Wrestling Love Letters
The Bloodline Series: An Unfinished Story
In the world of professional wrestling, the careful crafting of storylines is what keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Wrestlemania, the grandest stage of them all, is where these narratives reach their pinnacle. However, sometimes even the most compelling opportunities slip through the fingers of creative decision-makers, leaving fans disappointed and questioning what could have been.
Cody Rhodes, a name synonymous with wrestling legacy, emerged as the perfect contender to challenge Roman Reigns for one of his coveted championship belts at Wrestlemania 39 (2023). For fans, this wasn't just about crowning another champion; it was about concluding a narrative that had been evolving for years. More recently, viewers were engrossed by Cody's documentary, "American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes," and it became apparent that the climax of his journey (and subsequently, the documentary) should have culminated in a triumphant victory on the grandest stage of all. Taking the WWE Championship that his late father, Dusty Rhodes, never secured would have been the ultimate feel-good moment. Dusty was passed over for the title in favour of Macho Man Randy Savage, and regrettably, history appeared to repeat itself. Cody’s victory would have been a powerful tribute to his father's legacy whilst also strengthening his emotional connection with the audience.
But how could this have been executed without compromising Roman's reign? One solution lies in the storytelling itself. WWE could have refrained from putting both championship belts on the line, therefore allowing Cody to secure a monumental victory without diminishing Roman's position. This approach would have maintained the excitement of the story while preserving Roman's dominance. Moreover, Cody's victory could have been the start of a captivating downward spiral for Roman's character. Grappling to retain his remaining championship, Roman's increasing desperation could have led to him questioning the loyalty of those around him. This intriguing twist would have added layers to his character, making him more gripping and complex.
An additional consequence of WWE's creative decision was the necessity to introduce a new World Heavyweight title (currently held by the ever reliable Seth Rollins), as it was now evident that Roman was truly unbeatable, WWE had booked themselves into a corner where no one was a true threat. It's difficult not to assume that Cody was meant to be victorious at Wrestlemania, and a last-minute decision led to Roman's victory and, consequently, the introduction of a new title. Along similar lines, the once-menacing Money in the Bank briefcase has lost some of its suspense, as it's now evident that, if Cody couldn’t beat Roman Reigns, instilling confidence in a successful Damian Priest cash-in is going to be a challenge. Despite Damian having the support of the Judgement Day, Roman still remains strong with the remnants of the Bloodline, and with turmoil within both factions, the threat of the briefcase is being overshadowed.
Looking ahead, there's still an opportunity for WWE to rectify the situation. Rather than drawing out the Bloodline story with unnecessary twists, it's time to embrace the potential for evolution within the faction. An eagerly awaited feud between Jimmy and Jey Uso would provide a fresh storyline and further character development leading into Wrestlemania XL (2024). A feud between the brothers would captivate fans' attention, highlighting their individual strengths and motivations. Also the idea of the formation of a brother faction with Jimmy, Jey, and Solo against Roman would give fans something to rally behind.
Finally, the enigmatic Paul Heyman's role shouldn't be underestimated. To invigorate his character, Heyman could acquire a new protégé. This could be an opportunity to bring in a rising star from NXT (or mentor a recent call up), injecting new blood into the main roster while giving fans a fresh dynamic to invest in.
In the pro wrestling universe, missed opportunities can often become catalysts for a new and exciting direction. While Cody Rhodes' Wrestlemania victory would have been a fitting tribute to his legacy, the path not taken opens doors for future innovation and the potential for a new ending to Cody’s story.
With pins, submissions, and a whole lot of heart, Chloe xoxo
23.08.2023
