WWE Icon Predicts Roman Reigns to Lose Title Before Cody Rhodes' 2024 Victory

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Cody Rhodes is yet to achieve his goal of winning the Undisputed World Championship, and Dutch Mantell, a wrestling legend, believes WWE might introduce a "detour" in The American Nightmare's journey. Although fans supported Rhodes at WrestleMania 39, WWE opted for Roman Reigns to retain his title in a thrilling main event.

Fortunately, the ex-AEW star remains popular with the WWE Universe as he gears up to face Brock Lesnar for the first time at Backlash. Rhodes is reportedly set for a rematch against Roman at WrestleMania 40 next year, but Dutch Mantell speculates that WWE may explore a different creative direction.

While not providing specific names, the legendary manager predicts another WWE star will defeat Roman Reigns before Cody Rhodes eventually gets his chance at the belts. On this week's Smack Talk, Mantell shared his thoughts: "So, he's there, but I still don't think they are going to go, even in a year, I don't think.

And they may do it before then, but WrestleMania is next year, and it's a year away, and I like that because now they can pace themselves. But [I] think somebody else gets the title before Cody..."

Dusty's "Hard Times" and Cody's Future

Mantell recalled Dusty Rhodes' arduous journey to the NWA World Championship, which was far from easy for The American Dream.

Dusty experienced multiple losses and delivered his famous "hard times" promo before securing the most prestigious title in wrestling during the territorial days. According to Mantell, Cody Rhodes must also endure what his father went through, and he has no qualms with WWE seemingly postponing the 37-year-old's eventual world title victory.

The former WWE manager elaborated: "I think we're going to have a detour in there...I think it will go to Cody at some point, but he's got a detour...Now Cody's got to go through those 'hard times' too...if they take their time with Cody, he's over now.

But he'll be super over." Before his Backlash match against Brock Lesnar, Cody Rhodes delivered a compelling babyface promo. After being forced into the Stardust role during his previous WWE stint, Rhodes has come a long way, becoming one of the company's best promo-cutters.

On the final SmackDown episode before Backlash, he discussed his budding rivalry with Lesnar, labeling him a "gatekeeper" and pledging to defeat The Beast Incarnate at the event. Following Arn Anderson's advice, Rhodes provided a poignant explanation for his feud with Lesnar.