Cody Rhodes courtesy of Getty Images
Originally published on April 12, 2024.
The following content reflects my personal opinion and should be interpreted as such. Any views expressed here are solely mine and do not represent any official stance. This opinion piece is intended for entertainment and discussion purposes only, and should not be construed as factual information or professional advice. Reader discretion is advised.
It should come as no surprise to anyone who follows me on my social media accounts that I am a supporter of the new regime; The Paul Levesque Era. As we all know, the former owner of the biggest wrestling promotion in the world, Vince McMahon has stepped down from his position indefinitely following the emergence of sexual misconduct allegations. These allegations surfaced in connection with a lawsuit filed by a former WWE employee.
And as we are constantly reminded that we are in a ‘new era,’ I can’t help but think that with this new beginning, Cody Rhodes is the perfect choice to lead us into the promised land. In an article I wrote for the Wrestling Republic in February, I compared the stories and legacies of Cody and his father, the late Dusty Rhodes. I explained that while Dusty, a common man, fought to be seen and accepted as an equal, his youngest son fought to be different and to dream the impossible. And on Sunday, April 7th, we finally had the opportunity to see a two-year-long story completed; with Cody’s arm raised high and his championship belt around his waist.
As we gradually approach Wrestlemania 40, the pendulum known as Cody’s story swings in a full circle. An adventure that screams for an ending, a happily ever after, and the perfect antagonist for this chapter’s fate is none other than the current reigning, defending Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns. Roman, the face (and final boss) of WWE, represents the institution Cody has battled against throughout his career, a position that he once believed was for him. The distinction between the two powerhouses couldn’t be any clearer — the perfectly sculpted blue-chip corporate champion against the anarchist with a nightmare in his heart. The contention between Roman and Cody is more than just a fight for dominance; it’s a clash of principles, good and evil, conventional and unconventional, making a wrong right again.
“The contention between Roman and Cody is more than just a fight for dominance; it’s a clash of principles, good and evil, conventional and unconventional, making a wrong right again.” When I wrote these words, I strictly had the characters these two men portrayed in mind: the classic battle of good versus evil. And like everyone else, I had my suspicions that after Cody won his title, things were going to be different. However, I did not suspect the magnitude and directness of the shift, especially during Wrestlemania weekend. With Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque and his wife Stephanie McMahon standing together as a united front for the brand, it’s hard not to notice the company is undergoing a factory reset.
For the first time in many of our lives, we are experiencing WWE without Vince McMahon at the helm. After purchasing the company from his father, Vincent J. McMahon Sr. for one million dollars in 1982, Vince Jr. took hold of the company and made it into the multi-billion dollar brand it is today. However, over the decades, controversies regarding steroid use, sexual misconduct, racism, sexism, and other atrocities riddled the company’s reputation, with many of these allegations being overlooked or ignored. It wasn’t until 2022 when money could no longer cover up these problems that Vince stepped down for the first time, but certainly not the last. When it seemed that things were improving and we were on the verge of our moment in the sun, Vince returned. And just as with Roman and Cody, a struggle for dominance between Triple H and his father-in-law over creative control began to unfold, evident in the storylines and wrestling cards. However, amidst the turmoil, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of a battered woman with a heartbreaking story of alleged abuse. It was through her bravery and courage that both the fans and the company were finally able to confront and eliminate the monster lurking in the shadows, once and for all.
The fans deserve this new era—they deserve a new slate, a fresh beginning, a do-over. As we embrace this new regime, it’s important not to overlook those who were sacrificed during Vince’s dictatorship — individuals who have dedicated their bodies, careers, and in some tragic cases, their lives for our entertainment and enjoyment. As we welcome this new era, we must also appreciate the current wrestlers, who may have chosen not to share their experiences and may never do so.
I’m eager to see what Paul accomplishes with the company with the support of TKO, his wife Stephanie, WWE wrestlers and employees, and the entire WWE universe. I’m confident that there will be numerous exciting developments in the near future.
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