Cody Rhodes wins WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40, ending the historic title reign of Roman Reigns and completing a journey that has captivated wrestling fans for over two years. The momentous event took place on April 7, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, marking a defining chapter not only in Rhodes’ career but in WWE history as a whole.
This main event was the culmination of a storyline that had been building since Cody Rhodes returned to WWE in 2022. Following his dramatic return at WrestleMania 38, Rhodes made it clear his goal was to “finish the story”—a personal mission to win the championship that had eluded his legendary father, Dusty Rhodes.
Roman Reigns, who held the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship for over 1,300 days, had dominated the WWE landscape with the help of his powerful faction, The Bloodline. His reign was marked by controversy, interference, and an iron grip over the main event scene. Many believed Rhodes would win the title at WrestleMania 39, but interference cost him the victory. That setback only intensified the anticipation for the rematch one year later.
At WrestleMania 40, the match was filled with drama, high-impact moves, and emotional storytelling. Rhodes endured interference from The Bloodline once again, but this time, he wasn’t alone. Wrestling icons John Cena and The Undertaker made shocking appearances to help neutralize Reigns’ backup. Cena hit a devastating Attitude Adjustment on Solo Sikoa, while The Undertaker delivered a chilling Chokeslam to Jimmy Uso, effectively clearing the ring.
With the odds finally in his favor, Cody Rhodes executed three consecutive Cross Rhodes finishers on Roman Reigns. The crowd erupted as the referee counted to three, officially crowning Rhodes as the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Tears filled Rhodes’ eyes as he held the championship high, paying tribute to his late father Dusty Rhodes, whose influence and legacy were deeply woven into Cody’s WWE journey.
In his post-match interview, Rhodes said:
“I didn’t just do this for me. I did it for my family, for the fans, and for the legacy of my father. He never got the chance to hold this title. Tonight, I finished the story—for him and for all of us.”
The victory was met with praise across the wrestling world. Fans and analysts hailed it as one of the most emotional and satisfying endings in WrestleMania history. Wrestling veterans like Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and even The Rock took to social media to congratulate Rhodes, acknowledging the heart, resilience, and dedication it took to reach this moment.
Since winning the title, Rhodes has ushered in a new era in WWE. His championship reign has been marked by high-quality matches and feuds with top-tier talents like Seth Rollins, Gunther, and LA Knight. As of April 8, 2025, Rhodes has held the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship for one full year, proving himself not just as a successor to the throne, but a deserving king in his own right.
Looking ahead, Rhodes is set to defend his title against a heel-turned John Cena at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. The feud has been intensely personal, with Cena claiming Rhodes is a “paper champion” and vowing to end his reign. The match is expected to be one of the most watched and talked-about bouts in WrestleMania history.
In the grand tradition of wrestling storytelling, Cody Rhodes wins WWE Universal Championship is more than just a headline—it’s the realization of a legacy, a father’s dream passed to his son, and a moment that will forever be etched in WWE lore.
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