After their lengthy back-and-forth during the opening segment of this week's episode of Monday Night Raw, it's clear that the story between WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes and The Rock is not finished.

The Rock announced that he would be going away for a while to handle his acting duties in Hollywood, but he made it clear that he is eyeing Rhodes' title. While speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez (h/t Andrew Ravens of Wrestling News) reported that there is a plan in place for The Rock and Rhodes to face off next year at WrestleMania 41.

"This is going to be a long-term mystery because Rock is leaving, but I thought it was very, very clever what they did because clearly, they're doing Rock and Cody one-on-one," Alvarez said. "I mean, that was made patently obvious in this segment here."

Meltzer replied: "Well, that is certainly the plan right now. Yes. And not for a long time. Next year's WrestleMania."

The Rock wrestled his first full match in over 10 years when he teamed with Roman Reigns to defeat Rhodes and Seth "Freakin" Rollins in the main event of Night 1 of WrestleMania 40 this past Saturday. The Rock's return opens the door for multiple potential marquee matches.

"Hey, you know what if this guy felt good, and he did great that match and he didn't get hurt? I mean, if he thinks he can do two more years, then it should be Rock and Cody next year and Rock and Roman Reigns a year after," Alvarez said. "And that's two gigantic WrestleMania you got based on those matches."

Meltzer noted that it's "not 100 percent" that Rhodes will remain champion for the entire year. However, he figures to be wearing the title by the time WrestleMania 41 rolls around, as WWE likely will not pass up on the opportunity to match him up against The Rock next year.

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