BY SACNILK

WWE appears to be grappling with the aftermath as hordes of self-proclaimed Cody Rhodes fans flood in to protest the decision to replace him against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. ## Real-time tension reached a boiling point after this Friday's edition of SmackDown, where Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns initially shared a segment. Rhodes dropped a bombshell, announcing his intention to challenge Roman for the title, but not at WrestleMania; instead, he handed the opportunity to The Rock. ## The Rock made a shocking appearance, engaging in a staredown with Roman Reigns for a continuous 3 to 4 minutes, seemingly confirming their showdown at WrestleMania 40. The immediate furor wasn't evident during the show, but post-show, fans ignited the "We Want Cody" trend, intensifying to over 100,000 posts. ## Join the fervor, HERE!. Rhodes's current trajectory has shifted from Roman to Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship. ## It's noteworthy that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Roman Reigns are slated to face off at an open-to-the-public fan and media event – WrestleMania XL Kickoff – live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Thursday, February 8, at 4 p.m. PT. ## #WeWantCody is now trending with over 100,000 posts. pic.twitter.com/gSvGZ03Bi1— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) February 4, 2024 ## #wewantcody is the number 1 trend. 😀 I think someone fucked up Friday night. pic.twitter.com/rXvMomP31s— CTriplette (@manofthetown) February 3, 2024 ## A legally blind person only came at wwe house show to see @CodyRhodes 😳 #WeWantCody pic.twitter.com/LO56wtXG9B— 𝔻𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕞 (@TeamCody__) February 4, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

The entire WWE Universe, including the current WWE United States Champion, is rallying to express their support for the prevailing social media trend, "We Want Cody."## Taking to Twitter, the champion posted the following message: "We want Cody."## The hashtag has claimed the top spot in the United States since the announcement that The Rock would be replacing Cody Rhodes in the match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. The discontent was palpable during the segment that aired live this past Friday on SmackDown.## Following the show, WWE shared the complete segment between Roman Reigns and The Rock, which has now garnered over 400,000 dislikes in less than 20 hours, solidifying its status as the most disliked WWE YouTube video of all time.## Prominent websites like USA Today, the fastest-growing of the ten largest news websites in the United States as of December 2023, are covering the widespread dissatisfaction among numerous fans regarding The Rock vs. Roman Reigns.## While the match has not been officially confirmed at this time, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Roman Reigns are scheduled to face off at an open-to-the-public fan and media event – WrestleMania XL Kickoff – live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Thursday, February 8, at 4 p.m. PT.## The current plan is for Cody Rhodes to challenge Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. ## We want Cody.— Logan Paul (@LoganPaul) February 4, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

The Rock has become the subject of fury due to the recent major change in the WWE WrestleMania main event, which now sees The Rock replacing Cody Rhodes against Roman Reigns.## Nothing positive has followed his recent appearance on SmackDown. The hue of negativity was first seen in a recent tweet from The Rock post-SmackDown, where he supported a UFC fighter, and the tweet has been flooded with brutal comments.## The Rock actively lobbied for the match and sees it as a WrestleMania savior. Particularly, this was something that fans wanted for sure, but they wanted The Rock to replace Cody at WrestleMania.## More negativity was seen during tonight’s WWE live event, where WWE screened the segment between Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and The Rock. This seemed fine until The Rock arrived. The crowd in the arena started booing The Rock.## Watch the video below: ## The crowd at tonight’s WWE live event booing The Rock: https://t.co/o7IvhQFuJW— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) February 4, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, wrestling royalty and Hollywood titan, ignited a firestorm of controversy with his recent SmackDown appearance. While securing the coveted WrestleMania 40 main event against Roman Reigns, he also drew a barrage of online criticism. ## The episode's climax saw The Rock, brought out by Cody Rhodes, seemingly steal the latter's WrestleMania title shot, causing fan ire. Many expressed disappointment that WWE's top hero, Cody, was sidelined for a part-time legend. This, despite WWE likely having strategic reasons for the Rock-Reigns clash.## Adding fuel to the fire, The Rock's post-SmackDown tweet, supporting a UFC fighter, drew a brutal backlash. Fans, unimpressed by the apparent self-promotion, even urged him to retire. Notably, the tweet was edited in response to the negativity.## Furthermore, reports suggest The Rock actively lobbied for the match and sees it as a WrestleMania savior. However, how this unfolds with fans remains to as clear as a Rock Bottom. Only time will tell if the "Great One" delivers a crowd-pleaser or another People's Elbow of disappointment.## Nah, you can’t hide the negativity you’re receiving. Do the right thing, we already know you bought him a house. What did you do for Cody? You took his spot that he earned.— Dom (@Underrated_Dom) February 3, 2024 ## Edited the tweet???TAKE THIS RATIO AGAIN pic.twitter.com/0GWiwaZoQN— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) February 3, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

The ever-intriguing Mercedes Mone, wrestling's current lightning rod, continues to draw eyes as she heals from an ankle injury and gears up for a comeback. ## Mercedes was spotted training with none other than WWE's reigning Women's Champion, IYO Sky, at the Flatback Wrestling School. Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks, carved a memorable path in WWE before her well-publicized departure in May 2022. ## After a brief, impactful run in Japan's NJPW, she was sidelined by an ankle injury in May 2023. With top wrestling promotions like AEW reportedly vying for her signature, fans have eagerly awaited her next move. ## However, this training session with Sky throws a wrench into the speculation. Could it be a genuine collaboration, or a strategic maneuver towards a surprise WWE return? The wrestling world watches with bated breath, waiting to see if Mone will land in AEW's ring or if WWE can entice "The Blueprint" back into their fold. The intrigue remains thick, and only time will tell where the next chapter unfolds for this captivating wrestling figure. ## Mercedes Moné training w/IYO SKY in new IG story: pic.twitter.com/6xeyYfNjxh— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) February 3, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

The February 2nd episode of WWE SmackDown drew in 2.314 million viewers, according to preliminary numbers from Programming Insider. ## While this marks a slight downturn from the previous week's 2.329 million, it maintains a consistent viewership range. Notably, the January 26th episode set a record high with 2.475 million viewers.## On the positive side, demographics indicate some growth. SmackDown scored a 0.66 rating in the 18-49 age group, which is an uptick from the previous week's 0.64. This key demographic is often closely watched by advertisers and industry insiders.## It's worth noting that these are preliminary numbers. We will be updating their report with final viewership figures soon. So, for a more complete picture, stay tuned for further updates.## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

A wave of chaos has swept through the WWE following the decision to replace Cody Rhodes with The Rock as Roman Reigns' opponent at WrestleMania. Fans are expressing their disappointment in large numbers, vehemently criticizing the creative choice. ## While the match has not been officially confirmed yet, an announcement for The Rock vs. Roman Reigns during WrestleMania weekend is anticipated to be made this Thursday in Las Vegas at the Philly event.## According to a PWInsider report, Brian Gewirtz will play a pivotal role as the voice representing The Rock in WWE's creative process moving forward. There is speculation that Gewirtz may be physically present for major shows, potentially serving as a contingency or "Plan B" if Endeavor ever needs to shift WWE's direction and align with a creative team backed by Dwayne Johnson down the line.## The addition of Brian Gewirtz to the WWE creative process for The Rock adds an intriguing dynamic. There are suggestions of his potential physical presence at significant events, raising the possibility of him being a backup plan for Endeavor. The ever-changing landscape of WWE's creative direction continues to captivate our interest. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

WWE's marketing message on the Wrestlemania press event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday. ## Hosted by Monday Night Raw commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee, the event will feature a star-studded lineup as The Rock and Roman Reigns, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Seth "Freakin" Rollins, Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley will be at the event. ## This non-ticketed event, delivered by Pizza Hut, is free for all to attend. Fans catch all the live action from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Thursday, February 8 at 4 p.m. PT. ## Check out the full annoucment below; ## STAMFORD, Conn., February 3, 2024 – WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), today announced that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Roman Reigns will face off at an open-to-the-public fan and media event – WrestleMania XL Kickoff – live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Thursday, February 8 at 4 p.m. PT.## Doors open at 2:30 p.m. PT.This non-ticketed event, delivered by Pizza Hut, is free for all to attend.## Fans and media will hear from both The Rock and Roman Reigns, as well as WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque. Onsite interview opportunities for media will immediately follow the event with both participants, Cody Rhodes, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley.## Building on the anticipation for the already-record-breaking WrestleMania XL, Thursday’s event will be hosted by Monday Night Raw commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee, and stream live on WWE social and digital channels as well as Peacock.## VIP experiences for WrestleMania XL Kickoff through exclusive partner On Location are available for purchase at https://onlocationexp.com/wrestlemaniaxlkickoff. ## WrestleMania XL takes place across two nights on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 at 7 p.m. ET live from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and stream live on Peacock in the U.S. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Following Smackdown's conclusion, it appears Cody Rhodes won't "finish his story" at WrestleMania 40. Multiple WWE sources confirm the decision to pit The Rock against Roman Reigns was pushed by The Rock, backed by TKO Group Holding executives.## While WWE built towards a Rhodes-Reigns rematch, some sources believe Johnson intervened to "save WrestleMania" after CM Punk and Brock Lesnar were sidelined. Others posit Rock pushed regardless, given his $30 million stock payday partly contingent on hitting milestones, likely including a match this year. He believes Reigns vs. Rock is a bigger attraction.## Therefore, regardless of injuries, Rhodes-Reigns might not have happened. With Rock back, key management acquiesced to his ideas.## Leveraging his board position, Hollywood fame, and executive endorsements, Johnson secured the main event, aiming for broader appeal and positive company momentum. One source likened it to his DC film franchise attempts, initially portraying Black Adam, but eventually pushing for his own movie and facing Superman, even bypassing executives. Though he didn't gain complete control, WWE won't easily dismiss his ideas.## PWInsider.com assures this wasn't malicious towards Rhodes, but based on maximizing profits and respecting Johnson's new position. This strategic move empowers Johnson and shows Endeavor's faith in him, even over Paul Levesque's creative leadership. Gewirtz, Johnson's former associate, will represent him in WWE Creative.## Some wonder if Johnson was always planned but committed late, leaving Punk's potential WrestleMania position uncertain. Whether his injury prevented him from learning his fate is unknown.## Rhodes is currently slated to face Seth Rollins, frustrating readers as he's been pushing to "finish his story" all year, culminating in a Royal Rumble win. Even the WWE 2K24 cover, featuring Rhodes, revolves around fans "finishing" their stories. For his character, to have that moment in reach and not choose Reigns seems illogical. Beating Rollins doesn't complete his story, especially since he openly stated needing to win the title held by his father, carried by Heyman for Reigns.## While no one denies external forces altered the scenario, this reflects the new WWE, where old rules don't apply, and Endeavor prioritizes maximizing business, even if unpopular with loyal fans.## Interestingly, some discussed Rhodes winning the World Heavyweight Championship and then challenging the winner of Roman vs. Rock for a title unification at Summerslam, allowing him to "finally" finish the story.## But given the young audience's enthusiasm for Rhodes, not fulfilling their desired Rhodes-Reigns showdown, a story expertly built for a year, is a risky creative decision that might alienate fans. While recent complaints focused on other issues, this storyline shift has drastically changed perspectives.## In 2014, facing a similar situation with CM Punk's departure, WWE embraced the audience's desire for Daniel Bryan, leading to memorable WrestleMania 30 moments. This year, however, they've done the opposite, removing the desired hero and moment from the fans. Whether they attempt to rectify this situation by bringing Rhodes back into the mix with Rock and Reigns, or continue on the current path, remains to be seen. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Here is the full Match Card for this week's Friday Night edition which is scheduled to air on March 29, 2024, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. ## Friday Night SmackDown currently airs live every Friday on Fox from 8:00 ET–10:00 PM ET in the United States. WWE SmackDown starts live at 1 am in the UK on BT Sport 1 on Saturday mornings. ## WWE SmackDown Time In Australia: It airs live on at 10 am (AEST) on Fox8 ## WWE SmackDown Time In Canada: It airs live every Friday at 8 Am on Sportsnet 360 ## WWE SmackDown Time In South Africa: The show also airs live on Supersport in South Africa on Saturday at 02:00 am CAT ## SmackDown Time In Italy: In Italy, SmackDown airs on DMAX at 2:00 pm with the international version of one-hour shows airing on Cielo in Italian ## WWE SmackDown Time In India: SmackDown airs live on Sony Ten 1 HD and Sony Ten 1 in India at 5:30 am ## Tickets Are Available Here!## Confirmed Match Card ## Jade Cargill is set to make her first appearance as a SmackDown Superstar ## Jade Cargill is set to make her debut on the blue brand. Cargill, already a trending topic and a guaranteed highlight, will finally grace the SmackDown stage. She left a lasting impression on the WWE Universe with her performance in the 2024 Royal Rumble, eliminating seasoned veterans like Nia Jax and Becky Lynch. ## Now, Cargill prepares to claim her rightful place on SmackDown. ## The Street Profits vs. A-Town Down Under in the Six-Pack Ladder Match at WrestleMania ## This Friday on SmackDown The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) collide with the arrogant duo of Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. The stakes are sky high, as the winner will secure a spot in the chaotic Six-Pack Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania. ## WINNER PREDICTION: The Street Profits ## Bianca Belair vs Dakota Kai ## Bianca Belair looks to even the score this Friday night on SmackDown after Dakota Kai and Damage CTRL left her reeling with a beatdown. ## WINNER PREDICTION: Bianca Belair ## The New Catch Republic vs. Legado del Fantasma in the Six-Pack Ladder Title Match at WrestleMania## Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate battle Angel & Humberto in a SmackDown Tag Team Match for a WrestleMania Title Shot. ## WINNER PREDICTION: Legado del Fantasma ## Kevin Owens and Randy Orton vs Pretty Deadly ## Randy Orton and Kevin Owens join forces against Elton Prince & Kit Wilson on SmackDown! ## WINNER PREDICTION: Kevin Owens and Randy Orton ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Here is the full Match Card for this week's Monday Night Raw which is scheduled to air on March 25, 2024, at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL. ## Monday Night Raw currently airs live on Monday evenings on the USA Network from 8:00 ET–11:00 PM ET in the United States. WWE Raw starts live at 1 am in the UK on BT Sport 1 on Tuesday mornings. ## WWE Raw Time In Australia: It airs live on Tuesdays at 10 am (AEST) on Fox8 ## WWE Raw Time In Canada: It airs live every Monday at 8 Am on Sportsnet 360 ## WWE Raw Time In South Africa: The show also airs live on Supersport in South Africa on Tuesdays at 02:00 am CAT ## Raw Time In Italy: In Italy, Raw airs live on Dplay 2:00 pm ## WWE Raw Time In India: Raw airs live on Sony Ten 1 HD and Sony Ten 1 in India at 6:30 am ## Tickets Are Available Here## Confirmed Match Card ## CM Punk To Appear ## M Punk will be back on WWE Raw.## WWE announced that CM Punk will be part of WWE Raw on March 25 in Chicago. ## This appearance will mark Punk's first since he announced missing WrestleMania XL due to an injury sustained during the Royal Rumble Match. ## Ricochet looks to get payback on JD McDonagh ## The rivalry between Ricochet and The Judgment Day (JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio) continues to heat up on Raw. It all began with an Gauntlet Match on the March 11th episode. ## Ricochet strategically won the coin toss, forcing McDonagh to be the first competitor eliminated. This victory didn't sit well with The Judgment Day, who made their displeasure known to "The Human Highlight Reel." ## The following week, Ricochet defeated Dominik Mysterio in a singles match. Unfortunately, the win came at a cost. After the bell, McDonagh and Mysterio launched a surprise 2-on-1 attack, leaving Ricochet fuming. Driven by a thirst for payback, Ricochet is set to face McDonagh in a much-anticipated singles match on the upcoming March 25th episode of Raw. ## WINNER PREDICTION: Ricochet ## Ivy Nile takes on the new-look Candice LeRae## Ivy Nile is all set to take on the new-look Candice LeRae. ## WINNER PREDICTION: Candice LeRae ## Singles Match: Andrade vs. Ivar ## Andrade's return to the ring may face a tough challenge from Ivar. The Judgment Day, with Dominik Mysterio at the helm, is keeping a close eye on this match, with the intention of possibly recruiting Andrade into their faction. ## WINNER PREDICTION: Andrade ## Singles Match: Sami Zayn vs. Bronson Reed ## Fresh off his Gauntlet Match victory that earned him a coveted Intercontinental Championship challenge against Gunther at WrestleMania, Sami Zayn will have to overcome another obstacle first. He's set to go toe-to-toe with the imposing "Big" Bronson Reed in what promises to be a hard-hitting encounter. ## WINNER PREDICTION: Sami Zayn ## Singles Match: Jey Uso vs. Shinsuke Nakamura ## With his hard-fought WrestleMania match against his own brother Jimmy looming, Jey Uso will need to stay focused and avoid any setbacks. ## WINNER PREDICTION: Jey Uso ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Here is the full Match Card for this week's Friday Night edition which is scheduled to air on March 22, 2024, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI. ## Friday Night SmackDown currently airs live every Friday on Fox from 8:00 ET–10:00 PM ET in the United States. WWE SmackDown starts live at 1 am in the UK on BT Sport 1 on Saturday mornings. ## WWE SmackDown Time In Australia: It airs live on at 10 am (AEST) on Fox8 ## WWE SmackDown Time In Canada: It airs live every Friday at 8 Am on Sportsnet 360 ## WWE SmackDown Time In South Africa: The show also airs live on Supersport in South Africa on Saturday at 02:00 am CAT ## SmackDown Time In Italy: In Italy, SmackDown airs on DMAX at 2:00 pm with the international version of one-hour shows airing on Cielo in Italian ## WWE SmackDown Time In India: SmackDown airs live on Sony Ten 1 HD and Sony Ten 1 in India at 5:30 am ## Tickets Are Available Here!## Confirmed Match Card ## Singles Match: Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar ## The fire still burns bright in Rey Mysterio's eyes. After a brutal attack at the hands of Santos Escobar left him sidelined for over five months, The Master of the 619 is back with a singular purpose: vengeance.## It should be noted that the LWO (Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde) and Legado del Fantasma (Angel & Humberto) will be barred from ringside. ## Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes to go head-to-head ## Next week on SmackDown, just two weeks shy of WrestleMania 40, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and his upcoming challenger, Cody Rhodes, will meet face-to-face inside the ring. ## The O.C. battle Grayson Waller and Austin Theory for chance at Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles ## The race to WrestleMania heats up on SmackDown next week as two teams clash for a coveted spot in the Six-Pack Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles. ## Seasoned veterans Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson of The O.C. will lock horns with the brash young duo of Grayson Waller and Austin Theory. Both teams are hungry for a shot at tag team glory at The Grandest Stage of Them All. ## The Street Profits vs. AOP for chance at Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles## The road to WrestleMania gets rough next week on SmackDown as The Street Profits collide with the imposing Authors of Pain (AOP) - Akam and Rezar - in a crucial Six-Pack Ladder Match tournament bout. ## Predicted Match Card ## * Coming Soon! ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...