In what possibly are the most coincidental outcomes in a weekend, for anyone who follows pro wrestling and football, we witnessed parallel stories unfold, just a week ago.

Last year, Cody Rhodes entered 2023 with all the momentum in the world on his Road to Wrestlemania. Following a successful stint in AEW, Rhodes made a triumphant return to WWE in 2022 at Wrestlemania 38 to defeat Seth Rollins. There was a feeling that Rhodes was closing in on a world title victory in the near future. Rhodes started knocking on the door to that WrestleMania main event and title opportunity after winning the 2023 Royal Rumble match. Come Wrestlemania 39, Rhodes went the distance against the Undisputed WWE Champion Roman Reigns. Rhodes fell short after a long-fought battle. So questions still lingered, ‘Will Cody Rhodes ever reach the top? Can Cody Rhodes win the Undisputed WWE Championship?’ etc. As the 2024 Royal Rumble winner, the opportunity is there once again. He either challenges Seth Rollins for his WWE World Heavyweight Championship or takes another crack at Roman Reigns’ gold. It might just happen if Rhodes can use last year’s shortcoming as motivation. The Rock’s involvement adds more to Rhodes’ story, but not in a good heartwarming way. It’s clear as daylight, that The Rock is raining on Rhodes’ parade, pundits and fans agree.

In another world of sports, Mr. Irrelevant and the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, quarterback Brock Purdy, was on the verge of taking the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl last year. San Francisco’s 2022 season looked like it was over after season-ending injuries to 1st and 2nd string quarterbacks Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. Brock Purdy was left to take the reins and save the 49ers’ season. In a shocking turn of events, Purdy displayed dominant performances that punched the team’s ticket into the playoffs and eventually the NFC Championship Game. It looked like Purdy was ‘The Guy’ to take the 49ers to the Super Bowl and possibly win it all. The Philadelphia Eagles put an end to all optimism as Purdy got injured during the game. The Eagles would go on to blow out the 49ers for a trip to Super Bowl 57, which they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Moving on to the 2023 Season, Purdy started off with a bang, with convincing wins week in and week out. They earned their spot in the NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions. Just as it seemed like the 49ers were about to kiss their Super Bowl dreams goodbye, Purdy retaliated with a convincing 34-31 win. They originally were trailing 7-24.

So, a chance at immortality for these athletes slipped from their hands once already. If Rhodes goes as far as challenging Seth Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and wins it, the story will still not be complete. He aimed for the Undisputed WWE Championship. That is where the story has to end. Anything other than Reigns’ gold is nothing but 2nd place, or simply a participation trophy. As for Brock Purdy, his story won’t end unless he and the 49ers dethrone Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. And it’s not just about winning. Purdy needs to pull off a performance of a lifetime to silence critics and establish himself as one of the best quarterbacks the league will ever see. Purdy has to be the star of the show.

Whether or not Rhodes and Purdy finish their respective stories, well, that’s up in the air. They have everything they need to make it happen. The tools, talent, and support. Only time will tell.