Charlotte Flair and CM Punk remember Dusty Rhodes.

WrestleMania 40 ended in historic fashion as Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns to “finish the story” and win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. The moment was emotional for many who have followed Cody’s journey and for those who have also been impacted by his father, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes.

Following WrestleMania Sunday, fellow WWE stars Charlotte Flair and CM Punk spoke to Joe Tessitore of ESPN to react to Cody finishing the story and how Dusty impacted each of them.

“I know his dad is here somewhere,” Flair said. “I’ve known Cody since he was a kid and the reason I’m here today is partly because of how much Dusty believed in me. But just knowing what this moment means — and I promise you — I don’t think his dad could have ever pictured this. Pro wrestling is in Cody’s blood, and his mom holding the title, and the story, it’s a love story. I don’t know how else to — I’m trying to hold back tears. It’s emotional.”

“It’s a legit emotional affair,” Punk said. “You said you’ve known Cody since you were kids, I feel like I’ve known you and Cody since you were both kids, and I knew Dusty. Having a guy like Dusty Rhodes believe in you when no one else does is powerful. It’s magic. I used to think I was the only one, and then he took over NXT and, man, he developed talent everywhere and possibly, it goes without saying, the best talent he possibly developed was his son Cody.”

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit ESPN with a h/t to WrestleZone for the transcription.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump

Want more Wrestling news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.