WWE Fumbling Cody Rhodes WrestleMania Build, Huge Bron Breakker Push, More Raw Takes

The world is talking about Cody Rhodes, and the February 5 edition of WWE Raw was no exception. He was at the center of Monday night.

The American Nightmare opened the show to confront Seth Rollins, still showing uncertainty about his WrestleMania 40 decision to hand over his shot at Roman Reigns to The Rock.

Later in the night, Rhodes put away one of his rivals again by defeating Shinsuke Nakamura in a bull rope match.

Becky Lynch set her course for 'Mania by qualifying for the women's Elimination Chamber match in a memorable and competitive battle with Shayna Baszler.

Respective Raw and SmackDown general managers Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis continued to feud over signing top talent. The former could not convince Bron Breakker to join the red brand, but the hype is building for his main roster debut.

Maxxine Dupri and Akira Tozawa teamed up in a mixed tag team bout but lost to Valhalla and Ivar.

It was a night of important moments on the Road to WrestleMania, though the future is looking decidedly uncertain for WWE.

Work or Shoot, WWE is Still Making Wrong Choices with Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes has been the talk of the professional wrestling world since he won the men's Royal Rumble for the second successive time. That discussion only intensified on SmackDown when he gave his expected match with Roman Reigns to The Rock.

WWE has acknowledged the social media reaction that has led to #WeWantCody trending with over 175,000 posts, and the awkward opener indicated that the company may yet pivot back to Rhodes vs. Reigns.

The uncertainty of the immediate future for The American Nightmare is adding unnecessary complications to what could be the best story WWE has told in years on the Road to WrestleMania.

The Rock has also suffered, especially en route to his last major money match. "Rocky sucks" was heard in a WWE arena for the first time in over a decade. Fans have lost any interest in a battle of the Anoa'i family to crown the true Head of the Table.

Rhodes is already the company's top babyface, and he will "finish his story." But it should happen at WrestleMania in Philadelphia on April 7. Any further delay will draw the ire of the WWE Universe.

Not only have fans waited too long to see The American Nightmare at the top, but they have also waited too long to see a WWE program with a universally loved world champion at the head.

Shayna Baszler Delivers Much-Needed Main Event-Level Display vs. Becky Lynch

Shayna Baszler's WWE journey has been a series of ups and downs. The former NXT women's champion arrived with hype, targeting Becky Lynch on the road to WrestleMania 36.

After losing to The Man, though, The Queen of Spades has struggled to reach the top of the card. While her feud with Ronda Rousey last year was supposed to bring her back, a lukewarm reception to their SummerSlam grudge match slowed her momentum.

This made it all the more appropriate that a rematch with Lynch was the first great contest she has had on the main roster. It could be the true start of Baszler's return to the main event.

Lynch won this round, but it was a close call. The Queen of Spades almost cost the Irish fighter her 'Mania dream match against Rhea Ripley.

If The Man does win the women's Elimination Chamber match on Feb. 24 and then dethrone Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 40, WWE should revisit this rivalry at a future premium live event in 2024.

Gunther Feud Is Make-or-Break for Jey Uso's Singles Career

Jey Uso is one of the hottest rising babyface stars in WWE, and his next big challenge is the most dangerous man in the company, Gunther.

The longest-reigning intercontinental champion of all time has faced many popular stars in his 600 days-plus run with the title, and most of them have lost their momentum after falling to The Ring General.

Chad Gable has rarely appeared on television recently, Sheamus is still trying to keep his feud going on Twitter but seems far below Gunther's level, and The Miz has fallen into the tag team division.

While Jey has more momentum than any of the others did before facing Gunther, this feud will still be make-or-break for the veteran tag team wrestler.

Uso may win or lose whenever they battle for the gold, but it is important that he truly stands up to The Ring General. He must look like a main event star throughout.

WWE Must Push Bron Breakker to the Moon

Bron Breakker is an incredible talent who is ready for a major spotlight. While he hasn't formally signed with either Raw or SmackDown, WWE cannot afford to delay his push once he does.

For those who have not followed his NXT career, he is a powerhouse with explosive offense that flies off the screen. He may have the best Spear in the business.

If WWE does not wait until after WrestleMania for his call-up, Breakker must get an immediate push for The Show of Shows.

The 26-year-old could even make his main roster in-ring debut at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia come April 6-7, battling a top name like Gunther, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn or Kevin Owens.

Anything else would be a waste of the former NXT champion.