Triple H has officially confirmed that Cody Rhodes will be facing off against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
This announcement came during an electrifying opening segment on the February 9 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, where Triple H, who remains WWE’s creative head, flanked by Raw and SmackDown general managers, Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis, respectively, talked about the outcomes of the recent WrestleMania Kickoff press conference. This declaration has ignited anticipation among WWE fans, promising a high-stakes rematch that has been brewing since last year’s WrestleMania.
The press conference in Las Vegas had already set the stage for this monumental clash, with The Rock and Roman Reigns presenting a united front against Cody Rhodes. The tension escalated when The Rock, after discussing the deep-rooted connections between his and Reigns’ families, openly slapped Rhodes. This act of defiance from Rhodes, challenging Reigns and questioning the family legacy, has led to the official booking of their WrestleMania 40 showdown in Philadelphia.
WrestleMania 40, scheduled as a two-day event on April 6 and 7, promises an epic saga with this match at the forefront. Despite the potential for a tag team match featuring Reigns, The Rock, Rhodes, and possibly Seth Rollins, sources close to the situation, namely F4WOnline’s Dave Meltzer, indicate that such a setup isn’t on the table, even for the upcoming PLE on the 24th in Australia, Elimination Chamber. This decision keeps the focus squarely on the Rhodes versus Reigns narrative, amplifying the anticipation for their WrestleMania encounter.
Rhodes’s challenge to Reigns isn’t merely about the championship belt; it’s a personal quest to achieve what his father, Dusty Rhodes, could not. Last year’s WrestleMania saw Rhodes fall short due to interference from The Bloodline, but his resolve remains unshaken. His victory in this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble solidified his path back to Reigns as he made history as one of the few WWE wrestlers to ever win the Royal Rumble twice and in a row.
While the inclusion of The Rock in this storyline adds several layers of complexity and family drama, the focus remains on the intense rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. This match is about settling scores and legacy, ambition, and the pursuit of wrestling’s highest honor.
With both wrestlers at the peak of their powers, WrestleMania 40 will now officially play host to a confrontation that could redefine each wrestler’s respective careers and the landscape of WWE.
The build-up to this match has been meticulously crafted for years, with twists and turns that have captivated the WWE Universe all throughout. From the surprising developments at the WrestleMania Kickoff press conference to the strategic maneuvers on SmackDown, every step has been a calculated move to heighten the drama and excitement surrounding WrestleMania 40.
With each man fighting for their place in WWE history, WrestleMania 40 should make for an unforgettable showdown that could very well define the future trajectory of WWE.
