The long-awaited moment happened on Night 2 of WrestleMania XL as Cody Rhodes reigned supreme against the Bloodline to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Rhodes managed to win the title under circumstances that were against him. The American Nightmare finally finished his story that started with WrestleMania 39.
The integral piece that was pivotal to Rhides’ big win was his alliance with Seth Rollins who in the past was a member of the Shield along with Roman Reigns. Their years-long feud led to Rollins siding with Rhodes leading up to WrestleMania XL. After Rhodes’ win, fans now believe that Rollins was the architect behind it.
Seth Rollins May Have Been the Secret Sauce to Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania Victory
Cody Rhodes’ rivalry with the Bloodline was the main story arc that was the focal point of WrestleMania XL which concluded recently. While fascinating as that was to witness in the weeks leading up to their two-night match, another ingredient that was added to the mix that made it more exciting was the continuing Roman Reigns-Seth Rollins feud that began 10 years ago (via The Sportster).
The duo were once part of one of the most dominant and powerful WWE teams called The Shield along with Dean Ambrose. The once powerful group became fractured when Rollins went against Shield and allied with Triple and The Authority in 2014. Since then, the two have been feuding and trash-talking about each other over the years.
Rollins’ decision to back up Rhodes against the mighty Bloodline team of the Rock and Reigns formed a perfect setup for WrestleMania XL. Although Rhodes and Rollins lost Night 1, the Architect perfectly laid out the right circumstances for Rhodes’ victory, as he continued supporting him by emotionally manipulating Reigns on Night 2. Here are some of the reactions on X,
this is insane of seth…like he knew exactly what he was doing wearing the shield gear
— quinn (@quinnbvk) April 8, 2024
Real talk. Was thinking he was remembering about The Shield thing. But out of everyone, Seth Rollins knows how to get into Roman Reigns head.
— King Jae (@KingJae) April 8, 2024
It was all mind games by seth
— K.N.C👑 🇨🇺 SZN ♋💯🔴 (@IEat_Her_Tweets) April 8, 2024
The Architect wins again
— RealChrisG (@RealChrisG1972) April 8, 2024
not over this. roman lost his greatest accomplishment bc he saw seth in a shield gear. he never ever got over it n he never will. he chose to hit SETH who was already down w a CHAIR instead of his opponent cody…INSANE DEPTHS OF STORYTELLING #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/ctGAmuRygf
— quinn (@quinnbvk) April 8, 2024
The clever use of the Shield outfit was a masterstroke tactic from Rollins as he knew that it would remind Reigns of his betrayal years ago. This smart orchestration from the Architect himself worked as Reigns got distracted due to his personal hate for Rollins and went on to beat him instead of Rhodes. He literally became Rhodes’ ‘shield’ to ensure his big win at the end.
Samantha Irvin Gets Emotional As She Announces Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania Win
Cody Rhodes finally got to finish his story on Night 2 of WrestleMania XL as he beat Roman Reigns to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. The thrilling match was intense and thrilling, with each man giving whatever they have to defeat the other. With surprising cameos from John Cena and The Undertaker, it was indeed a satisfying finale for everyone involved.
As Rhodes delivered three Cross Rhodes and won the match, popular ring announcer Samantha Irvin’s voice is heard breaking in moments, as she declared the winner. She is clearly emotional witnessing Rhodes’ story coming to a close and fans shared her sentiment on X. Here are some of the reactions,
Samantha getting emotional choked me up too, not gonna lie.
— Josh Innocent (@thejoshinnocent) April 8, 2024
Beautiful🔥
— Eric Lugo (@eric13lugo) April 8, 2024
Especially since she doesn't know the outcomes of main events or surprise returns. It's a personal option for her that she likes to use. So it's her real emotion
— Dominique Lee (@Dominiq15082616) April 8, 2024
We are all Samantha
Love wrestling
— david burgos (@fearthereaper88) April 8, 2024
@SamanthaTheBomb taking the biggest moment in history and adding more emotion to it somehow, she is THE GOAT. ABSOLUTE BEST EVER BAR NONE
— Phoenix Maximus (@PhoenixMaximus2) April 8, 2024
Rhodes’ win puts an end to Reigns’ tenure of defending his WWE championship title for 1316 days. It is a new era now and Rhodes is leading the charge as the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. It remains to be seen what’s next for Rhodes following his historic win at WrestleMania XL.
