Top 5 Cody Rhodes Matches at WrestleMania

#5. Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania 27

WrestleMania 27 is mostly remembered for the wrong reasons, but the show did have some glimpses of brilliance, especially in the undercard. Cody Rhodes competed in his first singles match at Mania against the legendary Rey Mysterio.

The build revolved around Mysterio accidentally injuring Rhodes’ face with the 619. “Dashing” Cody Rhodes had to undergo facial reconstructive surgery and began wearing a mask. A vengeful Rhodes challenged Mysterio to a match at Mania

Truth be told, this was a good, enjoyable, and well-paced match that accomplished its goal. The crowd was into the action, and there weren’t many dull moments. Furthermore, WWE made the right call by having Rhodes go over Mysterio. The Master of the 619 was still a big deal, and a win over him solidified Dusty’s son as a solid midcard heel.

#4. Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 38 – Night One

When Cody Rhodes left WWE in 2016 over creative differences, few would have imagined he would return 6 years later as an absolute megastar. Nonetheless, that is exactly what happened as the American Nightmare was revealed as Seth “Freakin” Rollins’ mystery opponent at WrestleMania 38: Night One.

It was a surreal moment. The lights went out, and Rhodes’ iconic theme hit. The crowd erupted with joy as Cody Rhodes rose through the CodyVator. The American Nightmare felt like a big deal. Fortunately, he also had the perfect person to put him over with a motivated Seth “Freakin” Rollins.

#3. Roman Reigns and The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes and Seth “Freakin” Rollins at WrestleMania 40 – Night One

Two years after they fought till the last drop of blood, unique circumstances forced Cody Rhodes and Seth “Freakin” Rollins to team up at WrestleMania 40. The Bloodline was in full force as The Rock became the Final Boss and pulled his weight. Rhodes and Rollins stood in the Bloodline’s way.

The stakes couldn’t have been higher. If The Rock and Roman Reigns won, Cody Rhodes’ title match with Reigns the following night would be a Bloodline Rules match. The stage was, thus, set, and fans were excited to see the Final Boss in the ring once again.

The WWE Universe was expecting some ring rust, but The Rock looked incredible. For 45 minutes, these four men tore each other apart all over the stadium. There was trash talk, close calls, and drama all over the place. In the end, a belt shot followed by the People’s Elbow put the American Nightmare away for the three-count.

#2. Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title at WrestleMania 39

Cody Rhodes returned to WWE with one goal: to win the WWE Championship and finish the story. After years of struggle, the American Nightmare finally found himself in the main event of WrestleMania 39 following an impressive Royal Rumble victory. However, Rhodes stood across the most dominant champion in recent memory.

Roman Reigns was operating in “God” mode and had defeated the cream of the crop. The story wrote itself with the heroic underdog in Rhodes taking down the tyrant in Reigns. As expected, this was a masterpiece in storytelling. Both men went back and forth in a competitive encounter that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The Usos, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn all got involved as the match descended into bedlam. It felt as if Rhodes would finally finish his story. As he went for the third Cross Rhodes, Solo Sikoa appeared out of nowhere, and  Samoan spiked the challenger. This left the American Nightmare vulnerable to a Spear that crushed his dreams.

It was a heartbreaking defeat. After all he had endured, Cody should have won. Fortunately, Triple H had a better plan in mind as he was putting together one of the greatest stories of the modern era.

#1. Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Universal Championship in a Bloodline Rules Match at WrestleMania 40 – Night Two

Where do we start? After The Rock pinned Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 40: Night One, fans could feel that WWE was cooking something magical in the background. It was a collective hunch, and they were right as Triple H put together one of the most memorable main events of all time.

The match started slowly, but it soon picked up pace as both men pulled out their big moves. As we reached a fever pitch, the shenanigans began. The Usos were out first, and their involvement ended with Jey hitting a Spear on Jimmy off the stage. Solo Sikoa, the difference maker at WrestleMania 39, interfered next, but the returning John Cena neutralized him.

The Final Boss came out to stare down Cena in an iconic moment. Their confrontation ended in a Rock Bottom. The Rock was interrupted by Seth Rollins coming out to The Shield’s theme song in his Shield attire. Rollins was cut off by a Superman punch. However, it was Cody’s night, and there was one last surprise.

The gong hit, and The Undertaker emerged to Chokeslam The Rock. A distraught Roman Reigns took out Rollins with the steel chair, but Rhodes capitalized and hit three Cross Rhodes to finish his story. The segment drew comparisons to Avengers: Endgame.

Nonetheless, it was a beautiful moment that showed the world what professional wrestling was all about. WrestleMania is about creating such moments, and it doesn’t get much bigger than Cody Rhodes finally finishing his story.