The road to Philadelphia stalls

With WrestleMania 41 less than three weeks away, the narrative focus remains locked on the undisputed champion. Cody Rhodes stands at the center of the card, yet the shadow of his departure from All Elite Wrestling continues to generate discourse online.

Rhodes recently addressed the speculation regarding his split from the Jacksonville-based promotion. He noted that fans think they know what happened when no one has been even close. This dismissal of third-party theories suggests a desire to keep the focus on his current trajectory rather than lingering on 2022 history.

Tactical flaws in the presentation

Despite his status, aspects of the Rhodes character arc require scrutiny. The persistent insistence on the American Nightmare branding can feel repetitive during lengthy television segments. When a performer repeats the same promos for months, the emotional response from the audience inevitably dips, which is precisely what occurs during the middle stretches of Raw.

We have seen Rhodes rely heavily on the Cross Rhodes as a finisher, which, while aesthetically pleasing, often feels like a sequence of repeats rather than a definitive end. His reliance on this move at events like the Royal Rumble has drawn criticism for its predictability. Matches often devolve into a series of kick-outs that lack the stakes required to make the viewer believe a title change is imminent.

The stake of the main event

Everything points toward his April 20 showdown. The booking team has prioritized his elevation above the rest of the roster. This creates a vacuum in the undercard where rising stars struggle to gain momentum without being compared to the main event picture.

If the company intends to maintain this momentum, the finishing sequence at WrestleMania 41 must evolve. A simple, one-move resolution against a powerhouse opponent will not suffice given the current 47 minute average length of his recent high-profile bouts. He needs to display a technical range that justifies his spot as the top attraction in the industry.

Predictions for the home stretch

I expect the next two weeks to feature a calculated build. We will likely see a segment where Rhodes attempts a variation of the Figure-Four Leglock to counter a bigger threat, as recent reports suggest a sharper focus on his in-ring psychology. Expect him to secure a clean victory under the bright lights, though the booking will likely force a post-match angle to keep the antagonism fresh.

My call? Rhodes retains the gold by pinning his opponent after a 3-count following an avalanche version of his primary maneuver. It is a win that prioritizes the status quo, even if it leaves some of the more discerning viewers asking for more variance in his move set.