Cody Rhodes’ story matters. But as awesome it to be seeing Dusty Rhodes’ son win the title that The American Dream never held – if we’re being technical, Rhodes never won a title in the WWE – the wrestling world is on the cusp of doing something bigger and rarer.
Most casual fans associate Hulk Hogan, the face of professional wrestling most of the 80s and 90s, with WWE gold. While Bruno Sammartino has him by nearly double the amount of days (2,803 days vs 1,474 days), Hulk Hogan won, held, and defended his title in front of live television for years. His reign spanned over four years from January 23, 1984 to February 5, 1988. During this time, he wrestled against all comers until he finally lost the title belt to André the Giant in front of 33 million viewers around the world.
While Roman Reigns hasn’t been as active during his title reign, beating Hulk Hogan’s record remains just as monumental, especially as the WWE looks to update its history books and put fresh faces in it.
No matter how over Rhodes might be, this chance at history and making an indelible mark on the wrestling landscape is too good to pass up, especially given the current climate. The allegations surrounding Vince McMahon threaten to mar what has so far been an excellent start to Triple H’s time as the WWE’s creative head. Triple H needs a huge win for the WWE to basically make everyone believe that it’s the dawn of a new era amidst the controversies. Hence, Roman Reigns soon becoming the third-longest-reigning WWE champion of all time.
Triple H has been doing his best to clean the history books and put better ambassadors for the sport. Last year, Gunther elevated the status of the Intercontinental Championship, making it one of marquee’s belt with his still-ongoing historic championship reign.
As for Rhodes, his story can end at a later date. With only 222 days separating Reigns from a more historic run, Rhodes will only have to wait until September to finally get the title he’s always wanted. During this time, the WWE can build the American Nightmare back up again as the de-facto contender. If anything, his presumed match against Seth Rollins, where he’ll most likely win the World Heavyweight Championship, should elevate his status even more.
Although anyone who’s been watching wrestling lately is likely expecting a second coming of Seth Rollins’ last-minute Money in the Bank cash-in at WrestleMania 31 with Damian Priest possibly doing it to either Rhodes or Rollins in April.
Rhodes has proven he doesn’t need the title belt to get fans to believe in him and the WWE is just months away from making history. With The Rock finally free of his usual Hollywood obligations, Triple H is wise to book Rhodes’ storybookending for later.
Rhodes will win and take away the championship belt from Roman Reigns, after which the Head of the Table will likely take an official leave from the WWE to pursue other ventures. From then on, the WWE is free to sic the likes of Jey Uso, Solo Sikoa, and even Drew McIntyre, at Rhodes. In any case, that’s another topic for another day.
Ultimately, what’s certain is that the WWE will celebrate Roman Reigns passing Hulk Hogan as the longest-reigning WrestleMania era WWE champion.
What happens between then and now and afterwards is anyone’s guess, but isn’t that what makes this all the more exciting?
