Roman Reigns Vs. Cody Rhodes: The Unseen WWE Rivalry Of 2014
The WWE landscape is filled with iconic rivalries, clashes that define careers and captivate audiences worldwide. While names like Rock vs. Austin or Cena vs. Orton immediately spring to mind, some intriguing matchups remain somewhat hidden in the annals of wrestling history. One such rivalry, often overlooked, is the brief but compelling feud between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes in 2014. This article delves into the background, key moments, and potential impact of this underappreciated WWE storyline.
Background
Before Roman Reigns became the "Tribal Chief" and Cody Rhodes embarked on his journey to "finish the story," both were rising stars within the WWE roster. Roman Reigns, as part of The Shield, was establishing himself as a dominant force with his imposing presence and in-ring prowess. Cody Rhodes, on the other hand, was navigating the complexities of his character, oscillating between the "Dashing" persona and the more serious, determined competitor he was always meant to be. Although they had crossed paths, it wasn't until 2014 that their individual trajectories truly intersected in a meaningful way.
The seeds of the rivalry were sown amidst the tag team turmoil involving Cody Rhodes and his brother, Dustin Rhodes (Goldust). The Rhodes brothers, having returned to WWE after a hiatus, were embroiled in a storyline against The Authority, the tyrannical on-screen regime led by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. This feud saw the Rhodes brothers teaming up with various partners to fight against The Authority's chosen champions. During this period, Roman Reigns, along with his Shield brethren Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, found themselves aligned with The Authority, setting the stage for a collision course with Cody Rhodes.
As The Shield began to question The Authority's methods and motivations, subtle cracks appeared in their alliance. This internal conflict within The Shield mirrored the external conflict between the Rhodes brothers and The Authority, creating a volatile environment ripe for intense matchups. It was within this chaotic landscape that Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes began to engage in a series of matches and confrontations that highlighted their individual talents and hinted at their future potential. Although the rivalry was relatively short-lived, it provided a glimpse into the stars they would eventually become.
Key Moments of the Rivalry
Tag Team Encounters
Initially, the rivalry between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes unfolded primarily in tag team matches. The Shield frequently clashed with Cody Rhodes and Goldust, often with additional partners involved. These matches were fast-paced and action-packed, showcasing the unique strengths of each competitor. Roman Reigns' power and explosiveness were on full display as he delivered devastating spears and impactful maneuvers. Cody Rhodes, known for his agility and technical skill, often countered with innovative offense and strategic teamwork.
These tag team encounters served as a crucial platform for building tension and animosity between Reigns and Rhodes. The interactions between the two were always intense, marked by heated exchanges and near-falls that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Although these matches rarely had definitive conclusions, they effectively established Reigns and Rhodes as credible adversaries, laying the groundwork for future singles confrontations. Furthermore, the involvement of other prominent figures like Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Goldust added layers of complexity to the storyline, making each match feel significant and unpredictable.
Singles Matches
As the rivalry intensified, WWE recognized the potential for compelling singles matches between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. These matches allowed both competitors to showcase their individual skills and personalities, further solidifying their positions as rising stars. One notable singles encounter saw Reigns and Rhodes engaging in a hard-fought battle characterized by back-and-forth action and strategic counters. Reigns' power moves were met with Rhodes' technical prowess, creating a dynamic clash of styles that captivated audiences. Although Reigns ultimately emerged victorious, Rhodes proved to be a formidable opponent, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Another memorable singles match occurred during a live event, where Reigns and Rhodes engaged in a lengthy, physical contest. This match, often praised by those in attendance, highlighted their ability to maintain a high level of intensity and storytelling throughout the duration. Reigns' imposing presence and impactful offense were balanced by Rhodes' agility and cunning, resulting in a compelling narrative that kept fans invested. While the match may not have been televised, it served as a testament to their chemistry and potential as top-tier performers. These singles matches, though limited in number, left a lasting impression on those who witnessed them, sparking speculation about what could have been if the rivalry had been further developed.
The Shield's Dissolution and its Impact
The gradual disintegration of The Shield played a significant role in shaping the rivalry between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. As tensions within The Shield reached a boiling point, the group eventually imploded, leading to a dramatic split that reverberated throughout WWE. This split saw Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose turning against Seth Rollins, setting off a chain of events that would alter the course of their careers. The dissolution of The Shield also had implications for Cody Rhodes, as it removed a key obstacle in his quest to overcome The Authority. With The Shield no longer acting as The Authority's enforcers, Rhodes and his allies gained a newfound advantage in their fight against the oppressive regime.
The aftermath of The Shield's breakup saw Roman Reigns embarking on a singles career, further elevating his status within WWE. This transition allowed Reigns to showcase his individual charisma and in-ring abilities, solidifying his position as a future main event player. Similarly, Cody Rhodes continued his pursuit of championship glory, seeking to prove himself as a top-tier competitor. Although their paths diverged following The Shield's dissolution, the rivalry between Reigns and Rhodes remained a notable chapter in their respective journeys, underscoring their shared history and mutual respect.
Potential Impact and What Could Have Been
Looking back, the rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns in 2014 had the potential to be much more significant than it ultimately was. At the time, both wrestlers were on the cusp of breaking out as major stars, and their interactions hinted at the possibility of a long-term, main event-level feud. Had WWE invested more time and resources into developing this rivalry, it could have provided both Reigns and Rhodes with a valuable platform to showcase their talents and elevate their careers. Imagine a scenario where Reigns and Rhodes engaged in a series of high-profile matches, each with escalating stakes and compelling storylines. Such a rivalry could have drawn significant attention and generated substantial revenue for WWE.
Furthermore, a more developed rivalry between Reigns and Rhodes could have added depth and complexity to their respective characters. Reigns could have been portrayed as a dominant force struggling with his own sense of justice and morality, while Rhodes could have been depicted as an underdog fighting against the odds to prove his worth. By exploring these themes, WWE could have created a captivating narrative that resonated with audiences and kept them invested in the outcome. Unfortunately, the rivalry was cut short due to various factors, including shifting storylines and creative decisions. However, the brief glimpse of potential that it offered remains a tantalizing "what if" in WWE history.
Conclusion
The Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes rivalry of 2014 may not be as widely remembered as some of WWE's other iconic feuds, but it remains a significant chapter in the careers of both wrestlers. Their clashes, though limited in scope, showcased their individual talents and hinted at their future potential. The rivalry served as a valuable stepping stone for Reigns and Rhodes as they navigated their paths to stardom. While the full potential of this feud may never have been realized, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling and the many "what ifs" that shape its history. As both Reigns and Rhodes continue to make waves in the industry, their brief but compelling rivalry will always be remembered as a footnote in their illustrious careers. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most intriguing stories are the ones that remain just beneath the surface, waiting to be rediscovered and appreciated for their hidden value.