At WrestleMania 40 in 2024, Cody Rhodes achieved a defining moment in his career when he defeated Roman Reigns to win the Undisputed WWE Championship, with a dramatic assist from The Undertaker. This pivotal event unfolded before a packed stadium and featured unexpected interference from several WWE legends, including John Cena, The Rock, and Solo Sikoa.
The electrifying scene involved The Undertaker making a sudden appearance in the ring during the final moments of Rhodes’ match against Reigns, creating a moment of sheer magic that helped secure Rhodes’ victory. This moment has since been revisited by Rhodes and Undertaker, whose real name is Mark Calaway, during a recent conversation on the podcast What Do You Wanna Talk About?
Cody Rhodes Describes the Match’s Surreal Energy and The Undertaker’s Role
Reflecting on the match, Rhodes described the unfolding moment as “actual magic,” emphasizing how the involvement of John Cena, Solo Sikoa, and The Rock intensified the atmosphere around the event’s climax. Rhodes remarked on The Undertaker’s deliberate, almost mystical presence backstage just before his sudden, swift entrance into the ring.
In detail, Rhodes said,
“You kind of pulled a little bit of a Yoda move, where you’re walking around backstage real slow. … And then the speed to which you roll in the ring – you can hear it.”
This description captures the legendary aura surrounding The Undertaker’s appearance, which electrified the crowd and shifted the momentum of the match.
As the stadium lights momentarily dimmed, The Undertaker materialized standing opposite The Rock. Calaway proceeded to deliver a chokeslam to Dwayne Johnson, enabling Rhodes to regain control and clinch the championship.
Behind the Scenes: The Exchange Between Rhodes and The Undertaker
Rhodes shared a revealing moment between himself and The Undertaker immediately following the chokeslam.
“You looked back at me, and of course, I was in a ‘sell,’ so the moment wasn’t maybe what you had envisioned, but you looked back at me just to give me a little – like, ‘I got ’em. He’s your’s now – I got ’em.’ But then you winked,”
Rhodes recalled.
“And when you winked, the lights went out. And I remember thinking, ‘He’s shoot f***ing magic.’”
The Undertaker Reflects on His Involvement and Encourages Rhodes’ Future
During the podcast, Calaway expressed that no gratitude was necessary for his participation in Rhodes’ momentous victory. Instead, he encouraged Rhodes to continue building his legacy and advancing the sport of professional wrestling.
“The only thank you I think anybody would want is for you to continue what you’ve done, and continue to grow, and grow this sport,”
Calaway said. He also called the event “an incredibly special moment,” highlighting how memorable it was for everyone involved, including his own reunion in the ring with The Rock.
The Undertaker acknowledged Rhodes’ deep respect for the wrestling industry, stating that this reverence contributed to the success of their shared moment at WrestleMania 40. Calaway also noted that his quick entry into the ring was fueled by the importance of preserving the significance of the encounter and making sure it was executed perfectly.
The Legacy and Impact of WrestleMania 40’s Defining Encounter
The dramatic conclusion at WrestleMania 40 not only solidified Cody Rhodes as a top champion but underscored the enduring influence of icons like The Undertaker on the sport. Their collaboration bridged generations and elevated the spectacle to one that fans and participants alike will remember for years to come.
With Rhodes now holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, the wrestling community anticipates how his reign will shape WWE’s future storylines and the promotion’s growth. The partnership and mutual respect shared by Rhodes and Calaway may inspire continued moments of grandeur and passion within the industry.
