Nick Khan Reveals Original WrestleMania XL Plan

Midnight still hung in the air when Cody Rhodes reached the top rung of WWE’s ladder – something almost nobody predicted. Out of the shadows now, Nick Khan begins explaining what really happened before anyone saw a thing.
In a recent interview with Sports Business Journal, Khan confirmed that the outcome of WrestleMania XL was never in doubt internally, directly dismissing widespread online speculation that the original plan had changed.

Khan Shuts Down Cody Rhodes Rumors

“The plan was always how it ended up in Philly two years ago,” Khan stated firmly. “Sometimes, it’s a predetermined outcome in wrestling. You want to throw things off, let things bake, and then, boom, it ends up the way we wanted it to. It never changed. That was just online rumors and gossip that it changed. It never changed.”

Cody Rhodes Ends Roman Reigns’ Historic Reign

Midnight brought a shock when Cody Rhodes took down Roman Reigns – no warnings, change. He stood there, breath heavy, eyes wide, right where nobody saw coming. Reigns had owned the ring for years, silent dominance filling every corner of the arena. When the final move landed, silence cracked open like thin ice under weight. A rush surged through people in the seats, quiet at first, then impossible to hold back.

Triple H Backed Cody Rhodes From the Start

That year, 2022, marked his return – WWE welcomed him with lights blazing, yet fans knew within minutes something had shifted. Earlier days, though unseen by many, were watched closely by Triple H – who followed every bruising bout across underground events and AEW clashes. Not just talk, but bone-deep grit showed whenever he fought through injury, moving hard despite damage. Pain didn’t slow him; instead, it seemed to lock him further into place, as if determination erased limits.

The Rock’s Return Added to WrestleMania XL Drama

That weekend at WrestleMania XL, Dwayne Johnson made an appearance. Khan mentioned it wasn’t simple to bring him back – convincing him required effort. Since then, he has joined the board of directors. A bout took place between them during those events. Half a century, more or less. Step backward by twenty-four months, round down. He kept himself sharp, no question. Each job that came his way, he followed through completely – beyond even- and hit the mark without fail. Few believe Rhodes will slow down soon – his drive remains sharp; many think he has years ahead at peak level.