There’s an old adage in the wrestling world: “The show must go on.” After the shock defeat of Roman Reigns, the reigning WWE Universal Champion, at Money in the Bank in London, fans around the world are left wondering what’s next for “The Tribal Chief” and his championship reign.
- Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes is planned for WrestleMania 40.
- Reigns recently suffered his first pinfall loss since December 2019.
- Rhodes aims to capture the title that eluded his father, Dusty Rhodes.
- Rhodes is expected to feud against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.
- WWE Creative isn’t planning to take the Undisputed Championship from Reigns soon.
Reigns, who had held the WWE Universal Championship since his triumphant return at SummerSlam in 2020, had become near-invincible presence in the WWE. Together with his faction, the Bloodline, he towered atop the WWE universe like an unstoppable colossus, the embodiment of dominance. Yet, all empires fall.
On July 1, in the Bloodline Civil War match, Reigns met his match when his cousin, Jey Uso, pinned him, his first pinfall loss since December 2019. A defeat that has sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world, leaving a question on everyone’s lips: what’s next for Roman Reigns?
With this high-profile defeat, speculation about Reigns’ trajectory towards WrestleMania 40 is rife. Notably, the Tribal Chief walked into the three most recent WrestleMania events with the Universal Championship, a feat he’d likely hoped to repeat. However, post his latest defeat, the championship landscape seems a bit shaky. But fear not, WWE Universe, plans are already underway for Reigns’ future, and it’s set to be a clash of titans.
Per Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the current plan for WrestleMania 40 is a face-off between Reigns and “The American Nightmare,” Cody Rhodes.
Rhodes himself hinted at this showdown during the post-Money in the Bank press conference. The wrestling world is all too aware of Rhodes’ quest to capture the title that eluded his legendary father, Dusty Rhodes. With Roman Reigns holding the belt, the stage is set for an epic clash at WrestleMania 40. It seems the World Heavyweight Championship, despite its prestige, isn’t Rhodes’ ultimate goal. His eyes are set on the Universal Championship, an ambition that creates an enticing narrative for the coming year.
Since their headlining match at WrestleMania 39, both Reigns and Rhodes have pursued separate paths. Reigns has been a part of the WWE’s chart-topping Bloodline storyline, a family saga fraught with turmoil that ended in his most recent defeat. Rhodes, on the other hand, has continued to shine as one of WWE’s top stars, defeating Dominik Mysterio at Money in the Bank 2023.
Rhodes is now expected to feud against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam although it appears the plans might have changed as The Beast Incarnate didn’t appear in London to spoil Rhodes’ victory, contrary to earlier reports.
Paul Heyman’s look of shock at Money in the Bank spoke volumes about Reigns’ stature. But, even in defeat, Reigns carries an aura of invincibility, an enigma that keeps fans guessing. A testament to his dominance is the report that the WWE Creative team isn’t planning to take the Undisputed Championship away from him anytime soon.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: WrestleMania 40 will be an event to remember, a tribute to the drama, the spectacle, and the narrative brilliance that is the heart and soul of wrestling.
For now, Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are threading separate paths before going on a collision course, and when they meet, it’s going to be a clash of epic proportions.
