Fresh details have surfaced regarding the highly debated WrestleMania 39 main event finish, where Roman Reigns defeated Cody Rhodes to retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. This outcome drew widespread attention, as Rhodes was reportedly penciled in to become champion in 2023, making the WrestleMania 39 main event finish a key focus among fans and insiders alike.
Roman Reigns Influences Creative Choice Over Cody Rhodes’ Loss
Reports indicate that the plan to postpone Rhodes’ championship victory originated with Roman Reigns, who brought the idea directly to Vince McMahon. Reigns’ argument was that delaying Rhodes’ win would make his eventual championship moment even more impactful, with a larger payoff if WWE built towards it over an additional year.
Paul Levesque’s Vision for a New Generation Faced Resistance
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter disclosed that Paul Levesque—also known as Triple H—initially disagreed with the decision for Reigns to retain the title. Meltzer described Levesque’s preferred outcome as a
“change of eras across the board,”
emphasizing Levesque’s view that Cody Rhodes was the right choice to lead WWE into a new chapter. Levesque aimed for WrestleMania 39 to represent a fresh break from past eras, positioning Rhodes at the forefront of that transformation.
Despite his initial opposition, Levesque ultimately joined in supporting the chosen finish. It remains uncertain whether his alignment was based on genuine consensus or a commitment to internal unity. At the time, Vince McMahon still held the final authority over WWE’s creative direction, despite Levesque’s status as Chief Content Officer.
Vince McMahon’s Authority Determines WrestleMania Outcome
McMahon agreed with Reigns’ proposal and authorized the match conclusion, believing the decision served the long-term interests of WWE. According to Meltzer, subsequent events validated this approach, as WrestleMania 40 turned into a larger spectacle, culminating in Rhodes’ long-awaited championship win.
The Larger Storyline and Its Origins
Although Cody Rhodes has become closely associated with Levesque’s vision for WWE, Meltzer pointed out that it was McMahon who originally re-signed Rhodes in 2022, kickstarting the storylines driving both WrestleMania 39 and 40. This move highlights McMahon’s role in shaping the path to Rhodes’ success.
Disruptions Ahead of WrestleMania 40 and the Role of TKO
In January 2024, TKO negotiated an agreement involving The Rock, resulting in Rhodes being replaced in the WrestleMania 40 main event against Roman Reigns. After facing considerable backlash from fans, WWE revised its plans, reinstating Rhodes in the headline bout. The company also made significant storyline changes, turning The Rock into a villainous character and pairing him with Reigns and The Bloodline. The reworked scenario allowed Rhodes to claim the championship at last on WWE’s biggest stage.
McMahon’s Exit and Shifting Leadership
Vince McMahon’s role as the final decision-maker ended when Ari Emanuel decided to remove him from creative control, an action made before the emergence of the Janel Grant lawsuit. Since his departure and subsequent resignation, McMahon has not appeared at WWE shows, including at John Cena’s recent farewell event. This absence marks the definitive conclusion of McMahon’s lengthy reign over WWE’s creative process.
Looking Forward After a Pivotal Chapter
The debate and decisions surrounding the WrestleMania 39 main event finish underscore the internal dynamics and power shifts within WWE’s leadership. With Cody Rhodes finally capturing the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, and new figures such as Ari Emanuel and Paul Levesque shaping creative outcomes, the direction of WWE’s biggest events continues to evolve, signaling a possible new era for both the wrestlers and the organization’s future.
