At WWE WrestleMania XL, Mama Rhodes saw her son finish the story, as Cody Rhodes beat Roman Reigns to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
The year prior, she saw her son lose at WrestleMania 39. At the post-event presser, Rhodes talked about what his mother said to him after the 2023 event.
“One thing about my mom is, my mom does not want to be on TV. She doesn’t want to be Mama Rhodes. She’s usually asleep during the show. She doesn’t know this, but I’ll never forget, I was really worried when I didn’t win at WrestleMania 39, the journey that I fought, ‘How can I get back to WrestleMania 40 and do it all again?’ I remember saying to her, ‘I just want to be quarterback.’ She didn’t mean it in any negative way, but how she slid right in as I said that and said, ‘Just one time.’ When she said that, I realized that I was out of time. It was now or never. WrestleMania 39, it felt this was it, this was the moment, this is the most obvious thing ever. No. What they asked me, what the challenge was, what the task was — I just heard The Miz, who I’ve known my whole career tell me that was an incredible amount of pressure. I’m not going to pat myself on the back here, but I feel the gauntlet was laid down and I was able to get through to the other side. Ultimately, the biggest challenge in front of me was the biggest movie star in the world, Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Mr. Heyman, now a Hall of Famer, and of course, the Tribal Chief, a man on the Mount Rushmore of pro wrestling, sports entertainment, Roman Reigns. I’m lost in all of this, if that makes any sense, I am. If I learned anything from my dad, if it’s a good night, you don’t want it to end.”
Cody Rhodes Defeats Roman Reigns to Win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania XL
In a historic and unforgettable moment at WWE WrestleMania XL, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious against Roman Reigns to claim the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. This triumph marked a significant milestone in Rhodes’ career, as he avenged his loss at WrestleMania 39 and solidified his place among the wrestling elite.
Reflecting on his journey, Rhodes shared a heartfelt anecdote about his mother’s support and the pivotal role she played in motivating him to strive for greatness. Despite not wanting to be in the spotlight, Mama Rhodes provided invaluable encouragement and wisdom that fueled her son’s determination.
Rhodes revealed that after WrestleMania 39, where he suffered a defeat, he was plagued with doubts about his ability to make it back to the grandest stage of them all. It was during a conversation with his mother that he realized the urgency of his situation. When he expressed his desire to be the quarterback, a symbol of leadership and success, Mama Rhodes interjected with a poignant remark, “Just one time.” These words resonated deeply with Rhodes, making him realize that time was running out, and he had to seize the opportunity before it slipped away.
The challenges that awaited Rhodes on his road to WrestleMania XL were immense. He faced formidable opponents such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Paul Heyman, and the dominant Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. The pressure was palpable, but Rhodes demonstrated unwavering determination and resilience throughout his journey.
Acknowledging the magnitude of the task at hand, Rhodes expressed gratitude for the support he received from his fans and colleagues. He recognized the gauntlet that was laid down before him and embraced the challenge with unwavering focus. Despite feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment, Rhodes drew inspiration from his father’s teachings, understanding that a good night should never end.
The victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL not only secured Rhodes’ place in wrestling history but also showcased his ability to overcome adversity and rise to the occasion. With this triumph, Rhodes cemented his legacy as a force to be reckoned with in the WWE universe.
As fans and critics alike celebrate this momentous win, it is clear that Cody Rhodes has etched his name among the greats of professional wrestling. His journey from defeat to triumph serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of loved ones.
The Undisputed WWE Universal Championship victory at WrestleMania XL will forever be remembered as a defining moment in Cody Rhodes’ career. It is a reminder that dreams can be realized, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Rhodes’ story serves as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers and individuals striving to achieve their goals, proving that with determination and unwavering belief, anything is possible.