Reigns Pitched Rhodes Loss at WrestleMania 39

At WrestleMania 39 in April 2023, Roman Reigns retained the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Cody Rhodes in the main event at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, a decision reportedly pitched by Reigns himself to then-WWE executive Vince McMahon.

Rhodes had built significant momentum leading into the event. After suffering a major pectoral injury the previous year, he made a triumphant return at the 2023 Royal Rumble, winning the match to earn a title shot against Reigns. The storyline emphasized Rhodes's quest to "finish his story," a narrative tied to his family's wrestling legacy, including his late father, Dusty Rhodes. Reigns and his advisor Paul Heyman repeatedly mocked Rhodes during the buildup, with Reigns claiming Dusty viewed him as more of a son than Cody. Fans at the stadium rallied behind Rhodes, anticipating an end to Reigns's record-setting title reign, which had lasted over 900 days by that point.

The match unfolded with high drama. Members of Reigns's faction, The Bloodline, attempted to interfere, but Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens intervened to neutralize them. Despite the assistance, Solo Sikoa struck Rhodes with a Samoan Spike, allowing Reigns to...