Cody Rhodes needs to win the most at WrestleMania Backlash

WWE WrestleMania Backlash will emanate from Providence, Rhode Island this Sunday.

As of writing – six bouts are confirmed for the premium live event – including AJ Styles against Edge, Happy Corbin facing his former protégé Madcap Moss, and Ronda Rousey attempting to take the Smackdown Women’s Championship from Charlotte Flair. The go-home Smackdown on Friday could see more matches added to the card.

The most intriguing match of the night is Seth Rollins vs Cody Rhodes Part II. Will Rollins tie 1-1 with Rhodes and they have a blow-off inside Hell in a Cell next month or will the latter defeat his foe for the second time in 35 days.

Rhodes’ win on his return to WWE – after a six-year absents – was a great moment. It would count for nothing if he loses to “The Visionary” inside Dunkin’ Donuts Center.

Here is why “The American Nightmare” must defeat Rollins in their highly anticipated rematch at WrestleMania Backlash.

Cody Rhodes shocked the wrestling world on night one of WrestleMania 38 when he was the surprise opponent for Seth “Freakin” Rollins. The two superstars tore the house down for 21 minutes – the encounter ended when Rhodes hit his finisher three times on his adversary to secure a famous victory.

The two men shook hands on the Raw after WrestleMania, however, a week later – Rollins challenged Rhodes to a second contest – claiming his loss was a fluke and he would have beaten “The Grandson of a Plumber” if he knew he would be facing him in Dallas. Rollins vowed to best Rhodes this time as he would be well prepared.

WWE has a habit of going 50/50 with their booking – that cannot be the case in this feud. Rhodes is riding a wave of momentum – he is the number one babyface on the red brand – a loss to Rollins could derail him. It would be counterproductive.

To his credit – Vince McMahon has done a great job in re-introducing Rhodes to his audience. From his extravagant pyro to him being the only wrestler allowed to use words on WWE’s banned list like “belt” – Rhodes has come across like a star – putting to bed any fears from the WWE Universe that McMahon would hold a grudge against the Georgia native for requesting his release in 2016.

The former Intercontinental Champion has won all of his matches since coming back to WWE – that needs to be the case after WrestleMania Backlash. Rollins has solidified his spot as one of the all-time greats – another loss won’t hurt him – he is teflon at this stage of his career.

Rhodes needs to remain undefeated for as long as possible – preferably until WWE is ready to pull the trigger on his rivalry with undisputed world champion Roman Reigns. Wins and losses do not matter to McMahon. Only Reigns and Drew McIntyre are protected – Rhodes needs to be in the same category.

Rhodes has to have his hand raised at WrestleMania Backlash – no other result makes sense.