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Cody Rhodes Casts Doubt On Major WWE Match Happening Again
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The epic rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns defined WWE for two years, and now the new Undisputed WWE Champion has commented on the possibility of a third, tie-breaking match. While fans have been clamoring for a trilogy bout, Rhodes has admitted it would be a "very hard match to have happen" in the current landscape.
Speaking on the Sports Illustrated Podcast, "The American Nightmare" was asked about another encounter with "The Tribal Chief." He acknowledged the importance of a rubber match but was realistic about the challenges.
A Hard Match To Make
Cody Rhodes praised Roman Reigns as an opponent and acknowledged the significance of their two WrestleMania main events. However, he noted that their current standing in the company makes a third match difficult to put together.
"I can tell you that's probably a very hard match to have happen," Rhodes said. "But I could see it being very significant it happening again... for the fans who really make this all up... you can't just have two, you know, we split it, right? So that third exists... I'm certainly not adverse to it. I don't know what his outlook on it is."
Finishing The Story: A Two-Year Saga
The rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns is the definitive storyline of the modern WWE era. It spanned two full years, beginning with Cody's return to the company in 2022 with the stated goal of winning the championship his father, Dusty Rhodes, never held.
Cody Rhodes looks on during the WWE Royal Rumble at Alamodome on January 28, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas.
Cody Rhodes looks on during the WWE Royal Rumble at Alamodome on January 28, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas.
Alex Bierens de Haan
Their first epic encounter was in the main event of WrestleMania 39, where Reigns, with the help of The Bloodline, defeated Rhodes in a heartbreaking finish. Cody spent the next year fighting his way back to the main event, winning a second consecutive Royal Rumble to earn a rematch. At WrestleMania 40, he finally "finished the story," defeating Reigns to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
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A Tale of Two Paths
With their series tied at one win apiece, a third match seems inevitable from a storytelling perspective. However, the two stars are now on very different paths. Cody Rhodes is once again the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion on SmackDown after defeating John Cena at SummerSlam.
Roman Reigns, after a long hiatus following his WrestleMania 40 loss, has recently returned to the Raw brand as a changed man. He is reportedly now on a new quest to capture the World Heavyweight Championship, which would put him on a collision course with that title, not Cody's. For a third match to happen, a major brand switch or a special "champion vs. champion" scenario would be required.
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