Cody Rhodes’s story has been one of the most captivating narratives in WWE history. He went from being a mid-card talent to becoming the Undisputed face of the company after returning to WWE in 2022.
However, Rhodes has been a part of WWE’s premier event, WrestleMania, for a long time. The American Nightmare has wrestled at eight Manias with an equal win-loss record at the event and competing against the likes of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Big Show. Here are the six top matches of Cody Rhodes at The Grandest Stage of Them All:
5. Randy Orton vs Cody Rhodes vs Ted DiBiase
Cody Rhodes was a part of Randy Orton’s faction, Legacy, alongside Ted DiBiase. The trio represented their family lineages, with Orton leading the charge for then-rising stars in Rhodes and DiBiase. However, friction began to arise among the stable, and it led to a triple threat match at WrestleMania 26.
The three WWE superstars put a surprisingly memorable showdown at The Show of Shows. Rhodes did not win the match as Orton was the one to take home the W from Phoenix, Arizona.
4. Rey Mysterio
The feud between Cody Rhodes and Rey Mysterio began after he smashed an exposed knee brace on Rhodes’s face. This led to him dropping his “Dashing” gimmick and becoming a masked and delusional WWE superstar looking to settle the score with The Master of the 619 at WrestleMania 27.
Thinking about Rey vs Cody at WM 27
— luke!👾 (@YoungPhillyKing) June 13, 2024
The match was a spectacular showdown between Rhodes and Mysterio. The ending saw Cody hitting Mysterio with an exposed knee brace and planting him with a Cross Rhodes for his first win at WrestleMania. Now, years later, he might get help from a top WWE superstar for the upcoming WrestleMania 41.
3. Big Show
Cody Rhodes was the reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion heading into WrestleMania 28. He began a feud with The Big Show and mocked him for having a big loss record at past WrestleMania. In fact, Rhodes even went on to label him as ‘The Reverse Undertaker.’ The World’s Largest Athlete had a huge chip on his shoulder and snapped his defeated streak against Rhodes to win the workhorse title from him.
Cody Rhodes Made a Promise to Dwayne Johnson 13 Years Ago and Now He Has Stolen His 2 Beloved Titles
The World’s Largest Athlete had a huge chip on his shoulder and had a hard-fought battle against Rhodes. He snapped his defeated streak against Rhodes to win the workhorse title from him at WrestleMania 28.
2. Seth Rollins
Cody Rhodes left WWE in 2016, citing creative frustrations and mid-card status. He went to the outside world to reinvent himself and become an even bigger star in the process. Following his failed renegotiations with AEW, Rhodes and his wife, Brandi, left the company in January 2022.
Cody Rhodes’ return at WrestleMania 38 was such a predictable moment but at the same time so good.
The atmosphere in that stadium was AMAZING.
Seth Rollins’ reaction lives in my head rent free 😭
No “woah” chants seem so weird now 💀 pic.twitter.com/kCLvRih58L
— tribal chief ☝🏻🩸 (@luireigns) February 10, 2025
This led to former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon grasping on the opportunity and signing Rhodes back to the company. He returned as the surprise opponent for Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 38 under his popular ‘American Nightmare’ gimmick and picked up a huge win over The Visionary after a spectacular showdown at The Show of Shows. This marked the start of a dream run for Rhodes, who ultimately became the new face of WWE.
1. Roman Reigns
Cody Rhodes won the 2023 Royal Rumble match and challenged Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 39. Despite huge momentum and massive fan support, Rhodes lost to Reigns following the interference of Solo Sikoa. However, The American Nightmare bounced back by winning the 2024 Royal Rumble and once again earned the right to challenge Reigns for the title.
12. WrestleMania 40 night 2
Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes pic.twitter.com/9ts6JWBo0D— Roman’s era 𓃵☝🏻 (@25_Saurav) February 16, 2025
The road to WrestleMania 40 was even more difficult than the previous year, with Roman Reigns aligned with his powerful cousin, The Rock. Despite multiple hurdles and obstacles, Rhodes was successful in dethroning The OTC this time at WrestleMania 40 and became the new Undisputed WWE Champion in memorable fashion to ‘Finish The Story.’
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