Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania 39 Win Over Roman Reigns Delayed: Behind the Scenes Info

A big story unfolded in the world of WWE in 2023, revolving around one of the biggest booking decisions of the year and how it ultimately paid off in 2024.

When WrestleMania 39 took place in Los Angeles, fans were eagerly anticipating the match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns for the Undisputed Universal Championship. Many were convinced that the American Nightmare would emerge victorious. However, to everyone’s surprise, Reigns managed to retain his title with the help of Solo Sikoa. This outcome was not initially planned.

Reports from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter revealed that the original plan was for Cody Rhodes to defeat Reigns at WrestleMania 39, a decision fully supported by Vince McMahon and Triple H. However, behind the scenes, a different story was unfolding. It was determined that delaying Cody’s victory for a year would result in an even bigger payoff. One of the arguments presented was that keeping the title on Reigns for another year would create opportunities for Jey Uso to establish himself as a prominent singles star.

While Vince McMahon ultimately made the final decision, it was noted that Triple H was in agreement with the plan. There was no instance of McMahon overruling Triple H or any power struggle between the two.

The gamble ultimately paid off as Cody Rhodes did indeed go on to dethrone Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, which has been hailed as the biggest WrestleMania event in history. The decision to delay Cody’s victory by a year proved to be a strategic move that captivated audiences and created an unforgettable moment in WWE history.