Heading into last year's WrestleMania, we all believed Cody Rhodes would be the one to dethrone Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Instead, interference from The Bloodline meant he came up short in his quest to "finish the story."
All signs pointed to a rematch at this year's Show of Shows, but some major obstacles have since presented themselves. For starters, CM Punk has returned to WWE and it was only a couple of weeks ago that The Rock appeared to lay down a challenge to the Head of the Table.
Talking to Sports Illustrated, Rhodes shared his thoughts on the competition he's now faced with when it comes to main eventing WrestleMania.
"The Rock is The Great One - he's still electrifying," Rhodes tells the site. "CM Punk is one of the greatest stars in the history of wrestling. I know what I'm up against. Look at the roster - it’s loaded with stars. But that doesn't bother me. I'm not flinching. I'm not rooting against anyone else, I'm just working to make it happen."
Addressing this current run and the connection he has with fans, the American Nightmare added, "This job, it's not like punching a clock. It’s a really fun movement with the fans. We’re really enjoying this moment that we’re having together. And I only get better with a heavy schedule. I'm able to be the best I’ve ever been because I'm doing it so frequently."
"That confidence has really been snowballing. I hit milestones I didn’t anticipate," he continued. "Beating Brock Lesnar twice, for example. I keep thinking, ‘What's better than this?’ It’s the way each of those moments has connected with the fans. They;ve given me their trust. That has made me even more confident."
"The milestones keep building. We keep climbing to new levels. Now the question I keep asking myself is, 'Who is the face of the place?' That's what I want. That’s another level I need to attain. Hopefully that starts at the Royal Rumble."
"No run lasts forever," Rhodes adds. "I know that. I’ve seen that. So I'm savoring every moment–and I’m working toward accomplishing what's never been before."
It would be a major misstep for WWE to give up on Rhodes for a one-off match pitting The Rock against Reigns; Punk, meanwhile, can easily headline the other night of WrestleMania by challenging Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Stay tuned for updates as we have them.