Cody Rhodes, one of WWE’s most promising stars, has had a rollercoaster of a year as the WWE Champion. When he first won the title, many believed that this would be the start of a new era in WWE, with Rhodes dethroning Roman Reigns, who had been dominating the company for years. However, as his first year as champion has come to a close, it’s clear that Rhodes hasn’t been able to measure up to the legacy left by Reigns. The question now is: what went wrong for Cody Rhodes, and can he ever surpass Reigns’ monumental reign?
**The Unstoppable Reign of Roman Reigns**
Roman Reigns’ reign as WWE Champion has been nothing short of legendary. For over two years, Reigns has held the Universal Championship with an iron grip, dominating every opponent who has stepped in his way. His “Tribal Chief” persona has made him one of the most compelling and unstoppable forces in WWE history. Reigns’ success can be attributed to his unmatched charisma, in-ring abilities, and the powerful storyline surrounding his character. Throughout his reign, he has established himself as the face of WWE, making it difficult for anyone to match his level of success.
**Cody Rhodes’ WWE Championship Reign: A Promising Start**
When Cody Rhodes defeated Seth Rollins at WrestleMania and claimed the WWE Championship, it seemed like the beginning of a new era. Fans were excited to see Rhodes finally claim the title after years of building his name and reputation in WWE and other wrestling promotions. Rhodes brought a fresh face to the championship scene, with his passionate promos and dynamic wrestling style. For a moment, it seemed as though WWE was on the verge of ushering in a new leader. However, as the months passed, Rhodes’ reign started to feel less impactful, and the hype surrounding his title defense began to fade.
**Why Rhodes Couldn’t Surpass Roman Reigns**
Cody Rhodes, despite his incredible talent and the emotional storyline surrounding his journey to the WWE Championship, failed to outshine Roman Reigns in the long run. A major factor in this is Reigns’ unmatched aura and presence in WWE. Reigns has a magnetic appeal that makes every match feel like an epic event. Meanwhile, Rhodes, while talented, has struggled to maintain that same level of intrigue in his matches. The lack of compelling storylines or rivalries has made it harder for fans to invest fully in his reign, and as a result, Rhodes has not been able to keep up with the energy and excitement that Reigns brings every week.
Another factor that has contributed to Rhodes’ struggles is the lack of a true rivalry that could elevate his status as champion. Roman Reigns has been involved in some of WWE’s most intense and high-profile storylines, especially with characters like Brock Lesnar, John Cena, and The Rock. On the other hand, Rhodes’ challengers have not had the same gravitas, which has led to less interest and excitement surrounding his reign.
**The Pressure of Living Up to Expectations**
Being thrust into the WWE Championship position is no easy feat, and for Rhodes, it’s been a constant battle to meet the expectations set by both WWE management and the fans. While his character has matured and evolved over the year, the pressure to maintain the same level of dominance that Reigns had for years has been overwhelming. Fans expect greatness, and when that greatness doesn’t come through, disappointment sets in. This has made it challenging for Rhodes to keep the WWE Universe fully engaged.
**What’s Next for Cody Rhodes? Can He Top Roman Reigns?**
The biggest question after one year as WWE Champion is whether Cody Rhodes will ever be able to top Roman Reigns and solidify his legacy as one of WWE’s all-time greats. To do so, Rhodes needs to build a compelling rivalry and reclaim the energy and excitement that WWE fans expect from a champion. It won’t be easy, especially with Reigns still dominating the main event scene. However, Rhodes has proven his resilience in the past, and there’s still time for him to rise to the challenge.
For now, Roman Reigns remains the face of WWE, and Cody Rhodes will need to find a way to match his dominance if he wants to be remembered as the champion who could topple the Tribal Chief. Only time will tell if he can achieve this lofty goal.