Storybook ending as Rhodes becomes WWE champion
Call it a storybook ending.
And call it one of the greatest Wrestlemanias of all time.
On Sunday night, in front of 72,755 screaming Philadelphia fans at Lincoln Financial Field, Cody Rhodes wrapped a more than two-year storyline and lifelong journey by winning the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in one of the most memorable matches in wrestling history.
Rhodes, who returned to WWE in 2022 in pursuit of “finishing the story,” and capturing the WWE title, a championship his legendary father “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes held and helped make famous, completed an emotional, incredible, at times unbelievable comeback story for the ages.
On Sunday on Night 2 of Wrestlemania 40, the only thing that stood between Rhodes and completing that journey was Roman Reigns, a man who’d held that championship for 1,316 days, restoring the title to glory that it hadn’t possessed in decades, if ever.
After a roughly 30-minute physical and emotional match, wrestled under Bloodline Rules, which meant none, the crowd witnessed a Hollywood ending-type finish. Rhodes, seemingly on the cusp of greatness, was first attacked by Bloodline members Jimmy Uso, who emerged from the crowd, then Solo Sikoa, before The Final Boss, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, got involved. As each member of the Bloodline attacked, Rhodes, too, received help.
First, John Cena returned, rescuing Rhodes. Then, Seth Rollins, dressed in his previous ring attire when he was a member of The Shield with Roman Reigns, and finally The Undertaker all appeared and helped keep the Bloodline from overtaking Rhodes.
In the end, Rhodes recovered and delivered not one, not two, but three Crossroads finishers on Reigns for the win, leaving an exasperated and exhilarating Philadelphia crowd exploding with happiness.
“If I’m being honest, I think I would want to say to him, ‘I hope I lived up to your name. Thank you for that name,’” an emotional Rhodes said following his victory, when asked what he’d say to his late father if given the chance.