Cody Rhodes has identified Roman Reigns as the most significant rival in his WWE career, highlighting the intense and respectful competition between the two superstars. As Cody prepares to defend his WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza on September 20th, the ongoing rivalry with Reigns remains a defining aspect of his wrestling journey.
The Rivalry Between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns: A Defining WWE Feud
Although Cody Rhodes shares a lengthy history with Drew McIntyre—dating back 15 years when both were emerging talents—he regards Roman Reigns as his foremost adversary. This perspective stems from the fact that Rhodes and Reigns have clashed on the grandest WWE stages, including headlining three consecutive WrestleMania events: WrestleMania 39 in 2023 and twice at WrestleMania 40 in 2024.
Cody’s critical moment at WrestleMania 40 was defeating Roman Reigns to end Reigns’s dominant WWE Title reign. This victory solidified their rivalry’s importance, with Reigns representing the face of WWE for an extended period while Rhodes positioned himself as a disruptive force seeking to carve his own legacy in wrestling.
During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, host Stephen A. Smith asked Cody to name his biggest feud. Cody’s detailed response emphasized Roman Reigns’s central role in WWE and the competitive but respectful dynamic between them.
“In my career for sure is gonna be Roman Reigns. Roman Reigns held the center of all of wrestling for a while when I went out there and did everything and tried to make as much noise, create all kinds of different worlds for myself, he held the center, he was WWE’s guy, and he stayed their guy.” — Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
“Whereas I came in as a disruptor, and I feel like no matter how you look at it, wrestling is as real as it gets, or you just look at it as the show. That competition between us is filled with respect, but that’s the one I have to keep an eye out for, even as WWE Champion. Roman, any day can step in and be the face of the company. We just did a movie together, which is crazy, the fact that we’re in this movie. Roman keeps me on my toes, and I hope he’s around for years to come. I need a Roman Reigns.” — Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
The movie Cody mentioned is a new Street Fighter film, featuring both Rhodes and Reigns, adding a unique layer to their professional relationship. Their connection extends beyond the ring, exemplifying a partnership built on mutual challenge and admiration.
Lessons Cody Rhodes Has Taken from Roman Reigns
In another interview on ESPN, Rhodes shared a meaningful lesson he learned from Reigns, highlighting the respect and perspective they share both inside and outside the ring. The insight focused on the heritage and legacy of their families within the wrestling world.
“I’ll say this, something I learned from Roman Reigns. We don’t talk a lot, but he said something to me that really stuck out with me and it’s very sincere is that WWE and pro wrestling, in general, going to such a big platform like ESPN, it’s really everything that our dads ever worked for. So that’s always kind of there like…they did it all, you know, and then we get to revel in this wonderful success. So, we better bring it, and I think you will see that with Wrestlepalooza.” — Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Cody Rhodes is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, while Roman Reigns is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Sika from the Wild Samoans. Though both fathers have passed, their legacies continue to influence and inspire their sons as they uphold the family tradition in professional wrestling.
Upcoming WWE Championship Defense and Legacy Stakes at Wrestlepalooza
Looking ahead to September 20th, Cody Rhodes will face Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza, defending his WWE Championship against the former three-time World Champion. This match represents another important chapter in both wrestlers’ careers, particularly due to their long-standing history and mutual respect. Though Drew holds a notable place in Cody’s past, the ongoing narrative with Roman Reigns remains central to Cody’s current championship reign and future ambitions.
The continued rivalry between Rhodes and Reigns not only energizes WWE audiences but also embodies the generational legacy within professional wrestling. As both men maintain their positions as top stars, their rivalry sets the stage for compelling storylines and possible future encounters. Their collaboration on external projects, such as the Street Fighter movie, suggests a unique bond that extends beyond wrestling.
The Broader Impact of Cody and Roman’s Rivalry on WWE’s Future
The Cody Rhodes Roman Reigns rivalry is significant in that it reflects the evolving nature of WWE storytelling, where respect and competition coexist powerfully. Cody’s acknowledgment of Reigns’s role as WWE’s central figure alongside his own disruptive rise represents a clash of legacies and styles that continues to captivate fans.
Moreover, the lineage of both superstars connects past and present wrestling eras, bridging generations and honoring the history of the sport. As Cody prepares to defend his title at Wrestlepalooza and continue his role as WWE Champion, the wrestling world watches closely, anticipating developments that could redefine WWE’s landscape in the coming years.
