A seven-match card marked the official start of WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia on April 6. As it happened, the main event on Sunday is one of the greatest in history. The Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns featured it all—action, surprises, storytelling, and emotions!
After eleven years, Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, 51, finally entered the ring again when Reigns tagged him to face Rollins. The American Nightmare emerged victorious in a Bloodline Rules match against Reigns to take home the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in the night’s main event on April 7.
Following the loss, Reigns shared a heartfelt embrace with Paul Heyman on stage. The video of this emotional moment has been shared on social media, touching the hearts of fans worldwide.
Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns for WWE Undisputed Universal Title
The Rock triumphed alongside Roman Reigns over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins on the opening night of WWE WrestleMania 40, marking his first match promoted in 11 years. Let us just say that it was epic. Night 1’s biggest winners were Reigns and The Rock, who defeated Rhodes and Rollins. But after an exciting Night 1, WrestleMania Night 2 was more intense than ever.
The WWE Undisputed Universal Championship match took place on Sunday night under Bloodline Rules following The Rock and Roman Reigns’ victory over Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1.
The match was by no means simple. The four contestants were engaged in a full-on brawl (via Daily Mail report). During the fight, Reigns injured his knee after spearing Rollins; there were wounds left. Neither Reigns nor Rhodes would have found it simple; they have been battered and beaten.
Not counting the twenty minutes for introductions, the entire match lasted about forty-five minutes. Even though Dwayne Johnson had been out of the ring for a while, he did not hesitate to join the fray and enter the ring a few minutes later to submit Rollins. Due to the novelty of seeing The Rock play again, the crowd’s response to both teams’ moves varied throughout the match.
Well, finally, Rhodes put an end to Reigns’ 1,316-day championship reign, which in turn allowed him to finally finish his own story. What a massive victory!
Paul Heyman’s Gesture Towards Roman Reigns Touched Fans’ Hearts
After Cody Rhodes’ impressive victory, many WWE superstars gathered around the ring to celebrate, while Roman Reigns and The Rock were spotted outside the ring. A sense of tension was evidently present. Nevertheless, WWE Hall of Fame Paul Heyman shocked everyone by hugging Reigns on stage, according to a video that Wrestle Ops was able to obtain.
Following the hug, Roman Reigns appeared dejected as he walked backstage, while Heyman gazed into the ring, which was decorated with stars to mark the beginning of a new era. Well, here are a few remarks from astounded viewers after witnessing this “emotional” embrace:
This is it for Roman for a while. He deserves this break pic.twitter.com/CTe3vCYCN5
— E-Man (@WigginsWick22) April 8, 2024
Damn. It’s finally over.
— SB24 (@SkolBros) April 8, 2024
Roman Reigns is 🐐🐐..much respect
— KOT OCS👮👮 (@WaruiJohn2) April 8, 2024
Roman Reigns deserves a standing ovation. He carried WWE for so many years, especially when he started his Tribal Chief persona which birthed so many CINEMA moments. He deserves all the flower, we wouldn't be in the position today if it weren't for him. A true legend.
— Racanelli (@RealRacanelli) April 8, 2024
This night is way too emotional for me to handle man 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/0WvbjrkkRd
— Bruno Fernandes enjoyer (@Nadal_istheGOAT) April 8, 2024
What a reign Roman, you’ll always be acknowledged
— Seasoned HEEL (@HOLLYWOODGHEE_) April 8, 2024
The main query circulating on the internet right now is what will happen to Roman Reigns after he suffered a significant title loss at WrestleMania 40. Because of his impending Hollywood commitments, The Rock’s status with the company is also unclear.
In other notable bouts, Bayley emerged victorious in the WWE Women’s Championship match against Iyo Sky.
Stream WrestleMania 40 on Peacock.