Cody Rhodes stepped onto the red carpet with The Rock at the live‑action *Moana* premiere on July 8, 2026, flashing a grin that hinted at a possible shift in their long‑running WWE storyline.
What happened at the premiere?
The two former rivals were photographed sharing a laugh outside the theater, a moment quickly posted to Rhodes’s Instagram Stories. The clip shows Rhodes leaning in, arms relaxed, while The Rock, still sporting his signature eyebrow raise, nods in approval. Neither wrestler wore any promotional gear, suggesting the encounter was purely personal rather than a scripted promo.
Why does this matter for Cody Rhodes?
Rhodes’s feud with The Rock began in early 2024 after Rhodes won the Royal Rumble and set his sights on a WrestleMania showdown. The rivalry escalated when The Rock adopted his “Final Boss” persona, leading to a tag‑team clash at WrestleMania 40 that ended with Rhodes defeating Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The recent friendly interaction could signal a softening of hostilities, a potential new alliance, or simply a backstage peace offering. Fans have been tracking every social‑media hint, and Rhodes’s willingness to appear amicable may influence future booking decisions.
How does this fit into recent WWE storylines?
Since the Elimination Chamber 2025, Rhodes has oscillated between babyface and heel roles, even rejecting a “soul‑deal” from The Rock that led to John Cena’s shocking heel turn. The latest appearance comes after Rhodes teamed with Seth Rollins at Bad Blood, a match that failed to produce a decisive narrative direction. By showing up together at a mainstream Hollywood event, both superstars are keeping the WWE buzz alive outside the ring, a tactic WWE often uses to blur the line between sport and entertainment.
What could be next for Cody Rhodes?
Analysts speculate that Rhodes may soon re‑enter a storyline that pits him against The Rock once more, perhaps in a high‑stakes tag match at the upcoming SummerSlam. Alternatively, the two could form a temporary truce to challenge a common enemy, echoing past alliances that boosted ratings. Until an official announcement drops, the Moana premiere remains the latest data point indicating that Rhodes’s next move will involve The Rock in some capacity.
How are fans reacting?
Social platforms lit up with mixed reactions. Some fans celebrated the sight of their heroes sharing a laugh, posting memes that juxtaposed the tropical backdrop with classic WWE moments. Others warned that any peace could be a ruse, recalling how quickly alliances have dissolved in the past. The prevailing sentiment is one of cautious optimism: if Rhodes and The Rock can coexist off‑camera, the ring may soon witness a fresh chapter in their saga.
The WWE universe will be watching closely. With both superstars still at the top of the card, any shift—whether a handshake or a heel turn—will ripple through upcoming pay‑per‑view storylines. For now, the Moana premiere offers a rare glimpse of camaraderie that could reshape the narrative landscape for Cody Rhodes.