Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39: A Fight for Redemption and Respect

Yesterday, WrestleMania 39 marked a significant moment in WWE history with a battle between two of wrestling's most iconic figures: Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. The outcome of this match was far from certain, given the passionate fan support for both sides and the intense rivalry that had been building up over the past year.

Building the Feud

For a long time, it seemed that Cody Rhodes had the upper hand in his rivalry with Roman Reigns. Year after year, WWE discussions and storylines focused on Cody’s journey and growth, while Roman’s stories were overshadowed. This changed when Vince McMahon was arrested, and Roman Reigns took on a more prominent role in WWE management.

Through the Royal Rumble tournament, Cody Rhodes showed that he was a formidable opponent. Initially, he was to challenge Roman for the WWE Championship, but WWE decided to step in and name Roman’s cousin, Seth Rollins, as the recipient. This strategic move only fueled the rivalry as Seth Rollins joined forces with Cody Rhodes to challenge Roman and Vince.

Key Moments Leading Up to WrestleMania 39

The night before WrestleMania, a stipulation was made that if Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes lost their match, there would be a match between Roman and Cody under Bloodline rules at WrestleMania. The conditions under which Cody was facing Roman were clear: no disqualification, and the presence of Roman’s brothers and their enforcers.

The Match at WrestleMania 39

When the bell rang on WrestleMania, both fighters were determined to win. Cody Rhodes entered the ring with the expectations of WWE fans around the world, many of whom believed he could win, despite the odds. The match was intense, with Cody Rhodes executing his signature move three times on Roman, only for Roman to be interrupted by Posu's brothers. The Logans then joined the fray, each taking a turn to beat down Cody Rhodes.

However, just as the match seemed to be headed towards a draw, John Cena entered the ring with a vengeance. Cena went to the aid of Cody Rhodes, delivering an Attitude Adjustment to both Roman Reigns and Posu. Soon after, the crowd cheered when John Cena delivered a Rock Bottom to Vince McMahon, only to have The Undertaker make a surprise entrance and deliver a Choke Slam to McMahon before disappearing. In the chaos, Cody Rhodes managed to deliver his finishing move, three times, winning the match in spectacular fashion.

The Verdict and Its Impact

The victory marked the end of Roman Reigns' four-year reign as champion following a match that went against all expectations. The crowd erupted with joy, and the victory was celebrated with the presence of other WWE stars, including John Cena, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and CM Punk.

Underlying Themes

The match was more than just a fight for a title; it was a testament to the journey of Cody Rhodes, his determination and resilience. It was a moment of validation for the storylines and unwavering support from fans. The match showcased the intense rivalry between Cody and Roman, highlighting the fight for respect and redemption in both their careers.

Conclusion

Cody Rhodes' victory at WrestleMania 39 was not just a fight for the WWE Championship; it was a celebration of hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of fans. While the battle began under challenging circumstances, the unexpected twists and turns made the match one for the ages. The journey to this point has been filled with challenges, but Cody Rhodes' victory was the ultimate reward for everything he had endured.