Bully Ray pointed out that WWE not acknowledging Bob Backlund’s lengthy world title reign isn’t good news for Cody Rhodes if he were to face Roman Reigns at next year’s WrestleMania.

“This does not bode well for Cody at [WrestleMania] 40,” Bully warned. “Why would they get rid of Backlund’s name? It’s been there since day 1!” 

A producer on the show went on to point out that WWE commentator Corey Graves mentioned Antonio Inoki’s win over Backlund when WWE announced the NJPW founder’s death last year. 

Earlier this year, it was reported that a rematch between WrestleMania 39 opponents Rhodes and Reigns was the long-term plan, but it is not certain where or when the match could take place, with WrestleMania 40 a possibility but not definitive. Reigns has been WWE Universal Champion since August 2020, with his reign crossing 1100 days. “The Tribal Chief,” who is now a part-time performer in the company, has defended his title just five times this year, one of which was against Rhodes at WrestleMania 39.