In a shocking turn of events at WrestleMania 40, Roman Reigns, the formidable Tribal Chief and long-reigning Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of Cody Rhodes in the main event. While Rhodes emerged victorious with the help of some WWE veteran wrestlers, speculation has arisen among fans regarding Reigns’ reaction to his loss, with some suggesting that the Tribal Chief may have willingly surrendered the title to Rhodes.
The highly anticipated showdown between Reigns and Rhodes saw the Tribal Chief accompanied by members of his formidable Bloodline faction, invoking the “Bloodline Rules” that had previously led to their triumph over Rhodes and Seth Rollins in a tag team match. Despite the formidable opposition, Rhodes found unexpected support from WWE icons John Cena and The Undertaker, setting the stage for a dramatic and unforgettable championship clash.
As the match unfolded, with both competitors delivering electrifying performances, eagle-eyed fans noticed a subtle moment during the final pinfall. A camera angle captured Reigns seemingly smiling as Rhodes secured the victory, prompting speculation among fans that the Tribal Chief may have harbored no ill will towards his opponent and may have even welcomed Rhodes’ triumph.
The sentiment among fans was mixed, with some expressing admiration for Reigns’ sportsmanship and willingness to elevate his competitors. One fan noted that Reigns’ apparent happiness for Rhodes’ victory showcased the depth of his character and leadership within the WWE locker room. Another fan hailed Reigns as the epitome of professionalism, suggesting that his willingness to embrace the moment signaled a new chapter in his career.
Guys, I bet Roman was the happiest tonight that he lost. Why? Because you can see him smiling when Cody pinned him. 🥹 #ThankYouRoman #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/bEnx1VAOHj
— zaira | CHELLATEEZ (@omegasmone) April 8, 2024
Reigns’ loss marks the end of his historic 1316-day title reign as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, a tenure defined by dominance and unparalleled success. The weight of such a lengthy reign undoubtedly brought added pressure to Reigns, making his defeat a bittersweet relief after months of relentless competition.
In the aftermath of WrestleMania, speculation abounds regarding Reigns’ future plans. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter has hinted at a potential hiatus for Reigns, with his next appearance likely to coincide with upcoming events such as the unannounced Saudi Arabia show and the SummerSlam event in Cleveland on August 3rd.
Meanwhile, Reigns has etched his name in the annals of WrestleMania history, breaking the record for the most appearances previously held by wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. As the WWE Universe grapples with the aftermath of Reigns’ stunning defeat, one thing remains certain: the era of the Tribal Chief may have come to a close, but his legacy will endure in the annals of sports entertainment.
