Cody Rhodes has at last finished his story by dethroning Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40: Sunday.
In the main event of the show, Rhodes ended the 1,300+ day reign of the Head of the Table in a hard-fought, emotional victory inside Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. The match was contested under Bloodline Rules, a stipulation that was decided in the tag-team match from the previous night.
Cody Wins the Big One
Rhodes entered first and shared the WrestleMania stage with his wife Brandi. An introductory video for the match included Rhodes’ AEW allies The Young Bucks as well as Chris Jericho.
Can #CodyRhodes finish the story TONIGHT at #WrestleMania XL? pic.twitter.com/wVIZyhVyVS
— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024
Despite the stipulation in place, Rhodes entered with only Paul Heyman by his side and had a special entrance with a new theme song.
#RomanReigns has arrived for the main event of #WrestleMania!
ACKNOWLEDGE your Tribal Chief! pic.twitter.com/NGHaeYNwfP
— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024
Rhodes wasted no time in trying to introduce weapons, but Reigns put a table away to the anger of the fans. Reigns would later introduce a kendo stick and lay into the American Nightmare. Reigns would play mind games with his challenger and even hit the Cross Rhodes on the American Nightmare.
THAT'S CODY'S MOVE!#RomanReigns just used the Cross Rhodes at #WrestleMania!!! pic.twitter.com/cmMiHMk0vt
— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024
Not to be outdone, Rhodes would hit Reigns with the Tribal Chief’s Spear. When Cody went for a trio of Cross Rhodes, Jimmy Uso aided his cousin, but was taken out by Jey who speared his brother off of the WrestleMania 40 ramp.
It's BLOODLINE RULES at #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/7a427h3xsI
— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024
When Rhodes attempted the trio of Cross Rhodes again, Solo Sikoa interfered in shades of WrestleMania 39.
DEJA VU at #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/aNkWr38Egh
— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024
Sikoa was dispatched of by the returning John Cena, who faced a ghost from his past in the form of The Rock
THE CHAMP IS HERE!!!
It's payback time at #WrestleMania XL! pic.twitter.com/qWwkHtFp0Q
— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024
ROCK. CENA.
WRESTLEMANIA. pic.twitter.com/3OHIA3wRWS— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024
The Rock was then confronted by Seth Rollins, clad in Shield gear, but the former World Heavyweight Champion was dispatched of.
SIERRA
HOTEL
INDIA
ECHO
LIMA
DELTAWRESTLEMANIA pic.twitter.com/1lFRUqKbFA
— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024
The Rock was dispatched of by The Undertaker in a truly stunning moment.
UNDERTAKER!!!!!!#WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/zUlo3bItZu
— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024
With all of the Bloodline dealt with, Rhodes hit three Cross Rhodes to get the win and at last finish his story.
FINISHED. THE. STORY. ??#CodyRhodes earned that #WrestleMania moment. pic.twitter.com/U5IAnBimgv
— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024
After the match, Rhodes celebrated with the Superstars. Rhodes also cut a promo to the fans and brought out Bruce Prichard and Triple H before celebrating some more as WrestleMania 40 went off the air.
