How would you have booked Cody Rhodes Pre-Rumble?

I personally don't get the whole Rhodes vs. Reigns thing other than Reigns holds both world titles and is the only important wrestler in WWE has invested over the past 8 years and now they want to make Rhodes a champion. Is there really a story there with Reigns? Sure there might be something there, but I think it's a huge stretch. I also don't think the match will be very good. Cody works well with most people but Reigns is used to having slow matches with his 5 moves of doom, instead of guys like Rollins, Styles, Edge, who can pull off an amazing match with anyone.

I know Orton is injured, but the Mania match I would book (provided Orton is back in time) is Rhodes vs. Orton. This has to happen, and it writes itself. The history with Legacy, Orton's loyalty and longevity with WWE while Rhodes left and paved his out path and rival company, only to come back and still have to prove himself. I think Orton vs. Rhodes would be a (legend) killer match. The teacher vs. student and multi-generational talent dimensions would create such a good program. I hope they can do a program like this once Orton returns. There's a lot of the roster Rhodes can work with, especially with Zayn's push now, and I'm disappointed that they wasted so much time with Rollins at the start.

Anyway, that's what I'd look forward to from Rhodes, but how would you book him if you were in creative?