At WrestleMania 40, Cody Rhodes secured a place in WWE history by defeating Roman Reigns to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship in a monumental showdown. Beyond the spectacle of the match itself, Rhodes revealed a deeply personal and touching moment that occurred backstage just moments before his historic victory, involving WWE icon John Cena.
In an exclusive interview on Behind The Turnbuckle with Jonathan Coachman, Rhodes reflected on the profound impact of WrestleMania 40 and singled out a particular moment that resonated deeply with him. For Rhodes, the significance lay not only in the victory over Reigns but also in a brief but meaningful interaction with Cena, whom he has long admired as both a wrestling figure and a role model for professionalism.
“WrestleMania 40 itself was an unforgettable experience, both nights. There’s a specific moment from WrestleMania 40 that will stay with me forever,” Rhodes recounted. “It’s not just about the pinfall, but the moments leading up to it. I’ve always been a student of John Cena’s—his approach to wrestling as a business and as a character resonated with me deeply.”
Rhodes spoke fondly of Cena’s tenure as WWE’s top babyface and praised his contributions to the industry, noting Cena’s authenticity and dedication to wrestling’s craft. The backstage moment at WrestleMania 40, amidst the grandeur of legends like The Undertaker and The Rock, held particular significance for Rhodes as he prepared to face Reigns in the main event.
“As Undertaker and Rock shared their moment, John was there off-camera, observing the culmination of my match with Roman,” Rhodes revealed. “Making eye contact with John at that moment—it’s hard to put into words. It was a validation, a nod from someone who has carried this company on his shoulders for so long.”
The brief yet impactful exchange symbolized Cena’s endorsement of Rhodes’ journey and marked a touching affirmation of Rhodes’ ascent in WWE. The American Nightmare expressed profound gratitude for Cena’s presence and support during such a pivotal career milestone.
Since capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship, Rhodes has defended his title with tenacity, facing formidable challengers such as AJ Styles and Logan Paul. His next challenge awaits at WWE Money in the Bank PLE, where he joins forces with Kevin Owens and Randy Orton in a high-stakes 6-man tag team match against The Bloodline, his longtime adversaries.
The emotional depth behind Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania 40 victory adds a layer of narrative richness to his championship reign and ongoing rivalry with The Bloodline. Fans and wrestling enthusiasts alike continue to resonate with the personal journey and profound moments that define Rhodes’ tenure as WWE’s Undisputed Champion.