WWE neglected to censor Cody Rhodes’ invective against Roman Reigns – as he branded any future match between the latter and The Rock a ‘w**k fest’.

Rhodes will challenge incumbent Universal Champion Reigns for his title on Sunday, April 7 at WrestleMania 40.

At one point Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson had been slated to headline WrestleMania 40 against Reigns but Rhodes – the 2024 Royal Rumble winner – will challenge him instead.

That led to Rhodes mocking Reigns and degrading the would-be match between the latter and the Rock as a ‘w**k fest’.

He said: ‘I have filled this ring up with positive platitudes about Roman Reigns. Clearly I respect the Tribal Chief.

Cody Rhodes called Cody Rhodes and The Rock’s desired future match-up a ‘w**k fest’ and WWE failed to censor it

Roman Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Rhodes at WrestleMania 40

‘But make no mistake about it, I am aware that Roman Reigns is the man who screwed me out of the biggest dream I ever had in my life at last year’s WrestleMania.

‘So although I respect you Roman Reigns, please understand… I hate your guts. And it’s totally fine with me if you hate me too. I mean, it’s my fault that you and your cousin can’t have this w**k fest at Wrestlemania that you wanted to have.’

Last year, Rhodes lost to Reigns at WrestleMania 39 and he has been simmering since, eager to have another shot at his dream crown.

They will actually be on opposite sides in a tag team match on Saturday, April 6 as well.

Rhodes will team up with Seth Rollins to take on Reigns and The Rock.

If Rhodes and Rollins emerge as victors, then Bloodline faction members – including The Rock – will be banned from supporting Reigns from ringside in the Universal Championship match.

The Rock will also team up with Reigns as they face Rhodes and Seth Rollins in a tag team match

If Reigns and The Rock win, then it will be a ‘Bloodline Rules’ contest, meaning anything goes ringside. A guest referee from The Bloodline could even officiate, giving Reigns a huge advantage.

For his comments, Rhodes was punished by The Rock on Monday night, getting smashed into his own bus and being left covered in blood.