The WrestleMania 40 Night 2 main event pitting Cody Rhodes against Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship has all the makings of an instant classic.

Rhodes and Reigns' original encounter in last year's main event was outstanding up until the absurdly executed finish. In the 12 months since, WWE has had the chance to build up the rematch as a highly anticipated attraction and has done so exceptionally well.

The recent involvement of Seth Rollins and The Rock has not only added to the excitement but also completely changed the course of the Road to WrestleMania.

Before Reigns and Rhodes collide one-to-one, they'll first face off in tag action on Night 1, teaming with Rock and Rollins, respectively. Depending on the outcome, interference will either be encouraged or eliminated entirely for the next night.

Fans have been buzzing about the possibility of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and John Cena making their presence felt in some form or fashion over WrestleMania weekend. And if they do appear, it would make total sense for them to have a role in the culmination of this chapter of The Bloodline's story.

The Bloodline Winning on Night 1 Sets Up Chaos on Night 2

Ideally, Reigns and Rhodes would have a straightforward singles match in which the latter wins clean to "finish the story," become champ and prove his opponent can't win when it matters most without interference from The Bloodline.

However, that isn't the story that's been told up to this point in the program. Of course, Solo Sikoa cost Rhodes the win at WrestleMania 39 and banning him from ringside would alleviate that problem, but leaning into that uncertainty with Sikoa and everyone else at ringside will only make the match more magical.

That's why Rock and Reigns must emerge victorious on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40.

Doing so would set up complete chaos in the "Bloodline Rules" match for Night 2, allowing interference from the group as well as Rhodes' allies.

Going the route of overbooked nonsense could backfire, but it can be a must-see spectacle if done properly. This is how Austin and Cena could factor into the equation for Night 2, because it's highly unlikely they would show up during the main event otherwise.

Cena's Unfinished Business with The Bloodline

Cena is no stranger to The Bloodline.

He perhaps posed the biggest threat to Reigns' dominant title reign up to SummerSlam 2021 when he unsuccessfully challenged for the gold. That was his first run-in with the faction, and he wouldn't rekindle that rivalry until returning to WWE in the fall of 2023.

Following his tag team win with LA Knight over Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa at Fastlane, Cena went on to lose to the latter in decisive fashion at Crown Jewel. Paul Heyman subsequently boasted about the group's enforcer ending the veteran's career as he hasn't been seen in WWE since.

The 16-time world champion resurfacing was never in question, and when he does, it would be illogical for him to do anything but target The Bloodline, specifically Sikoa.

It's unnecessary for them to run it back one-on-one in Philadelphia at the weekend, but Cena can prevent Sikoa from getting involved in the 'Mania main event for the second straight year.

Cena showed respect to Rhodes two years ago on Raw and would presumably have his back in a heartbeat.

Steve Austin Can Be the Great Equalizer for Babyfaces in Peril

Although he doesn't have the same established issues with The Bloodline as Cena, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin does have a little history of his own with one of the members.

It was 25 years ago that Austin and The Rock collided in their first of three WrestleMania matches. Amazingly, that installment emanated from Philadelphia, as will this weekend's two-night event.

Rock has been an unstoppable force since returning to WWE at the onset of 2024. For the past two weeks, he's unleashed a vicious beating on Rhodes, who could desperately use some backup the caliber of The Texas Rattlesnake.

Austin stepping back in the ring for a match at WrestleMania 38 opened the door for what more he could do going forward. As such, a quick cameo and a possible Stunner to Rock for old time's sake isn't all that unrealistic.

Rhodes has Rollins, Jey Uso and possibly Cena in his corner, but Austin would be the true equalizer, not to mention the raucous reaction he'd receive for his entrance music hitting at the end of the match when an outnumbered challenger appears to be on the verge of losing.

Rhodes Beating Reigns Must Be Carefully Executed

Appearances from Cena and Austin during the Night 2 main event would certainly be satisfying for the average fan, but they need to be carefully executed if Rhodes' crowning moment is going to leave the lasting impression it should.

Above all else, anyone who gets involved should not be directly responsible for the finish. That includes The Rock, who clearly has a 'Mania match on the horizon with Reigns.

Repeating a similar scenario to the conclusion of WrestleMania 27 when Rock cost Cena—or Reigns in this case—the title would be lazy booking. Unlike last year, Reigns vs. Rhodes on Sunday must have a definitive winner.

Cena and/or Austin attacking Reigns and leading immediately into Rhodes pinning him would taint his title win as the audience would be more excited about the icons getting physical than The American Nightmare ending a championship run of almost four years.

The Bloodline can dominate a majority of the match before the babyface calvary evens the playing field, resulting in a hot final stretch where Rhodes cements his superiority over Reigns once and for all.

Graham Mirmina, aka Graham "GSM" Matthews, has specialized in sports and entertainment writing since 2010. Visit his website, WrestleRant, and subscribe to his YouTube channel for more wrestling-related content.