In the aftermath of their encounter on the Raw following WrestleMania 40, plans are reportedly in place for a high-profile showdown between The Rock and the undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes next year.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestle Ops), The Rock and Rhodes are set to clash at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, where it will be “The People’s Champion” versus “The WWE Champion.”
During the build to WrestleMania 40, The Rock turned heel, aligning himself with Roman Reigns after Cody Rhodes opted to challenge Reigns as the Royal Rumble winner. This resulted in a tag team main event on Night 1, with The Rock and Reigns overcoming Rhodes and Seth Rollins. Their victory ensured that the title match between Reigns and Rhodes on Night 2 would be contested under Bloodline Rules.
Rhodes went on to defeat Reigns, ending his over 1,300-day title reign. Although Rhodes completed that chapter of his journey, The Rock emphasized the following night on Raw that their story was only beginning. “The Final Boss” indicated he had other commitments to attend to but promised to return to face Rhodes in the future.
Initially, there was speculation about The Rock versus Rhodes happening at SummerSlam, Survivor Series, or even the Royal Rumble. However, given that WrestleMania is essentially WWE’s Super Bowl, it’s understandable if WWE prefers to wait until then.
**CM Punk’s WWE 2K24 Entrance Revealed**
Ahead of his addition to the game as downloadable content, CM Punk’s entrance in WWE 2K24 was unveiled for the first time.
Punk’s entrance features his “Cult of Personality” theme song and iconic “It’s clobbering time” catchphrase. His in-game character wears the new merchandise shirt he donned upon returning to WWE.
Due to his long absence, Punk couldn’t be included in the initial release of WWE 2K24. However, he will now be part of the “ECW Punk Pack,” available on May 15, which will include ECW legends like Terry Funk, Sandman, and the Dudley Boyz.
Punk’s return to WWE was one of the most notable in the company’s history, and his fanbase has been eagerly awaiting his presence in WWE 2K24. Despite suffering a triceps injury at the Royal Rumble, Punk remains a prominent figure in WWE programming. He seems poised for a major showdown against Drew McIntyre soon, which gamers can simulate on WWE 2K24 starting May 15.
**Montez Ford Interested in UFC Fight**
Montez Ford, one-half of The Street Profits, is among WWE’s most promising Superstars, and he has his eyes set on a potential sports crossover.
In an interview with Liam Crowley of ComicBook.com, Ford mentioned that he had spoken to WWE President Nick Khan about a possible UFC fight, saying: “I even told Nick Khan, ‘Hey, I know you’re doing all these crossovers, but if you need somebody to step into the Octagon, I’ll be that guy.'”
Ford explained that his military and martial arts background could help him succeed in the UFC, stating, “Not only do I have hand-to-hand combat experience, but I also have life experience.”
Currently, Ford is part of The Pride, a stable led by former WWE Champion Bobby Lashley. After leaving WWE for the first time, Lashley had significant success in MMA, going 15-2 overall and 5-0 in Bellator.
Lashley believes Ford has what it takes to make a successful MMA transition. Although wrestling is Ford’s primary focus, WWE and UFC are owned by TKO, opening future opportunities for a crossover.
