The wrestling world was stunned on April 7, 2024, when Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, ending Reigns’ 1,316-day reign as WWE Champion. This victory was not only a testament to Rhodes’ skill and determination but also a masterpiece of strategic exploitation
Roman Reigns has been an indomitable force in WWE, holding the title for over three years and defeating a series of top opponents. His reign was marked by dominance, with Reigns using his strength, ring intelligence, and the backing of his Bloodline faction to maintain the championship. However, this era of dominance ended at the hands of Cody Rhodes and several key factors came into play
First, Cody Rhodes has a deep motivation that drives him. Returning to WWE with a new purpose, Rhodes is determined to honor his family legacy and cement his own place in wrestling history. His journey back to WWE was marked by tough battles and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This unwavering determination was an important factor in his preparation.
Second, Rhodes’ strategy going into WrestleMania 40 was meticulously planned. Understanding that Reigns tended to rely on his power moves and the interference of his Bloodline members, Rhodes and his team devised a plan to counter these tactics. By studying Reigns’ past matches, Rhodes identified weaknesses and patterns he could exploit. This strategic approach was evident during the match as Rhodes countered Reigns’ signature moves and avoided potential interference from the Bloodline.
Another important aspect is Rhodes’ connection to the WWE Universe. Over the years, he has built a strong relationship with the fans, who are eager to see a new champion emerge. This support gave Rhodes an emotional boost, boosting his performance and helping him withstand the intense pressure of the main event.
Additionally, Reigns’ lengthy title reign has begun to take a toll on him. The constant pressure to perform at the highest level, combined with the physical and mental strain of being a top champion, was starting to show. Rhodes took advantage of this, pushing Reigns to his limits and exploiting every sign of fatigue and strength.
The match itself was a thrilling spectacle. Rhodes and Reigns delivered a performance that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats with near-falls, high-impact moves and dramatic twists. In the closing moments, after escaping Spear’s attempt, Rhodes performed his finishing move, Cross Rhodes, to preserve the victory. The arena erupted on the referee’s count of three, signaling the end of Reigns’ reign and the dawn of a new era
In short, Cody Rhodes’ victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 was the result of a perfect storm of momentum, strategy, fan support, and exploiting Reigns’ vulnerabilities. This historic victory not only ended a legendary title reign, but also marked the beginning of a new chapter in WWE, with Rhodes ready to lead the company
