Heading into WrestleMania, all signs pointed to Cody Rhodes being the one to dethrone Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns on the Grandest Stage of Them All.
After a nasty injury sustained prior to last year's Hell in a Cell PLE, Rhodes made his triumphant return at the Royal Rumble, won the thing, and even managed to avoid having the fans turn on him as support for Sami Zayn grew. Still, he failed to overcome the Head of the Table and has since been feuding with Brock Lesnar.
While the American Nightmare remains a main event talent, many have questioned what's next for him.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer shared some new insights.
"As far as long-term goes, Reigns vs. Rhodes is the long-term direction for the ultimate destination match," he confirms. "WrestleMania is a strong possibility, but this far out there are so many things that can happen."
For a time, it looked like WWE had hoped Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson might return in order to beat Reigns. That would result in another part-time champion, though, and it's something The Great One's busy schedule really doesn't allow for. As a result, we've been left to wonder who's left to put a top to Reigns' record-breaking title run.
Going back to Rhodes makes all the sense in the world and, if it happens at WrestleMania 40, his victory now will feel like an even bigger deal than it would have last month.
This also allows his story to continue, because as any pro wrestling fan knows, the chase is always the best part.
We'll see what happens, but it's good to know WWE does appear to have longterm plans for the former AEW star.