The controversy surrounding Cody Rhodes reclaiming the Undisputed WWE Championship from Drew McIntyre isn’t just about the match itself anymore. Now the conversation is shifting toward how the situation has been covered across wrestling media.
Speaking on The Dirty Sheets podcast, Billi Bhatti argued that the reaction from fans online has been far more negative than many outlets have acknowledged. According to Bhatti, several major wrestling media platforms have largely avoided discussing the backlash surrounding Rhodes’ title win.
Bhatti suggested that one reason for the lack of coverage may come down to the relationships Rhodes has developed with influential figures in wrestling journalism over the years.
“Cody Rhodes is friends with the main faces in the wrestling media who control the narrative.”
Bhatti claimed those connections could influence how certain stories are presented or ignored. He argued that some outlets may be more comfortable publishing stories that reflect positively on Rhodes while avoiding reports that highlight negative fan reactions.
Bhatti pointed to the way previous fan movements have been widely covered by wrestling media as a comparison. In particular, he referenced the viral “We Want Cody” movement from earlier in Rhodes’ WWE return, which received significant attention across the industry. According to Bhatti, the current situation involving fans rallying behind Drew McIntyre has not received the same level of coverage.
“You had media who were very happy and very willing to push ‘We Want Cody,’ but are sitting there silently and saying absolutely nothing about the whole ‘We Want Drew’ stuff.”
Bhatti argued that this imbalance has helped shape the narrative surrounding the title change, making the backlash appear smaller than it actually is. In his view, the combination of WWE messaging and selective coverage from media outlets has influenced how the story is being discussed within the wrestling community.
The debate surrounding Rhodes’ championship victory continues to dominate conversation among fans as WWE moves closer to WrestleMania. While some viewers support Rhodes reclaiming the title, others believe McIntyre’s run should have continued longer. As more voices weigh in on the situation, the discussion about fan reactions and media coverage appears far from finished.
Do you think wrestling media is giving fair coverage to the backlash surrounding Cody Rhodes’ title win, or do you believe the criticism is being downplayed? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.
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