Roman Reigns has not appeared in WWE since the RAW episode following WrestleMania 41, but his next significant rivalry could be with one of his fiercest competitors, Seth Rollins. This ongoing story may reignite as soon as Saturday Night’s Main Event or possibly hold off until SummerSlam, depending on factors such as the ongoing CM Punk-Seth Rollins feud, Reigns’ availability, and WWE’s direction for Rollins’ aspirations to hold the world title.
Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes is preparing to challenge John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2025. Alongside Reigns and Rollins, Rhodes represents one of the most prominent figures of this generation, all sharing intertwined histories and legendary rivalries that have shaped WWE’s modern era.
The Dynamic between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes: A Modern-Day Wrestling Power Struggle
Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins helped establish Rhodes as a key main-event talent upon his return to WWE, but Roman Reigns remains the ultimate figure Rhodes must conquer to claim the company’s top spot. Their rivalry produced some of WWE’s most electric moments heading into WrestleMania 39 and 40, providing the promotion with significant momentum and capturing fans worldwide.
Their head-to-head record currently stands tied at 1-1, highlighting the evenly matched intensity and charisma they bring whenever they meet. With Reigns transitioning into a babyface role, renewed conflict between him and Rhodes could offer a fresh and compelling storyline for fans. It is also highly likely that their battles will involve the Undisputed WWE Championship, with the possibility of Rhodes holding the title and maybe even turning heel before their third showdown.
Significance of the QB1 and TC1 Nicknames in the Feud
A notable development fueling anticipation for the Roman Reigns WrestleMania 42 feud is the rumored adoption of a new nickname for Reigns: Tribal Chief One, or TC1. This appears to be a direct nod to Cody Rhodes’ well-known nickname, the Quarterback or QB1, intensifying the rivalry’s thematic elements.
The introduction of TC1 hints at WWE’s intent to build toward a fresh chapter in the Reigns-Rhodes feud, possibly culminating on the Road to WrestleMania 42. However, the timing will hinge on multiple storylines, including Seth Rollins’ clash with CM Punk, Rollins’ pursuit of the world title, any potential Rhodes-Rollins encounters, and Rhodes’ championship reign.
Their schedules over the coming months will also factor into this rivalry, as both stars are involved in the upcoming Street Fighter film project. Despite these considerations, a confrontation between Reigns and Rhodes remains worthy of a WrestleMania main event, especially since they have never faced off on opposite sides in a WrestleMania main event before.
Hollywood Meets WWE: Reigns and Rhodes Reignite Rivalry Beyond the Ring
The rivalry between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes has expanded beyond wrestling, entering the realm of Hollywood through their leading roles in the upcoming Street Fighter movie. Both wrestlers, who headlined back-to-back WrestleManias, continue to be influential figures in WWE’s top tier.
In the film, Roman Reigns portrays Akuma, a fierce and relentless martial artist whose persona echoes his WWE character, The Tribal Chief. Cody Rhodes plays Guile, an all-American hero symbolizing resilience and honor, linking their characters’ cinematic conflict to their wrestling history.
Directed by Kitao Sakurai, known for works like Bad Trip and Twisted Metal, the movie adapts Capcom’s iconic fighting game franchise. Along with Reigns and Rhodes, the cast includes Andrew Koji as Ryu, Noah Centineo as Ken, Callina Liang as Chun-Li, Jason Momoa as Blanka, 50 Cent as Balrog, and Orville Peck as Vega. This crossover highlights their influence in entertainment and sets the stage for renewed interest in their wrestling rivalry.
The enduring tension and star power of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes hint that their potential WrestleMania 42 feud could be one of the most captivating storylines in WWE history, blending personal stakes, championship ambitions, and cultural reach both inside and outside the wrestling world.
