With the expectation that Rhodes will once again hold that title, a match between him and Rock, in which The Great One takes it upon himself to take the title from the champion, is a marquee match on any WWE premium live event but most definitely WrestleMania.

That set the stage for what was supposed to be a historic match. John Cena, in his final WrestleMania, aiming to break Ric Flair's World Championship record with a 17th reign if he could defeat Cody Rhodes.