In the world of professional wrestling, few names evoke as much nostalgia and admiration as Cody Rhodes. Once a rising star within WWE, Rhodes left the company in 2016 to forge his own path, eventually co-founding All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and establishing himself as one of the most respected figures in the industry. However, after years away from the WWE universe, Rhodes made a triumphant return with one goal in mind: to fulfill an unfinished dream. That dream? To challenge Roman Reigns, the Tribal Chief and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, for the most prestigious title in sports entertainment.
Rhodes’ comeback was met with thunderous applause from fans who had long awaited his return. Known for his charisma, technical prowess, and ability to tell compelling stories both in and out of the ring, Rhodes quickly positioned himself as a worthy contender. His journey back to WWE was filled with emotional promos, hard-fought victories, and a clear determination to prove that he belonged on the grandest stage. But standing in his way was not just Roman Reigns—a man whose dominance has redefined what it means to be a champion—but also the unpredictable force known as Solo Sikoa, Reigns’ enforcer and right-hand man.
What followed was a saga that combined personal ambition, familial loyalty, and raw athleticism, culminating in an ultimate battle that left fans breathless. While Rhodes sought redemption and glory, he found himself facing not only Reigns but also the wrath of Sikoa, whose interference turned the match into a chaotic spectacle. This is the story of how Cody Rhodes’ quest for greatness ended in heartbreak, leaving WWE’s unfinished dream unfulfilled—for now.
To understand the significance of this confrontation, one must first appreciate the contrasting journeys of Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. Rhodes represents the classic era of wrestling, where storytelling and technical skill were paramount. He grew up in the shadow of his legendary father, Dusty Rhodes, and carved out his own identity through grit, resilience, and innovation. Despite his success in AEW, there was always a sense that Rhodes had unfinished business in WWE, particularly when it came to competing for the top prize.
Roman Reigns, on the other hand, embodies the modern era of WWE. After reinventing himself as the Tribal Chief, Reigns transformed from a polarizing figure into one of the most dominant champions in company history. With Paul Heyman by his side and The Bloodline backing him, Reigns has ruled the WWE landscape with an iron fist, defeating every challenger who dared to oppose him. His reign is characterized by calculated dominance, psychological warfare, and an aura of invincibility.
When Rhodes announced his intention to face Reigns, the wrestling world took notice. It wasn’t just about two men battling for supremacy; it was about bridging the gap between generations and determining which style would prevail. Fans eagerly debated whether Rhodes’ technical expertise and underdog spirit could overcome Reigns’ brute strength and tactical brilliance. Adding another layer of intrigue was the presence of Solo Sikoa, whose role as Reigns’ enforcer promised to make the contest even more perilous for Rhodes.
The highly anticipated showdown between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns finally arrived at a premium live event, with the stakes higher than ever. From the opening bell, it was clear that this was no ordinary match. Both competitors brought their A-game, delivering a masterclass in storytelling and athleticism. Rhodes started strong, using his agility and technical prowess to keep Reigns off balance. His strategy was evident: exploit any weaknesses and wear down the champion over time.
Reigns, however, was not to be underestimated. Drawing upon his experience and sheer physicality, he weathered Rhodes’ early assault and began to impose his will. The match ebbed and flowed like a symphony, with each wrestler taking turns dictating the pace. Rhodes dazzled the crowd with his signature moves, including the Cross Rhodes, while Reigns countered with devastating strikes and submission attempts.
As the bout reached its climax, tensions escalated. Rhodes appeared poised to pull off the upset, rallying the audience with his never-say-die attitude. But then, true to form, Solo Sikoa emerged from backstage, ready to enforce The Bloodline’s rule. Sikoa’s interference shifted the dynamic entirely, turning the match into a chaotic free-for-all.
Rhodes fought valiantly against both Reigns and Sikoa, showcasing incredible resilience. However, the numbers game proved too much to overcome. In a shocking turn of events, Sikoa delivered a brutal Samoan Spike to Rhodes, leaving him incapacitated. Reigns capitalized on the situation, securing the pinfall victory and retaining his championship.
While technically victorious, Reigns’ win felt hollow due to Sikoa’s involvement. For Rhodes, the loss was devastating—not because of the outcome itself, but because his dream of dethroning Reigns remained unfulfilled. As he lay motionless in the ring, surrounded by The Bloodline, the image painted a poignant picture of ambition crushed under the weight of overwhelming odds.
One cannot discuss this match without addressing the pivotal role played by Solo Sikoa. As Reigns’ cousin and enforcer, Sikoa has become an integral part of The Bloodline’s dominance. His imposing physique, intimidating demeanor, and ruthless tactics make him a formidable ally—and a dangerous opponent.
Sikoa’s interference in the match raised questions about the line between teamwork and cheating. On one hand, his actions were consistent with The Bloodline’s philosophy of protecting their territory at all costs. On the other hand, many fans viewed his involvement as unsportsmanlike, robbing Rhodes of a fair chance to compete.
Regardless of perspective, Sikoa’s impact was undeniable. By dismantling Rhodes physically and psychologically, he reinforced The Bloodline’s reputation as an unstoppable force. More importantly, he served as a reminder that challenging Roman Reigns is not just about defeating one man—it’s about overcoming an entire faction dedicated to maintaining power.
For Rhodes, Sikoa’s betrayal added insult to injury. Not only did he fail to achieve his dream, but he also became yet another victim of The Bloodline’s tyranny. Whether this moment serves as fuel for Rhodes’ future endeavors or marks the end of his championship aspirations remains to be seen.
The aftermath of the match sparked intense reactions from fans around the globe. Many expressed disappointment over the disqualification-like finish, arguing that Rhodes deserved a clean shot at the title. Others praised the storytelling, noting that Sikoa’s interference highlighted the challenges faced by anyone daring to oppose The Bloodline.
Social media platforms buzzed with discussions about Rhodes’ performance and potential next steps. Some fans called for a rematch, believing that Rhodes earned the right to face Reigns without outside interference. Others speculated about Rhodes forming alliances to counter The Bloodline’s influence, potentially setting the stage for a larger conflict involving multiple factions.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Rhodes’ resilience resonated deeply with audiences. His willingness to take risks and chase his dreams reminded fans why they fell in love with wrestling in the first place. While the outcome may have been bittersweet, it underscored the timeless appeal of the underdog narrative—a theme that continues to captivate wrestling enthusiasts worldwide.
Cody Rhodes’ defeat at the hands of Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa leaves WWE’s unfinished dream hanging precariously in the balance. Will Rhodes regroup and mount another challenge, or will he pivot toward new goals within the company? The answer likely depends on how WWE chooses to develop this storyline moving forward.
One possibility is a renewed focus on dismantling The Bloodline. Rhodes could team up with other disgruntled wrestlers—such as Drew McIntyre or Kevin Owens—to form a coalition aimed at overthrowing Reigns’ regime. Such a scenario would elevate the stakes and provide ample opportunities for dramatic confrontations.
Alternatively, Rhodes might pursue individual accolades, such as capturing the Intercontinental Championship or headlining major events. Doing so would allow him to rebuild his momentum while keeping his ultimate goal of facing Reigns alive.
Whatever path Rhodes takes, one thing is certain: his journey is far from over. Wrestling thrives on perseverance, and Rhodes’ determination ensures that he will remain a central figure in WWE’s evolving narrative.
Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE marked a significant moment in wrestling history—a chance to rewrite his legacy and fulfill an unfinished dream. Though his attempt to dethrone Roman Reigns ended in devastation thanks to Solo Sikoa’s interference, Rhodes’ courage and tenacity left an indelible mark on fans and fellow competitors alike.
This chapter may have closed, but the book is far from finished. Wrestling is built on cycles of triumph and tragedy, and Rhodes’ story serves as a testament to the enduring allure of chasing greatness against all odds. As WWE continues to evolve, so too will the narratives surrounding its stars. And for Cody Rhodes, the dream of becoming Undisputed WWE Universal Champion remains very much alive.
Stay tuned, because in the world of professional wrestling, dreams can come true—even if they require a little extra time to materialize.