In a surprising turn of events at WWE WrestleMania 39 on Sunday, Roman Reigns triumphed over Cody Rhodes, retaining the Undisputed Universal Title in the main event. Fans were left stunned by the outcome, which featured interference from The Usos, Paul Heyman, and Solo Sikoa, adding an unexpected twist to the match.
Rhodes managed to execute two Cross Rhodes during the battle, but Paul Heyman's distraction of the referee provided the opening for Solo Sikoa to strike Rhodes with a Samoan Spike. Reigns then capitalized on the opportunity by delivering a spear, securing his victory, and retaining the title.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, while Vince McMahon was still in charge of the creative department before his retirement last summer, there were no plans for Reigns to relinquish the title. However, with McMahon stepping down, the company devised a storyline for Rhodes to challenge Reigns for the prestigious championship.
Reigns' Retention Decided Weeks Prior
In the weeks leading up to WrestleMania 39, several people within WWE began advocating for Reigns to retain the title, sparking rumors that he might ultimately come out on top. Fightful Select's report confirmed that the decision for Reigns to win had been finalized several weeks before the event, though it remains to be seen when the talent themselves were informed.
Moreover, the report indicated that the interference elements in the match were kept secret until the end. Talent, referees, and ringside staff should have known these twists beforehand. Interestingly, sources within the organization denied that Vince McMahon had any influence over the decision to have Reigns retain the title at WrestleMania 39.
This unexpected ending to the main event has generated significant buzz among WWE fans and industry insiders. Roman Reigns' successful title defense adds another thrilling chapter to his storied career and reinforces his position as one of the most dominant champions in WWE history.
As the fallout from WrestleMania 39 unfolds, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see what's in store for Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes in the coming weeks. With WWE's creative direction seemingly taking unexpected turns, it's clear that the company is determined to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in professional wrestling.