Exactly one year ago, on the grandest stage of them all — **WrestleMania XL** — **Cody Rhodes** finally fulfilled his destiny. After years of setbacks, heartbreaks, and hard-fought battles, Rhodes defeated **Roman Reigns** to win the **Undisputed WWE Championship**, closing the book on one of the most powerful long-term storylines in modern wrestling history.
### The Build-Up: Years in the Making
Cody Rhodes’ journey wasn’t just about titles — it was about **legacy**. As the son of the legendary **Dusty Rhodes**, Cody had one goal since returning to WWE in 2022:
> **“Finish the story.”**
That story was winning the championship his father never could. And at WrestleMania XL, under the brightest lights, with millions watching, **he did it.**
### The Match: Emotion, Drama, and Legacy
Facing a dominant Roman Reigns, who had held the title for over 1,300 days, Cody entered the match with the odds stacked against him. Interferences, mind games, and brutal sequences kept fans on edge.
But in the final moments, **Cody hit back-to-back Cross Rhodes**, pinned Roman clean in the center of the ring, and the stadium **erupted**.
The crowd exploded. Fireworks lit the sky. And tears filled Cody’s eyes.
### The Aftermath: A New Era Begins
With Roman’s historic reign finally over, Cody stood tall as the **face of WWE**. He raised the Undisputed Title above his head and pointed to the heavens — a tribute to Dusty.
WWE immediately launched new merchandise, posters, and tribute packages. Cody’s win wasn’t just a championship victory — it was a **cultural moment** that united fans across generations.
### WWE Fans Reflect: 1 Year Later
Social media today is filled with tributes and flashbacks:
– “1 year ago today… Cody Rhodes made us all believe.”
– “The night WWE storytelling peaked.”
– “Still gives me goosebumps. This is why we watch.”
Hashtags like **#WrestleManiaXL**, **#FinishTheStory**, and **#CodyRhodesChampion** are trending once again as fans relive every moment.
### What’s Next for Cody Rhodes?
Since that iconic victory, Cody has defended the title against top stars like Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, and even CM Punk. But many are asking — **can anyone stop him?**
Others wonder: will WWE create another emotional arc to match the intensity of “Finish the Story”? Or was WrestleMania XL a once-in-a-generation moment?
Cody Rhodes’ win at **WrestleMania XL** wasn’t just the end of a story — it was the **beginning of a new era**. One year later, the impact still echoes across the wrestling world.