#FinishTheStory trends on social media; Insight into Cody Rhodes’ WWE journey since WrestleMania 38 return

Since his comeback at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, Cody Rhodes has been determined to achieve his ultimate goal of becoming the top champion and completing his story. Despite not yet accomplishing this, he will have another chance as he challenges Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on the second night of WrestleMania XL.

This is a second encounter between The American Nightmare and The Tribal Chief, who faced off at WrestleMania 39 as well. During that match, Rhodes came dangerously close to defeating the Head of the Table.

Cody will be given another opportunity to complete the task he began two years ago upon his return to WWE and confrontation of Seth Rollins.

#4. AJ Styles’ WWE Return and Intense Rivalry with Seth Rollins

After a six-year absence, Cody Rhodes made a triumphant return to WWE in April 2022. On Night One of WrestleMania 38, he emerged victorious against Seth Rollins and wasted no time in declaring his goal of becoming the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion the following day.

Despite several more pay-per-view battles, Cody’s feud with Seth ultimately concluded with Rhodes emerging victorious in each match, solidifying his undefeated record against The Visionary and effectively concluding their rivalry.

Despite his determination, a genuine pectoral muscle tear sidelined him for nine months and temporarily deprived him of the chance to compete for the championship.

#3. Redemption and rivalry with The Beast Incarnate

Despite interference from Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline, Cody Rhodes made a triumphant return in the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble Match, emerging victorious. He then went on to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39, but unfortunately, The American Nightmare was unable to defeat Reigns and ultimately lost the match.

The next day, he issued a challenge to Reigns and Sikoa for a tag team match. He chose Brock Lesnar as his partner, but unfortunately, The Beast Incarnate attacked him before the match could even begin.

The rivalry between Cody and Lesnar spanned from Backlash to SummerSlam, with The American Nightmare emerging victorious in two out of three matches. Following their intense bout at SummerSlam 2023, Lesnar showed his respect and admiration for Cody.

#2. Redemption: Winning the Royal Rumble and reclaiming the Universal Championship

In the months of August 2023 to January 2024, Cody Rhodes joined forces with Jey Uso, who had parted ways with The Bloodline, and together they were crowned the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. This marked Cody’s first championship win since his comeback to the Stamford-based promotion.

After his victory in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match, Rhodes became the first wrestler since Stone Cold Steve Austin in 1997 and 1998 to win the prestigious event twice. He then proceeded to challenge Roman Reigns once again, but the situation was altered with the unexpected arrival of The Rock.

Following a series of exchanges, The Rock joined forces with Roman Reigns to issue a tag team match challenge to Rhodes and Seth Rollins for Night One of WrestleMania XL. The result of this match will determine the stipulation for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match between Rhodes and Reigns on Night Two.

In the past two Monday Night RAW episodes, Cody Rhodes has been brutally attacked by The Rock. It is yet to be determined how The American Nightmare will retaliate on this Friday’s SmackDown.

#1. WWE turns Cody Rhodes into a top babyface

From the moment Cody Rhodes reappeared in WWE, he has been presented as a leading hero. This was evident in his rivalries with Seth Rollins, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns, as well as his successful partnership with Jey Uso in the tag team division.

Looking ahead, we should anticipate Rhodes to continue portraying a good-guy character, even if he were to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania XL.