Following WrestleMania on Sunday, I was enthusiastic about writing a big ol' fan post regarding the outcome of that night's main event to say, "I told you so."

But then the feedback from the show became a torrential downpour of anger and negativity. And it reminded me of a scene from The Dark Knight.

Bruce Wayne: Well today I found out what Batman can't do. He can't endure this. Today you get to say, "I told you so."

Alfred Pennyworth: Today, I don't want to.

With reports claiming that Vince McMahon was back in charge of creative at Raw following the announcement that the parent company of the UFC, Endeavor, had acquired WWE, morale is down across the board. And the beating Cody Rhodes took at the hands of Brock Lesnar certainly didn't help to ease fans' tensions.

Brock Lesnar brought the pain to Cody Rhodes to end #RawAfterMania pic.twitter.com/GJc6dvho1A

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) April 4, 2023

Because I have a different rooting interest than the majority lashing out on social media and forums such as Cageside Seats, I had no issue with the outcome or execution of Sunday's championship encounter between Rhodes and Roman Reigns.

Still, WrestleMania didn't provide the cathartic conclusion most hoped for, with Raw adding salt to the wounds. And despite my criticisms and assessments of Cody Rhodes, I find it odd that I'm most optimistic about his chances of making a comeback, though it depends on some factors.

First, a wrestling promotion can overcome a disappointing moment with a good follow-up. I believe that's what WWE tried to do when they scripted Brock Lesnar to betray Rhodes at the end of Raw. It was unexpected, something no one had on their bingo cards. Now, the question is why, which WWE is banking on fans to tune in next week to find out.

It's also a good sign for Rhodes because, contrary to my belief, perhaps WWE does see Rhodes as The Guy since they're pitting him against Lesnar, a man many could make a valid argument for as the all-time great.

Bray Wyatt didn't get that spot, and neither did GUNTHER. It's going to Rhodes, the recipient of several other enviable opportunities.

Outside of his unexpected injury last summer, Rhodes has had the red carpet to the top laid out for him. He scored three consecutive premium live event victories over Seth Rollins. After returning from injury, Rhodes was the final entrant in the Royal Rumble before winning the event. And days before his big title match, he ended the undefeated streak of Solo Sikoa on television. It was all sunshine and rainbows.

But as Roman Reigns pointed out in one of their promo battles ahead of 'Mania, Rhodes has shown that when times get hard, he runs away. And that became the story. It's a reason to root for Rhodes as he tries to do something he hasn't shown he can do, stay and fight. And the first obstacle in his way after a crushing defeat is Brock Lesnar, the ultimate end-boss character there's ever been.

As the saying goes, art imitates life. On-screen and behind the scenes, Rhodes must lift himself off the mat and prove that he's still committed to being the face of WWE. He cannot afford to adopt his brother's read on the matter.

— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) April 4, 2023

Instead, Cody must put his head down and plow forward with more fire than before.

And it's up to you, the fans, to help him.

It's easy to lose faith after what seems like a terrible creative decision. But that didn't deter diehard Daniel Bryan supporters from feverishly rooting for their hero.

After losing the world title at WrestleMania XXVIII in under twenty seconds, the public never left Bryan's side. For over two years, raucous crowds kept chanting his name and screaming his affirmative catchphrase. This forced WWE to succumb to their demands by adding Bryan to the main event of WrestleMania XXX, where he once again became the champion.

Still, if you need more proof, allow me to present a historical reference to help put Cody's loss into perspective.*

Weeks before challenging Ric Flair for the world title at Starrcade '85, Cody's father, Dusty Rhodes, cut a famous promo today known as Hard Times. It was a stirring call for fans, asking them to gather together and support Rhodes' bid for the title. Dusty would win the match by disqualification but failed to win the title.

Despite the disappointing finish, fans remained loyal to the American Dream, who went on to win the gold from Flair eight months later. Dusty's victory was just as sweet despite the delay, and the same will be true of Cody if you trust the process and rally behind him as the events of this week intended for you to do.

Therefore, let WWE hear it. Sing his song, chant his name, buy his merch. Let WWE know that Rhodes is The Guy because he's YOUR guy. Like Batman, you must endure.

So dust yourself off and catch your breath. But most of all (and forgive me for saying this tired mantra), let it play out. WWE likes to say that the story never ends. Let's see if that's true for Cody Rhodes.

In the meantime, remember: I did bloody tell you.

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(* = This post has been updated from its original print to include historical reference.)