The controversy involving WWE superstars The Rock and Cody Rhodes stems from an incident that occurred during an episode of WWE’s weekly television program, “SmackDown.” Here’s a breakdown of the event:

1. The Participants:
   • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: A renowned professional wrestler, actor, and former WWE Champion. The Rock is one of the most iconic figures in the history of professional wrestling and has achieved significant success both in the ring and in Hollywood.
   • Cody Rhodes: A professional wrestler who has competed in various promotions, including WWE. Rhodes is the son of wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes and has had notable runs in WWE under various personas.
2. The Incident:
   • The incident occurred during a segment on an episode of “SmackDown” where The Rock was involved in a backstage interaction.
   • Cody Rhodes, who was working for WWE at the time, approached The Rock backstage during the show. Details of the conversation are not entirely clear, but it reportedly involved a dispute or disagreement between the two individuals.
   • During the encounter, The Rock allegedly slapped Cody Rhodes across the face. The exact circumstances leading to the slap and the intensity of the impact are subject to interpretation, but the incident became a point of discussion among wrestling fans and media.
3. Reaction and Fallout:
   • The incident generated significant buzz within the wrestling community, with fans speculating about the nature of the altercation and its implications.
   • Both The Rock and Cody Rhodes did not publicly address the incident in detail, leading to further speculation and rumors.
   • WWE, known for its scripted nature, did not officially acknowledge the incident or incorporate it into any storyline.
   • While the incident may have caused a temporary stir, both The Rock and Cody Rhodes continued their respective careers in the wrestling industry and beyond without any significant long-term repercussions.
4. Legacy:
   • The incident has become a footnote in the careers of both The Rock and Cody Rhodes. While it garnered attention at the time, it did not significantly impact their careers or public perception in the long run.
   • The Rock continued to achieve immense success in Hollywood, becoming one of the highest-paid actors in the industry, while occasionally making appearances in WWE.
   • Cody Rhodes eventually left WWE and pursued opportunities in other wrestling promotions, including Ring of Honor and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he became a prominent figure and executive.

Overall, while the slap controversy between The Rock and Cody Rhodes generated attention within the wrestling world, it did not have a lasting impact on either wrestler’s career trajectory.