The Unfinished Story: Will Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns Collide Again?
The rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns has defined the modern era of professional wrestling. From the heartbreaking loss at WrestleMania 39 to the triumphant victory at WrestleMania 40, their two-year saga was a masterclass in long-term storytelling. With the series tied at one win apiece, the wrestling world is buzzing with a single question: will there be a third, rubber match to “finish the story”? In a recent interview, the American Nightmare himself addressed this very topic, offering a dose of reality to the dream scenario.
Rhodes, now a two-time Undisputed WWE Champion after his huge win at SummerSlam, acknowledged the significance of a potential trilogy bout. He understands the fan desire for a definitive conclusion, stating, “you can’t just have two…we split it, right? So that third exists.” However, he also tempered expectations, admitting that in the current landscape, another match with Roman Reigns would be “a very hard match to have happen.” The paths of these two titans have diverged significantly since their last encounter, presenting a unique challenge for WWE’s creative team.
The Divergent Paths: What Makes a Third Match So Difficult?
The landscape of WWE has shifted dramatically since Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. While Rhodes is now the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion on SmackDown, Roman Reigns has returned to the Raw brand as a changed man. After a prolonged hiatus, he is now reportedly on a new quest, targeting the World Heavyweight Championship. This brand split creates a major logistical hurdle. For a third match to occur, it would require a major brand switch or a special “champion vs. champion” scenario, which are rare and often reserved for special events. This division ensures that both superstars can thrive as the top champions of their respective brands, keeping the storylines fresh and the audience engaged with different rivalries.
Answering the Fans: Will We Ever See the “Greatest Match That Never Happened”?
One of the most compelling aspects of this saga is the fan investment. The emotional rollercoaster from WrestleMania 39’s defeat to WrestleMania 40’s triumph created a powerful bond between Cody Rhodes and the WWE Universe. This collective investment is what makes a third match feel so necessary to many. Rhodes himself recognizes this, even floating the idea that it could be “the greatest match that never happened” if it doesn’t come to fruition. He also acknowledged the shift in both their characters, noting, “We’re different than we were.” This evolution of character, with Reigns reportedly now in a more heroic role and Rhodes cemented as the company’s top babyface, complicates a simple rematch. A third encounter would need a new, compelling narrative to avoid feeling like a simple retread of their previous battles.
Beyond The Tribal Chief: What’s Next for the American Nightmare?
While fans might be clamoring for a trilogy with Reigns, Cody Rhodes is not short on future challengers. As the Undisputed WWE Champion, he has a target on his back from the entire SmackDown roster. His recent win over John Cena at SummerSlam proved he is a fighting champion ready to face all comers. He is reportedly set to defend his title against Drew McIntyre at the upcoming Clash in Paris event. This new rivalry, along with potential clashes with other rising stars, allows Rhodes to build his own legacy as champion. The American Nightmare’s journey is no longer just about finishing one story; it’s about cementing his place as the face of the company and creating a new legacy for the Rhodes family.
The Evolution of Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns’ return on Raw marks a new chapter for the Head of the Table. His feud with the new Bloodline, led by Solo Sikoa, and his reported pursuit of the World Heavyweight Championship, showcases a different side of the once-dominant Tribal Chief. This evolution from heel to a potential babyface on the red brand offers a fresh direction for his character, moving him away from the long-standing “Head of the Table” persona and into a new role as a fan favorite. This change of heart, and the ongoing saga of the new Bloodline, provides a wealth of new storytelling opportunities for Reigns without him needing to immediately re-enter the title picture with Rhodes.
The Unbreakable Bond: Cody Rhodes and the WWE Universe
The bond between Cody Rhodes and the WWE Universe is unlike any other. His journey back to WWE with the singular goal of “finishing the story” resonated deeply with fans, turning him into one of the most beloved figures in wrestling. This connection is a powerful asset for the company, and they are committed to protecting it. The decision to potentially keep Rhodes and Reigns apart is a strategic one, ensuring that the legacy of their epic rivalry remains untarnished while allowing both men to forge new, impactful narratives that continue to drive audience engagement and interest in WWE.
Conclusion
Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns have given us one of the greatest rivalries in wrestling history, and the memory of their two epic WrestleMania main events will undoubtedly last forever. While a third, trilogy match remains a tantalizing possibility for fans, it’s clear that the current creative direction for both superstars is taking them on separate, compelling paths. The dream of a third clash may be put on hold for now, but the potential for it to happen someday makes their ongoing journeys all the more exciting. What do you think? Should Cody and Roman face off one more time to break the tie, or is it time for them to forge their own legacies apart? Let us know in the comments below!
