Roman Reigns put his undisputed WWE Universal championship on the line against Cody Rhodes in the main event of the second night of WrestleMania 39 at SoFi Stadium. Reigns has held the Universal title for 945 days, one of the longest reigns in the modern era.
Rhodes makes his entrance with angel wings on the back of his extremely elaborate entrance jacket. Before he enters the ring he walks over and picks up his daughter Liberty from the arms of his wife Brandi and hugs her. He also gives his belt to Brodie, Luke Harper’s son.
Will #CodyRhodes define his legacy TONIGHT at #WrestleMania? pic.twitter.com/PtFmsTGmu9
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2023
There are six grand pianos playing Reigns’ entrance music on the stage. Reigns walks down the ramp accompanied by Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa.
A #WrestleMania introduction fit for the #TribalChief. pic.twitter.com/IDCZTOUBrF
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2023
Cody Rhodes controlled Reigns in the early portion of the match. Reigns retreated to the outside and caught Rhodes mid-air off a springboard attack and planting him with a powerbomb.
Solo Sikoa interfered for the first time in the match, hitting Rhodes on the apron with a chair. Minutes later, he does it again. Grabbing on Rhodes’ leg as he’s running the ropes. A few minutes later Solo Sikoa again hit Cody, stopping his momentum. But this time, the referee, Dan Engler, saw the interference and ejected him from ringside.
On the outside of the ring Roman Reigns prepared the announce tables for a piledriver but, but Rhodes backdrops Reigns through the table on a Powerbomb counter.
#CodyRhodes sends #RomanReigns through the announce table!!! #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/GW6A0c0FCG
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2023
Reigns hit Rhodes with a Superman punch as Rhodes bounced off the ropes in pursuit of a Disaster Kick. Rhodes’ indomitable spirit persisted as he kicked out following a piercing spear from Reigns. Rhodes roared to life, punching away at Reigns but accidentally kicking down the referee during his spirited comeback.
The Usos, one night after losing the undisputed tag team championships to Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, ran out to the ring and hit Rhodes with superkicks and a 1D. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn then come in from the crowd and chase the Usos out of the ring. Before they do, Owens lands a Stunner on Reigns and Zayn follows with a Helluva Kick. With the referee waking up, Cody gets a close two count.
Rhodes channelled the spirit of his late father, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, clocking Reigns with jabs and a bionic elbow. Rhodes appeared to have the match won with two consecutive Cross Rhodes, but interferences by Paul Heyman and Sikoa allowed Reigns to hit the match-winning spear and retain undisputed WWE Universal championship.
Thanks to @WWESoloSikoa, @WWERomanReigns RETAINS against @CodyRhodes at #WrestleMania!@HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/Q1vUPOHokZ
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2023
