Cody Rhodes, the American Nightmare, made a stunning return from injury at the 2023 Royal Rumble and earned the chance to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 39. Despite being the clear fan favorite and entering the match with high hopes, Rhodes was ultimately denied victory after interference by Solo Sikoa dashed his championship dreams in a dramatic showdown.
Even though Rhodes lost that iconic match, he later achieved redemption by winning the 2024 Royal Rumble and defeating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, securing the title he long sought. However, in a recent interview, Rhodes revealed that his favorite WrestleMania match remains the WrestleMania 39 battle he lost, highlighting the emotional intensity and connection he experienced during that encounter.
The Emotional Impact Behind Rhodes’s Favorite WrestleMania Encounter
When asked to explain why the WrestleMania 39 match holds a special place in his heart, Cody Rhodes emphasized the profound atmosphere inside the ring and the powerful bond he felt with the audience. He described how the moment transcended winning or losing, focusing instead on the electric energy shared between him and the fans that night. The experience left an indelible mark, becoming a lifelong memory despite the outcome.
Rhodes recalled a particular moment trapped in a guillotine choke when the older wrestling fans advised him to hold still to let the crowd react. As he slowly worked free, he sensed the stadium’s volume rise and realized how engaged the fans were, which made the moment feel incredibly genuine and unforgettable.
“He’s got me in a guillotine choke, and you hear these old-timers—God bless them, I love them—you know, ‘Just stay right there and the people will react.’ When you’ve seen the amount of cool flips and awesome stuff… sometimes that seems like, I don’t know, maybe that’s not real anymore.” “And then in that moment, I remember I’m just slowly wiggling my head out, and I can hear an entire stadium—where the sound goes up—start to move. And I thought, ‘Oh, man. This… they’re into this. How blessed am I that they’re into this?’ And it just… when it’s that good, it feels completely real.” “Everything seems real. Roman is the greatest enemy of my life. And I’m trying to climb a mountain that’s impossible to climb. And that, just… acoustic moment for me—it made it my favorite match of all time.”
—Cody Rhodes, Former Undisputed WWE Champion
For Rhodes, the match was about more than just competition; it represented a symbolic struggle and the peak of his wrestling journey. He described Roman Reigns as his fiercest rival and framed the contest as climbing an insurmountable mountain, a challenge filled with emotion and authenticity.
The Road from Heartbreak to Redemption
While WrestleMania 39 ended in heartbreak due to Solo Sikoa’s disruptive interference and the infamous Samoan Spike that turned the tide against Rhodes, his story did not conclude there. Rhodes continued to pursue his goals, triumphing in the 2024 Royal Rumble and ultimately dethroning Reigns at WrestleMania 40. This victory marked a pivotal moment in his career, affirming his perseverance and dedication to the sport.
Despite his eventual championship win, Rhodes values the WrestleMania 39 match for the intensity and connection it fostered, proving that sometimes the journey and emotional resonance outweigh the final result in professional wrestling.
Other Significant Developments in WWE and AEW
Meanwhile, the wrestling world buzzes with other major news. The Rock recently shared surprising insights about his latest WWE character, sparking widespread attention. Veteran wrestler Triple H discussed his creative vision for WWE, contrasting it with Vince McMahon’s approach and signaling evolving directions within the company.
In another storyline twist, The Rock revealed he had proposed an alternate plotline where Cody Rhodes would have lost his WWE title at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event. This idea reflects the complexities behind WWE storylines and character arcs.
Upcoming events also promise intense action. Karrion Kross is set for a crucial rubber match against Sami Zayn at WWE SummerSlam, with strong arguments in favor of Kross’s victory to shape future narratives.
On the roster front, Rhea Ripley has not dismissed the possibility of teaming up with her husband, AEW star Buddy Matthews, in WWE, hinting at potential crossover storylines. Additionally, Christian Cage faced a harsh setback in his AEW Dynamite return, signaling more challenges ahead.
The Undertaker made a rare appearance on WWE NXT’s July 22 episode to confront Trick Williams, underscoring his enduring presence in the wrestling world. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins emerged victorious at WrestleMania 41 in a high-stakes triple threat match against Roman Reigns and CM Punk, defying expectations and further igniting rivalries.
The Lasting Legacy of WrestleMania 39 and Cody Rhodes’s Journey
Cody Rhodes’s favorite WrestleMania match—the intense bout against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39—stands out not for the scoreboard but for the deep emotional connection it fostered with fans and the authenticity of the moment. His words highlight how wrestling blends athleticism with storytelling, where even defeat can become a cherished part of a career.
Rhodes’s journey, from his Royal Rumble victories to finally claiming the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, exemplifies resilience and passion, qualities that will continue to inspire fans and shape WWE’s evolving narrative in the years ahead.
