Many souls ago, on the February 21, 2025 edition of "WWE SmackDown," "The People's Champ" Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was keen on seeking then Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes' soul. Rhodes sternly declined. Revisiting that segment on his "What Do You Wanna Talk About" podcast, Rhodes, who was joined by The Rock's daughter and former WWE talent Ava (real name Simone Johnson), told the generational star how he thought the storyline would have enhanced more had he given his soul to the former "WWE NXT" general manager, rather than to her father."When the 'Final Boss' asked me for my soul, I thought, you know what would've been funny, is to relent and give my soul, but not to him. This is at a time when you were the 'NXT' general manager...I thought, 'That's got legs. I'll never say a word again," Rhodes joked. "We would've crushed that. People are often like, 'You don't want to be a bad guy.' I'm open to all things. Whatever is the best. I thought that would've been a real good spin."Johnson, who was all ears when "The American Nightmare" recounted his former discreet pitch, did not turn it down. Instead, she offered a tease towards it."I would've loved to have done that," Johnson replied. "Who knows. Maybe, it could still happen. Never say never."Johnson, the first fourth-generation wrestler to have signed with WWE, joined the company in February 2020. Having started as an in-ring talent, Johnson transitioned into a more authoritative role as the voice and on-screen decision maker for "NXT" and WWE EVOLVE. This past January, Johnson announced that she opted out of renewing her WWE contract, thus leaving the company after six years.With his soul still intact, Rhodes is recalibrating his next steps in his very personal feud with Randy Orton. Having one win over Orton at this year's WrestleMania 42, Rhodes fell victim to "The Viper" earlier this month at Sunday Night's Main Event,tying their rivalry with one victory each.If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Cody Rhodes" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
