As anticipated by many, Cody Rhodes achieved his destiny by defeating Roman Reigns to claim the undisputed world championship title at WrestleMania 40.
Reflecting on Rhodes’ monumental victory, CM Punk offered words of caution regarding the challenges that lie ahead.
The main event of WrestleMania’s second night was an exciting showdown, with various luminaries rallying to thwart The Bloodline’s dominance.
Ultimately, Rhodes sealed his victory by executing his finisher three times, marking the end of the Tribal Chief’s historic reign.
During a segment on ESPN, CM Punk and Charlotte Flair shared their reactions to the pivotal moments of WrestleMania XL’s second day.
Punk, drawing from his own experiences at the pinnacle of the industry, likened Rhodes’ championship triumph to earning a black belt in martial arts, emphasizing the arduous journey ahead.
“Listen, a black belt is a white belt that didn’t quit, right? He just earned his black belt. And unlike his finishing maneuver, we are no longer at a crossroads; I think the path is clear to possibly the Cody Rhodes era. But, I will warn him. It is much harder to stay on top than it is to get there. We all saw how hard it was for him to get there. There are a lot of people gunning for him.” [4:24 onwards]
Charlotte Flair echoed Punk’s sentiments, noting that Rhodes’ victory is just the beginning of a new chapter in his storied career.
She highlighted Rhodes’ resilience and determination, emphasizing how he had to leave the company to prove himself among the best in the business.
“I really think his story is just beginning. He is exactly where he should be. But the biggest takeaway is Cody was here. He went away and came back. Kind of like Paul Heyman’s speech at the Hall of Fame. People kept telling him no, or things kept failing, and that never waivered either person’s confidence. Cody is a testament to knowing your worth.” [3:38 onwards]
While Rhodes may have concluded one chapter of his journey, the aftermath of WrestleMania promises the start of another thrilling narrative, one filled with new challenges and triumphs.
