Cody Rhodes, John Cena, and the SmackDown Controversy: A WrestleMania Feud Heats Up

Cody Rhodes has been on an incredible journey in WWE, cementing himself as one of the company’s top stars. However, his recent SmackDown appearance left fans talking for multiple reasons. The American Nightmare made short work of The Miz in Barcelona, but the real highlight came when he once again called out his WrestleMania 41 opponent, John Cena, for the shocking betrayal at Elimination Chamber.

The storyline between Cody Rhodes and John Cena has become one of the most intriguing narratives in WWE, with fans eager to see how it unfolds leading up to WrestleMania. However, not everyone is happy with how WWE has handled the buildup. Wrestling veteran Vince Russo, known for his outspoken takes on creative decisions, recently criticized WWE’s handling of Cody’s segment on SmackDown. During an episode of BroDown on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s WrestleBinge, Russo expressed his frustration with the company’s creative direction, particularly regarding the way WWE handled the Barcelona crowd’s expectations.

In this article, we take a deep dive into Cody Rhodes’ feud with John Cena, Vince Russo’s criticism of WWE’s booking, and what it all means for WrestleMania 41.

Cody Rhodes vs. The Miz in Barcelona

SmackDown’s latest event in Barcelona featured Cody Rhodes in action against The Miz. While the match itself was relatively short and decisive, it was the aftermath that caught fans’ attention. Cody wasted no time in addressing his upcoming WrestleMania 41 showdown with John Cena, reigniting the flames of their heated rivalry.

Fans in Barcelona had been eagerly anticipating Cody’s appearance, expecting an electrifying promo or a significant storyline development. However, many felt that WWE’s handling of the event fell short of expectations. The absence of major stars like The Rock and Cena, coupled with Cody’s brief presence, left some attendees disappointed.

Vince Russo’s Criticism of WWE’s Creative Team

Vince Russo did not hold back in his criticism of how WWE booked Cody Rhodes on SmackDown. Speaking on BroDown, Russo voiced his concerns about how WWE managed the Barcelona crowd’s expectations and how they structured Cody’s segment.

Russo pointed out that fans in Barcelona had likely purchased tickets months in advance, hoping for a memorable show featuring WWE’s biggest stars. However, they were met with the absence of The Rock and John Cena, two of the most highly anticipated figures in WWE.

Russo also criticized the way Cody was utilized. He noted that Cody did not deliver his signature promo line, “Barcelona, what do you want to talk about?” This line has become a staple of Cody’s character and is something fans look forward to at live events. According to Russo, omitting this moment felt like a missed opportunity to connect with the crowd and make the event feel special.

The Fallout from Cena’s Betrayal at Elimination Chamber

The rivalry between Cody Rhodes and John Cena took a dramatic turn at Elimination Chamber. In a shocking twist, Cena betrayed Cody, setting the stage for an emotional and high-stakes clash at WrestleMania 41.

Fans have been debating Cena’s motivations ever since. Was it a matter of jealousy? A desire to test Cody’s resilience? Or perhaps an indication of a larger storyline at play? Whatever the reason, the betrayal left Cody seeking answers and revenge, leading him to call out Cena once again in Barcelona.

Cena’s heel turn is a rarity in modern WWE, making this feud even more compelling. With Cody now positioned as WWE’s ultimate babyface, the dynamic between the two superstars adds a new layer of intensity to their upcoming match.

The Importance of Fan Engagement in Live Events

One of the key points Russo made in his criticism was the importance of engaging the live audience. WWE thrives on fan interaction, and when superstars fail to connect with the crowd, it can lead to a lukewarm response.

In the case of SmackDown in Barcelona, fans expected an energetic, unforgettable experience. While the show delivered some exciting moments, the absence of key figures and the lack of direct engagement from Cody left some attendees feeling underwhelmed.

Russo’s comments highlight the broader discussion about how WWE structures its international events. When fans invest time and money into attending a live event, they expect a payoff that makes their experience worthwhile. WWE has mastered the art of spectacle, but moments like these serve as a reminder that even the biggest stars need to go the extra mile to keep audiences engaged.

What This Means for WrestleMania 41

With WrestleMania 41 fast approaching, WWE has a golden opportunity to capitalize on the growing tension between Cody Rhodes and John Cena. Their match has all the makings of a WrestleMania classic, but how WWE handles the buildup in the coming weeks will be crucial.

Fans want to see Cody and Cena in compelling segments that heighten the drama of their rivalry. Promos, backstage confrontations, and unexpected twists could elevate this storyline to legendary status. WWE must ensure that every interaction between the two feels significant, adding layers to their personal and professional conflict.

Moreover, this feud is a defining moment in Cody Rhodes’ career. After returning to WWE and cementing himself as a top star, a victory over Cena at WrestleMania would solidify his position as the face of the company. On the other hand, if Cena emerges victorious, it could lead to even bigger storytelling opportunities down the line.

Cody Rhodes’ latest appearance on SmackDown has sparked discussion about WWE’s creative decisions, particularly in how they engage live audiences. While Cody’s match against The Miz was a solid in-ring display, the lack of major moments left some fans and critics—like Vince Russo—feeling unsatisfied.

As WrestleMania 41 draws closer, WWE must ensure that Cody Rhodes and John Cena’s feud reaches its full potential. With the betrayal at Elimination Chamber still fresh in fans’ minds, there is a tremendous opportunity to create one of the most memorable rivalries in recent history.

Ultimately, Cody and Cena’s showdown at WrestleMania has the potential to be a defining match for both men. Whether Cody finally overcomes the ultimate betrayal or Cena reaffirms his dominance, the WWE Universe is in for an unforgettable spectacle. The key now is for WWE to keep the momentum strong and deliver a buildup that matches the hype surrounding this epic showdown.