Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes. The Great One expressed his amazement over Rhodes, who with time, built a friendship and a strong respect for each other. The image of their mothers was displayed on the titantron, which was clicked after WrestleMania 40 backstage, displaying the growing friendship.
The Proposition
During their backstage confrontation, The Rock was extending a proposition to the American Nightmare. He explained that while he acknowledged Rhodes as a great champion of the fans, he wanted him to become “his” champion. The Rock spoke of elevating Rhodes’ stature within WWE and, he promised to help him make his and his family’s dreams come true. This proposition came with some kind of personal yarn where The Rock expressed a wish for a brotherly bond with Rhodes. The Hollywood star also mentioned their social media followers and how the Final Boss can get turn Rhodes’ life and stature.
The Demand for Cody’s Soul
As the conversation progressed, The Rock made an unexpected twist in saying that what he was actually looking for was not allegiance but “Cody’s soul“. This line was delivered with much dramatization and raised a plethora of questions about what this might mean for both wrestlers. The implication here is that siding with The Final Boss may have hefty consequences or may cause a transformation of sorts to Cody Rhodes. It seemed like a trap set out by the TKO board member and the reason behind that might be unveiled at Elimination Chamber.
Conclusion and Anticipation
The segment ended with The Rock making it clear that he did not expect an immediate answer from Rhodes, but he would return at the Elimination Chamber on March 1, 2025, when he expected an answer to his unusual proposition. Such a storyline would set forth fascinating possibilities for the plot in WWE leading to WrestleMania 42. The American Nightmare has got into a program with The Great One which could elevate the WWE Champion who needs it at the moment.
A heel turn for Cody Rhodes
For Cody Rhodes, a heel turn could serve as the game-changer that leads into WrestleMania 41, thereby propelling character development and storyline engagement. He is one of WWE’s big stars with the fan presence fluctuating from time to time. Should he turn heel, such a decision would open up a new dimension for him as a character. In fully assuming his dark persona, he could cater to the audience’s perception of troublemaking and drama. A heel turn would position Cody against the other big faces in WWE, undoubtedly resulting in big rivalries that would keep audiences plugged in.
In summary, The Final Boss wants the WWE Champion’s soul, which symbolizes a deeper commitment beyond mere championship allegiance; it suggests a transformative partnership that could redefine both their careers in wrestling.
Sachin Singh 
Anushka Sarkar