Cody Rhodes did not finish the story at WrestleMania 39.
Cody Rhodes returned from a torn pectoral muscle at WWE Royal Rumble 2023 and won the Men’s Royal Rumble match to earn a title shot at WWE WrestleMania 39. The victory set the stage for a major main event, where “The American Nightmare” challenged Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Reigns came to the ring with a special entrance, as several pianists played his theme song. “The Tribal Chief” gradually made his way to the ring as the big-fight feel in the arena continued to escalate.
A #WrestleMania introduction fit for the #TribalChief. pic.twitter.com/IDCZTOUBrF
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2023
On his way to the ring, Rhodes went over to his wife, Brandi, and his daughter, Liberty, and took a moment to soak in the moment with them. He also went over to Brodie Lee Jr., who was sitting in the front row. Rhodes gave his weight belt to Lee, the son of the late Brodie Lee (Jon Huber), who passed away in December 2020. Lee was widely cared for and respected, both by members of the WWE and AEW rosters.
A beautiful story. 💜@CodyRhodes has a special #WrestleMania weight belt for Brodie, son of the late, great Jon Huber. pic.twitter.com/Yahq8iJBno
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2023
Reigns was accompanied to the ring by Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa, and The Bloodline’s enforcer played a part in the early stretch of the match. When the referee wasn’t looking, Sikoa hit Rhodes with a chair. Sikoa also hit Rhodes with his weight belt, but the referee subsequently ejected him from ringside.
Rhodes and Reigns continued to battle it out, as they hit each other with a number of their signature moves. “The American Nightmare” got a two count with the Pedigree, and he also locked Reigns in the Figure-Four. Reigns trapped Rhodes in the Guillotine. Rhodes eventually escaped. He kept fighting, and The Usos interfered. They attacked Rhodes, but Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn came down to take them out. Rhodes hit the Cross Rhodes, but Heyman distracted the referee. Sikoa snuck back into the ring and blasted Rhodes with the Samoan Spike. Reigns then pinned Rhodes with a Spear for the win.
Thanks to @WWESoloSikoa, @WWERomanReigns RETAINS against @CodyRhodes at #WrestleMania!@HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/Q1vUPOHokZ
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2023
With the win, Reigns’ reign as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, which stood at 945 days ahead of the show, continued.
ROMAN STILL REIGNS! ☝🏻 #RomanReigns continues his historic #WWE Championship dominance by defeating #CodyRhodes with help from Solo Sikoa at #WrestleMania 39 pic.twitter.com/gnoQseGR2S
— WrestlingRadar.com (@WrestlingRadar) April 3, 2023
(H/T Colin Tessier)
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