After a staggering 1316 days, Cody Rhodes achieved the unthinkable by toppling Roman Reigns to claim the prestigious Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in a sensational main event that featured a constellation of wrestling icons.
Amidst a jubilant celebration, Rhodes basked in the glory of his long-awaited coronation, joined by an array of top stars and family members, including Triple H, marking the culmination of an extraordinary journey.
As Rhodes embarks on his reign as the new champion, the wrestling world eagerly awaits the unfolding chapters of his story, brimming with anticipation and speculation about what lies ahead for the Grandson of a Plumber.
Here are three potential paths for Cody Rhodes as he charts his course after his monumental victory at WrestleMania XL:
#3: A Move to SmackDown for Cody Rhodes:
Prior to his triumph at WrestleMania XL, Rhodes was a prominent figure on WWE RAW.
“When one good story ends, an even better one begins.”
— Cody Rhodes#SmackDown #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/tFO8JoxvFe
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) April 6, 2024
However, with the Universal Championship now in his possession, speculation mounts about a potential move to SmackDown, where he could assume the mantle left vacant by Roman Reigns.
This shift would offer fresh rivalries and dynamics while allowing RAW to cultivate new talent in his absence.
#2: Instituting an Undisputed Championship Open Challenge:
Rhodes’s mission to claim the Universal Championship was rooted in liberating it from Reigns’s grip, emphasizing the importance of a fighting champion.
One potential direction for Rhodes is to establish an open challenge format, injecting excitement and unpredictability into his reign while signaling a departure from Reigns’s part-time approach.
#1: A Showdown with The Rock:
While Rhodes vanquished Reigns to solidify his championship reign, one formidable adversary remains: The Rock.
WrestleMania XL saw Rhodes cross paths with The Great One, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster showdown.
A one-on-one clash with The Rock would not only be a monumental encounter but also a fitting continuation of Rhodes’s journey, offering closure to a rivalry that has simmered for years.
As Cody Rhodes embarks on his reign as WWE Universal Champion, the possibilities are endless, and the wrestling world eagerly awaits the next thrilling chapter in his storied career.
