Possible Reasons Why The Rock “Wants Cody Rhodes’ Soul”

WWE presented a significant power dynamic shift during SmackDown as The Rock returned to television for the first time since January 6, establishing a corporate power play directed at Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

The Final Boss immediately positioned himself as the ultimate authority figure, emphasizing his role on the TKO board and asserting complete control over WWE operations before delivering his WrestleMania 42 announcement regarding New Orleans as the host city.

The confrontation with Rhodes developed into something far more consequential than a typical championship challenge. Rather than targeting the title itself, The Rock methodically outlined his proposition – demanding Rhodes surrender his “soul” and transform into “his champion” – language that clearly signaled corporate machinations rather than competitive ambitions.

This positioning represents a strategic attempt to fundamentally alter Rhodes’ character trajectory. The Final Boss effectively offered Rhodes privileged status within the corporate structure, promising easier paths to desired matches and continued championship recognition, but requiring complete subordination to The Rock’s authority.

The underlying message became increasingly evident – this offer represents a demand for Rhodes to abandon his fan-centered approach and embrace a corporate heel persona, effectively recreating The Rock’s own historic “Corporate Champion” role from the Attitude Era.

The structural framework established creates multiple layers of tension beyond a standard championship feud. By focusing on Rhodes’ character integrity rather than his championship status, The Rock established a psychological battle that transcends typical wrestling rivalries.

Rhodes now faces a pivotal decision with profound implications stretching beyond the immediate championship picture. His response at the upcoming Elimination Chamber event will reveal whether he maintains his established connection with fans or succumbs to the corporate influence being exerted through The Rock’s proposition.

This development coincides strategically with the Men’s Elimination Chamber match at the Toronto event, which will determine Rhodes’ WrestleMania 41 challenger. The timing creates an intriguing intersection between Rhodes’ championship responsibilities and the corporate proposition presented by The Rock.

The Rock’s calculated approach demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of power dynamics within WWE’s narrative structure. By requesting Rhodes’ “soul” rather than his championship, he established himself as pursuing control beyond what titles represent – seeking fundamental influence over the direction of WWE’s top star.