As WrestleMania 41 draws closer, WWE is laying out plans for marquee matchups featuring some of its biggest names—John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Here’s what fans can expect in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium this April.
John Cena Vs. Cody Rhodes
WrestleMania 41 will be John Cena’s last chance to compete at WWE’s biggest annual event, and Cena could be going out with a bang against Cody Rhodes. Both PW Insider and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter have reported that Cena Vs. Rhodes is the plan for April.
This match will give Cena a chance to become a 17-time WWE World Champion, breaking the record of 16 he shares with Ric Flair. Rhodes has held onto the Undisputed WWE Championship since WrestleMania 40, where he ended the 1,316-day reign of Roman Reigns.
The Rock’s Possible Appearance
Though a role is yet to be publicly confirmed, The Rock is expected to participate in WrestleMania 41 in some capacity. Original plans calling for The Rock Vs. Cody Rhodes appears to have been scrapped given that the American Nightmare will be tied up with John Cena.
While WWE’s plans are always subject to change, fan excitement and speculation continue to grow for WrestleMania 41, which will take place on April 19, and April 20. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on WrestleMania 40
On the latest episode of AEW Dynamite, Adam Copeland returned to action, but is now going by the name ‘Cope.’ The WWE Hall of Famer is just the latest wrestling star to have his name shortened, but he isn’t the only one.
Here are some times wrestlers had their names cut short, for better or worse.
The Undertaker
One of wrestling’s most iconic names, The Undertaker originally debuted as “Kane The Undertaker” during a 1990 WWF Superstars taping. By the time of his official TV debut, the “Kane” portion was dropped but would resurface seven years later for Glenn Jacobs.
GUNTHER
Before reigning as WWE’s World Heavyweight Champion, GUNTHER was known as WALTER. In early 2022, WWE rebranded him as Gunther Stark, but quickly shortened the name to avoid controversy, as “Gunther Stark” was also the name of a Nazi naval officer.
Cody
When Cody Rhodes left WWE in 2016, he competed simply as “Cody” due to WWE’s trademark on the Rhodes surname. In November 2020, “The American Nightmare” successfully reclaimed the Rhodes name, which he now proudly carries as the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion.
Sheamus
The Celtic Warrior debuted in WWE’s developmental system as Sheamus O’Shaunessy. By the time of his main roster debut on WWE ECW in 2009, the name was shortened to Sheamus. The streamlined moniker didn’t hinder his success, as he ended the year as WWE Champion after defeating John Cena.
Riddle
Originally known as Matt Riddle, WWE shortened the Original Bro’s name in 2020. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the change was influenced by Riddle’s MMA background and his association with marijuana.
Carlito
The Judgment Day star has been wrestling as Carlito, fans may have forgotten that he debuted in 2004 as Carlito Caribbean Cool. It wasn’t long before WWE ditched two-thirds of the former U.S. Champion’s name, and Carlito has gone by one moniker ever since.
The Rock
Perhaps the most successful example of a name change, “The Rock” was born from the transition of Dwayne Johnson’s initial persona, “Rocky Maivia.” The shift not only marked a turning point in his career but also cemented his legacy. To this day, even non-wrestling fans recognize “The Rock” as a cultural icon.
WWE has delivered a remarkable series of matches in 2024, showcasing the evolution of professional wrestling and the company’s commitment to in-ring excellence. From historic WrestleMania moments to breakthrough performances at premium live events, these matches have defined the year in wrestling. Here’s a comprehensive look at WWE’s finest matches of 2024, ranked by their technical quality, storytelling, and overall impact.
WWE’s Best of 2024
5. LA Knight vs. Logan Paul – SummerSlam
This compelling matchup at SummerSlam demonstrated the versatility of both competitors, with LA Knight’s traditional wrestling prowess meshing perfectly with Logan Paul’s athletic innovation. Their contrasting styles and natural charisma created an unexpectedly dynamic contest that had fans on their feet throughout.
4. Bron Breakker vs. Sami Zayn – SummerSlam
The Intercontinental Championship match between Bron Breakker and Sami Zayn represented a pivotal moment in WWE’s future. Breakker’s victory signaled the arrival of WWE’s next generation, while Zayn’s veteran performance elevated the entire encounter to must-see status. Their contrasting styles created a compelling narrative that resonated with fans worldwide.
3. GUNTHER vs. Sami Zayn – WrestleMania 40
The Intercontinental Championship clash between GUNTHER and Sami Zayn embodied professional wrestling’s finest elements. This physical confrontation showcased GUNTHER’s unprecedented championship reign against Zayn’s unwavering determination, culminating in one of WrestleMania’s most memorable undercard matches.
Their contrasting styles – GUNTHER’s technical precision versus Zayn’s never-say-die attitude – created a masterclass in ring psychology that kept audiences invested throughout every moment.
2. Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles – WWE Backlash
Rhodes’ championship defense against Styles in France exemplified professional wrestling at its finest. The match garnered universal acclaim, earning WWE’s first five-star rating of the year from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer. The passionate French audience provided an electric atmosphere that enhanced this technical masterpiece, as both competitors demonstrated why they’re considered among the industry’s elite performers.
1. Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns – WrestleMania 40
The WrestleMania 40 main event marked a historic moment in WWE history as Rhodes challenged Reigns’ historic championship reign. This match represented the culmination of multiple storylines: Rhodes’ three-year quest to capture the title his father never won, and Reigns’ dominant run as champion. The bout delivered an emotional narrative filled with dramatic near-falls, strategic wrestling, and meaningful character moments that will be remembered for years to come.
The WWE landscape in 2024 has seen some of the biggest names in the industry battle it out week after week. From Cody Rhodes’ near-perfect win record to Finn Balor’s tough year, these statistics shed light on the performances of WWE’s top superstars.
Let’s break down the wrestlers with the most wins, losses, and matches in 2024. Data is courtesy of Cagematch.
Most Wins in 2024
#
Superstar
Matches
Wins
Win %
1
Cody Rhodes
101
98
97
2
Bianca Belair
78
67
85.9
3
LA Knight
74
57
77
4
Gunther
69
52
75.4
5
Naomi
69
48
69.6
Cody Rhodes: The American Nightmare’s Dominance
Cody Rhodes led the roster with a staggering 97.0% win rate, securing 98 victories out of 101 matches. His relentless pursuit of excellence included his winning the Men’s Royal Rumble Match, earning him a World Title opportunity at WrestleMania.
Bianca Belair: The EST’s Impressive Run
Bianca Belair maintained a formidable presence with an 85.9% win rate, achieving 67 wins in 78 matches. Her athleticism and resilience were on full display during the Women’s Royal Rumble Match, where she delivered a standout performance.
Most WWE Matches in 2024
#
Superstar
Matches
1
Cody Rhodes
101
2
Jey Uso
88
3
Bianca Belair
78
4
Damian Priest
76
5
LA Knight
74
Most Losses in WWE 2024
#
Superstar
Matches
Losses
% L
1
Dominik Mysterio
66
56
84.80
2
Shinsuke Nakamura
56
52
92.90
3
JD McDonagh
67
51
76.10
4
Finn Balor
67
50
74.60
5
Ludwig Kaiser
58
47
81.00
Key Takeaways from 2024
Record-breaking year for Cody Rhodes with highest win percentage
Women’s division dominated by Bianca Belair’s consistency
Breakthrough year for LA Knight with 77% win rate
Challenging year for Judgment Day members
Notable comeback for Naomi with impressive win percentage
Data sourced from Cagematch. Statistics current as of December 2024.
Cody Rhodes is riding high as the Undisputed WWE Champion, solidifying his place at the top of professional wrestling. After dethroning Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 following his second consecutive Royal Rumble victory, Rhodes has successfully defended his title against top-tier challengers such as AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, and more.
However, Rhodes recognizes that his time as an active competitor won’t last forever. Speaking on the 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast, the 39-year-old champion revealed that he doesn’t plan to wrestle full-time beyond the age of 45.
“Well, 39 now, I’d say, my contract is running until…I don’t want to wrestle full-time definitely past 45. Drop in, for sure, keep myself in shape. I could see [being involved in the wrestling world]. I would love to tell stories like we do in the ring in a different fashion.”
Rhodes also expressed an interest in creative endeavors outside the ring, such as producing shows and movies:
“I’d absolutely love to do it [when asked about making shows and movies]. But I’ve always been so linked into wrestling and coming back to WWE where winning the championship for WWE is essentially like being the quarterback of the team.”
Despite his aspirations outside the ring, Rhodes remains committed to wrestling at a high level for the foreseeable future:
“I don’t think I’d be able to do it on this level [beyond 45]. Because I feel the best I’ve ever felt. Plus, we have all these new kids. I was working with one the other day, Carmelo Hayes, and to be able to see him hear things and hear an audience—this is why that didn’t work, this is why it did work. I’d love to do it at this level up until probably 45.”
For now, Rhodes continues to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship, with his next challenge coming at the Royal Rumble. He is set to face Kevin Owens in a high-stakes ladder match, promising yet another thrilling chapter in his championship reign.
Cody Rhodes promised to kick Kevin Owens’ ass after tonight’s SmackDown from Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida went off air.
The American Nightmare confronted his former friend in the main event of tonight’s show. After an exchange of words, Nick Aldis confirmed that the two will face each other in a ladder match at Royal Rumble.
The segment ended with Owens shoving Aldis into Cody and beating up the WWE Champion until the officials made the save. Kevin then left with the Winged Eagle title still in his possession.
Rhodes on the other hand, stayed in the ring after the show went off air. He cut a short promo mentioning how his mother is from Tampa as well and promised to make KO pay for his actions before finally leaving.
The night continued with dark matches after the WWE Champion’s promo. The first dark match of the night saw Bianca Belair teaming up with Dakota Kai to defeat Pure Fusion Collective. This was Bianca’s second match of the night as she also competed in a six-women tag on SmackDown.
Jey Uso came out for the second dark match of the night. He faced Chad Gable in the bout and the OG Bloodline member picked up the victory. The New Bloodline attacked the Yeet man after the bell, however, prompting Braun Strowman and Sami Zayn to make the save.
Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Championship and the Winged Eagle Championship has been officially set for the 2025 Royal Rumble. The high-stakes encounter will be contested in a ladder match, with both titles suspended above the ring. The winner will be the first to climb the ladder and retrieve both championships.
This blockbuster match was confirmed on the final SmackDown episode of 2024, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
This is the third match confirmed for the upcoming premium live event. In addition to this ladder match, we’ll see the annual Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches.
The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble is scheduled to take place on February 1 in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
With John Cena’s impending retirement looming in 2025, speculation about his final WrestleMania match has dominated discussions among fans and insiders alike. Cena’s farewell tour, which officially kicks off on January 6th with the WWE Raw Netflix premiere, has fueled rumors about who will share the ring with the WWE legend in Las Vegas for WrestleMania 41.
Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena: WWE’s Current Plan
According to a new report from PWInsider, the most likely scenario for Cena’s last WrestleMania involves him facing Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship. This aligns with earlier speculation by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, where he noted that WWE had discussed Cena competing for a world title as part of his farewell storyline. Rhodes vs. Cena has reportedly been a hot topic backstage, with multiple sources confirming that the matchup is being heavily considered.
Cody Rhodes and John Cena would be a huge match for WrestleMania 41
However, as is often the case in WWE, plans are far from finalized. One insider joked about the possibility of The Rock entering the picture, playfully referring to him “descending from Mountain Rock” to challenge either Cena or Rhodes. If The Rock were to express interest, it’s expected that creative plans would be reworked to accommodate the Hollywood megastar.
Logan Paul and Other Contenders
While Logan Paul had been rumored as a potential WrestleMania opponent for Cena, recent updates suggest that WWE officials were not fully behind the idea of Paul being Cena’s final WrestleMania rival. Instead, WWE seems intent on positioning Cena’s last Mania match as a monumental showdown, fitting for a star of his stature. Paul, along with names like Grayson Waller, Carmelo Hayes, and CM Punk, has publicly expressed interest in wrestling Cena, but the likelihood of these matchups occurring at WrestleMania 41 now appears slim.
The final John Cena vs. Randy Orton match is WrestleMania-worthy
Another intriguing possibility comes from Randy Orton, who has also voiced his desire to share the ring with Cena one final time. Given their storied history as rivals and their status as two of WWE’s most iconic figures, an Orton vs. Cena match at WrestleMania would carry significant emotional weight. While Orton’s name has not been heavily linked to Cena’s farewell plans thus far, the prospect remains a compelling option if WWE decides to lean into their shared legacy.
One intriguing aspect of Cena’s retirement tour is the potential for him to chase a 17th world title, breaking Ric Flair’s longstanding record of 16 reigns. While nothing has been confirmed, Meltzer’s report indicates that this scenario is still on the table, adding an extra layer of significance to Cena’s final months as an active competitor.
As of now, all signs point to Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena as WWE’s tentative plan for WrestleMania 41, though the landscape could shift dramatically if The Rock decides to get involved. With the Royal Rumble and Cena’s farewell tour on the horizon, the coming weeks promise to provide more clarity on WWE’s creative direction for Cena’s swan song.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates on John Cena’s 2025 retirement tour, including his WWE Raw Netflix premiere on January 6, and all the breaking news on the road to WrestleMania 41.
John Cena’s Record at WrestleMania
John Cena has an impressive record at WrestleMania, with 10 wins and 6 losses across 16 appearances. Here’s a breakdown of his WrestleMania performance:
WrestleMania Record
Total matches: 16
Wins: 10
Losses: 6
Win percentage: 62.5%
Notable WrestleMania Achievements
Championship matches: Cena has competed in 11 title matches at WrestleMania, including 3 for the US Championship, 1 for the World Heavyweight Championship, and 7 for the WWE Championship.
Main events: He has headlined WrestleMania five times (WrestleMania 22, 23, 27, 28, and 29).
Championship wins: Cena has won 6 titles at WrestleMania and successfully defended his title twice.
Significant WrestleMania Moments
First WrestleMania appearance: WrestleMania XX (2004), where he defeated The Big Show for the United States Championship.
First WWE Championship win: WrestleMania 21 (2005), defeating JBL.
Last WrestleMania match to date: WrestleMania 39 (2023), where he lost to Austin Theory in a United States Championship match.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his highly anticipated return to the ring during a WWE live event in Jacksonville, Florida, this week. In the main event, Rhodes triumphed over Kevin Owens in a steel cage match, exacting revenge on the self-proclaimed “Real” WWE Champion who had sidelined him for weeks.
Rhodes had been absent from in-ring action since WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14, where he controversially retained his title against Owens. Following the show, Owens attacked Rhodes, delivering a package piledriver that left The American Nightmare injured and written off TV. At the Jacksonville event, Rhodes made a dramatic entrance wearing a neck brace, which he removed before stepping inside the cage.
Owens has continued to assert himself as the “Real” WWE Champion, even carrying the classic Winged Eagle title as evidence of his claim. This has left fans speculating about a potential title-for-title clash, possibly at an upcoming Premium Live Event or WWE Raw’s impending debut on Netflix. While a rematch between Rhodes and Owens has yet to be officially announced on television, it seems like a natural progression for WWE’s action-packed start to the new year.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Cody Rhodes as the Undisputed WWE Champion is set on recreating his massive success in 2024 in the new year.
Cody Rhodes has been the Undisputed WWE Champion since his monumental victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. That win marked the culmination of Rhodes’ long-term storyline and secured his position as one of WWE’s top stars. With the spotlight firmly on him, his reign has drawn praise from fans and industry veterans alike, including two-time WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan.
Rhodes recently defeated Kevin Owens at Saturday Night’s Main Event, ensuring he will head into 2025 still carrying the championship. As WWE prepares for significant changes, including RAW’s move to Netflix, Rhodes remains a fan favorite with strong backing from the WWE Universe.
Hogan, a six-time WWE Champion, shared his thoughts on Rhodes’ work as a champion during an interview with Justin Barrasso. Hogan highlighted Rhodes’ ability to balance modern wrestling demands with a nod to its traditional roots.
“A lot of what we did back then still works. From time to time, you see him sort of ‘Hulk up.’ That’s cool to see. But it’s so hard to compare. This is a completely different time.
I slammed Andre The Giant once [at WrestleMania III], and that was it. Would one slam be enough now? I don’t know. So times have changed, but Cody’s doing a great job with the belt—and that’s not easy.”
While Hogan praised Rhodes’ performance, the champion is currently sidelined after suffering a package piledriver from Kevin Owens at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Fans are now waiting to see how Rhodes recovers and what challenges lie ahead for him in the new year.
Cody Rhodes has made his first public appearance since being brutally attacked by his former friend Kevin Owens at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
The American Nightmare made an appearance at an event for Brandi Rhodes’ NakedMind Yoga & Pilates studio on Friday. Rhodes was seen wearing a neck brace and carrying the original WWE title in photos posted by fans:
For any WWE fans
Current Undisputed WWE Champion:
The American Nightmare & Atlanta’s very own — Cody Rhodes 🇺🇸🏆🇺🇸@CodyRhodes
Rhodes had brought back the Winged Eagle belt for his title defense against Kevin Owens at the December 14 show. He retained the belt after delivering a Cross Rhodes to his opponent on a chair that Owens himself had introduced earlier in the bout.
Unhappy with the result, Owens attacked the WWE Champion after the show went off-air. He took Rhodes out with the banned package piledriver, leading to him being stretchered out of the arena.
Triple H confronted Kevin at the entrance ramp after this brutal attack but in the end, the former NXT Champion was able to leave the arena with the Winged Eagle belt.
Kevin Owens then infiltrated the WWE Raw on Netflix kickoff event earlier this week. Carrying the stolen belt, Owens declared himself the ‘true WWE Champion’ and vowed to defend the title at future shows.
Drew McIntyre is gearing up for an intense clash with Cody Rhodes, in a program that promises emotional and physical turmoil for both Superstars. During a recent TikTok livestream, the Scottish Warrior hinted at major developments on the horizon.
“I don’t want to give too much away. It’s going to be significant when the time comes… The world is going to be along for the ride. Feelings will be hurt, bodies will be,” McIntyre teased.
Drawing parallels between their careers, McIntyre noted that both he and Rhodes left WWE at different points, only to return as larger-than-life Superstars. McIntyre highlighted that he “redefined what independent wrestling meant” during his time away, while Rhodes made waves by co-founding AEW.
“Cody and I, it’s going to be big when it happens.”
The two share a history as a tag team, having briefly held the WWE Tag Team Championships in 2010 for a 35-day reign, which was cut short by the unlikely duo of John Cena and David Otunga. More recently, McIntyre secured a victory over Rhodes on the February 19, 2024, episode of WWE Raw.
Currently, both Superstars are entrenched in high-profile storylines—McIntyre with the OG Bloodline and Rhodes with Kevin Owens. However, McIntyre’s words suggest that fans won’t have to wait long for these two top-tier talents to collide once again.
Cody Rhodes knows what it takes to finish the story, and will do exactly that as part of CBeebies Bedtime Stories next month. The reigning Undisputed WWE Champion will be a part of the January 1, 2025, show, and will read a story aimed at helping young viewers wind down and relax before bedtime.
Cody will be reading Gigantic by Rob Biddulph. The story tells the tells the tale of Gigantic, the smallest blue whale in the Atlantic, who must team with his friends to save his brother Titan when the much larger whale gets stuck on land. Rhodes’ appearance will air at 6:50PM on New Year’s Day on CBeebies and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
Rhodes isn’t the only notable name taking part in the special holiday line-up of bedtime stories. Joining him are Idris Elba, Justin Fletcher, Mo Gilligan, Perrie Edwards, Kylie Minogue, and James Norton, offering festive tales for families to enjoy.
Meanwhile, in WWE, Rhodes is recovering following a brutal post-show attack by Kevin Owens after Saturday Night’s Main Event. WWE’s first SNME show since 2008 saw Rhodes triumph over Owens in the main event, only to be ambushed afterward and hit with a package piledriver. In a storyline update, WWE reported that Rhodes is dealing with axial compression of the cervical spine and a cervical strain with spasm. On the latest episode of Raw, Joe Tessitore revealed that Rhodes is recovering at home and will miss this week’s WWE-Netflix crossover event.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Cody Rhodes, as the American Nightmare is proving to be a hit both in and out of the ring.
The return of Saturday Night’s Main Event delivered a thrilling conclusion, with Cody Rhodes successfully retaining the Undisputed WWE Title. However, the celebration was cut short after the broadcast when Kevin Owens launched a brutal assault on Rhodes.
Cody Rhodes managed to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship at the returning Saturday Night’s Main Event but things didn’t end on a high note for him as he may have been expecting.
The ending of the main event championship match saw the challenger Kevin Owens introducing a chair to the bout after the referee was knocked out. In the end however, Cody managed to use the chair to his own advantage. The American Nightmare won the bout after delivering a Cross Rhodes to his opponent on the chair.
Owens was visibly upset at how things turned out at the event and he attacked the current champion after the show went off air. Kevin delivered the banned piledriver after the broadcast. Per fans in the arena, Cody had to be stretchered out of the ring following the attack.
KO took the Winged Eagle title that was resurrected by Rhodes for the special event after taking Cody out. Triple H came out to confront the former NXT champion on the ramp and the two had an altercation:
What Happened On Saturday Night’s Main Event
Tonight’s show opened with a physical match between Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn. Unfortunately for Zayn, he lost the bout, continuing his losing streak against the Scottish Psychopath.
The event also featured the finals of the US Women’s Title tournament between Michin and Chelsea Green. Green was the clear favorite to win going into the show and she didn’t disappoint the fans.
It’s clear that the rivalry between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes is far from over after how things unfolded tonight. It’ll be interesting to see when and where the next chapter of this blood feud will be written.
Paul Heyman sees Cody Rhodes for the star that he is and thinks he has paved a new road for the Rhodes family.
Heyman spoke with Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports and gave some very interesting comments regarding one of pro wrestling’s royal families. Dusty Rhodes broke the mold of how one envisioned a top star in pro wrestling. He redefined how the business operated and how talent used a microphone to draw crowds. Now his son Cody has his own story to tell, hearkening back to the classic Boy Scout babyface and fans have latched onto him, both from a star power standpoint and a merchandising standpoint.
Heyman believes that Cody’s past three years of work as a top talent has allowed ‘The American Nightmare’ to surpass ‘The American Dream.’
“When Cody Rhodes first came back here, we all had the same sentence we gave in the press conferences. ‘How can you look at Cody and not think of Dusty? To Cody’s indescribably massive credit, I think now is the point in history that we’re realizing that Dusty Rhodes is Cody Rhodes’ father.
“Cody Rhodes is the bearer of the family name that drives the most interest and is now the most famous. If you would have told someone that three years ago, they would have thought you were nuts.”
Some older fans may take exception to such claims, but Rhodes’ merchandise sales could really make the case for Heyman’s viewpoint. Paul also said he has yet to see Cody have a ‘lackluster’ performance in WWE, further perpetuating Cody’s ‘Do The Work’ mantra.
Paul Heyman Calls Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania 40 Win The Right Move
Heyman’s beliefs regarding Cody and his daddy Dusty weren’t the only validation he gave the current WWE Undisputed Champion. He firmly believes that pitting Roman Reigns against Rhodes for the WrestleMania 40 main event was the right move, moreso against the expected battle between Reigns and The Rock.
“That was the rightful main event of WrestleMania 40 because the audience had a two-year investment in that story and lived it… They lived it not only by witnessing and experiencing it, but they lived it many times through the eyes of the protagonist and the struggles he had to endure and survive and thrive through all with his chin up and a progressive move forward attitude.”
That’s a good deal of babyface talk from the former ECW proprietor and Heyman finds himself currently in a fresh babyface role on WWE programming.
Excitement is building for Saturday Night’s Main Event, as Cody Rhodes and Triple H have teased the return of a piece of WWE history for one night only. In video posted on social media, Triple H presented Rhodes with a mysterious case, revealing that its glowing contents would be in his possession for just one night.
This cryptic moment has sparked speculation among fans that the case contains the legendary Winged Eagle Title, a design synonymous with WWE’s “Golden Era.”
Cody Rhodes, who is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens on Saturday, has long been vocal about his admiration for the Winged Eagle Title. Bringing back this classic design, even briefly, would pay homage to WWE’s rich history—a move that aligns with Rhodes’ reverence for wrestling tradition.
The Winged Eagle Championship holds special significance in professional wrestling history. It was worn by legendary champions including Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, The Undertaker, Ric Flair, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash, Sid and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
WWE Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura is returning to the commentary booth for Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC
WWE is enhancing the nostalgic experience with retro graphics and a stripped-down arena setup, recreating the look and feel of the 1980s when Saturday Night’s Main Eventfirst hit the airwaves in the mid-1980’s.
The December 14, 2024 NBC card is stacked with high-profile matches, including:
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens
Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. IYO SKY
World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Finn Bálor vs. Damian Priest
With its blend of historic nods and modern marquee matches, Saturday Night’s Main Event promises to deliver an unforgettable evening for wrestling fans.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes aims to prove that he’s the workhorse of WWE by reaching a milestone number of matches this year. On X, a fan shared the number of matches some of WWE’s top Superstars have competed in in 2024, and Rhodes shared that he’s eager to hit triple digits.
Rhodes will add another match to his record this Saturday when he faces Kevin Owens at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. Their deeply personal feud has been brewing since Bad Blood, where Owens attacked Rhodes following the show. Owens has justified his actions, claiming Rhodes betrayed him by teaming with Roman Reigns at the PLE despite all that the Tribal Chief has done to both men.
Last year, Rhodes competed in 102 matches across WWE TV and live events, including his first WrestleMania main event. In 2022, Rhodes competed 23 times for WWE, though spent much of that year on the shelf due to his torn pectoral injury. Rhodes’ first match of 2023 would see him win the Men’s Royal Rumble match, his first of back-to-back wins in the contest.
Highlights of Rhodes’ 2024 so far include headlining both nights of WrestleMania 40, as well as several other PLE main event matches. Mere days ahead of his win in Philadelphia, Rhodes inked a new contract with WWE that’ll keep him competing for the company for years to come.
Rhodes’ impressive numbers come in stark contrast to his predecessor Roman Reigns, who competed just a handful of times during his final years as champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Cody Rhodes as the American Nightmare continues to set the standard as WWE’s top Superstar.
Cody Rhodes may be the face of WWE as the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, but a different star holds the title of “locker room leader.” In a conversation with Jazzy’s World, Rhodes revealed that Bayley has stepped into the role as the roster’s leader.
“If you got a captain, you know, the C on the jersey, it’s probably her… She’s the locker room leader, and she should be.”
Rhodes also acknowledged his Legacy mentor Randy Orton as another locker room leader, highlighting their shared ability to inject excitement into any show or segment they’re part of. Bayley’s role as a locker room leader underscores the progress WWE has made in promoting equality between its male and female performers over the past decade.
Orton has been out of action since Crown Jewel, where he and Kevin Owens brawled, causing their match to be called off. However, Orton made a triumphant return after over a year away at Survivor Series: WarGames 2023, where he was victorious inside the WarGames match. Meanwhile, Rhodes and Owens are set to clash at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
As for Bayley, she also emerged victorious at Survivor Series: WarGames and now has her sights set on the Women’s U.S. Championship. After winning her first-round match, Bayley will face Chelsea Green. The winner will advance to Saturday Night’s Main Event on 12/14 to compete against either Naomi, Tiffany Stratton, Elektra Lopez, or Michin.
Cody Rhodes is truly proving to be ‘undeniable’ in WWE, especially when the Undisputed WWE Champion shares the ring with Solo Sikoa. After this week’s edition of WWE Raw, the two met in a dark match that saw Rhodes once again emerge on top.
With this win, Rhodes is now 20-0 against the leader of The Bloodline in singles matches, data from Cagematch has revealed. This number includes house shows, dark matches, and matches on WWE TV or Premium Live Events. Solo’s one and only win over Rhodes came as part of a six-man tag-team match at Money in the Bank, where he, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu bested Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Randy Orton.
This is hardly a good look for Sikoa, who earlier this year declared that “losing has consequences” before ousting Jimmy Uso from The Bloodline. Jimmy had lost to his brother Jey at WrestleMania and (like Solo) had failed to stop Rhodes from winning the Undisputed WWE Title at the two-night PLE in Philadelphia.
At Survivor Series: WarGames, Sikoa once again came up short as his Bloodline, with Bronson Reed, fell to Roman Reigns’ OG Bloodline and CM Punk. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Sikoa and how he plans to rebound from this loss, and his many, many defeats to the American Nightmare.
H/T to WrestlingNews for uncovering this stat.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for more interesting wrestling facts and statistics.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made a surprise appearance after an eventful edition of Monday Night Raw from Angel Of The Winds Arena in Everett, Washington went off air.
Two dark matches took place after the latest episode of the Red Branded Show. Nia Jax was in action after competing in WarGames this past Saturday and she defeated Naomi to retain the women’s championship.
A street fight featuring the American Nightmare was the second dark match of the night. Cody defended his title against the Tribal Chief Solo Sikoa.
The two recreated the viral spot from their recent live event match and Rhodes won after putting Solo through a table:
WWE celebrated the 10-year anniversary of New Day’s debut at the November 2 Raw with Big E making a return to the brand. The night didn’t go as planned for E, however, and he was essentially kicked out of the group by Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.
The follow-up to OG Bloodline’s Survivor Series WarGames victory led to Seth Rollins having an intense promo battle with both CM Punk and Sami Zayn.
Rollins would go on to face Zayn in the main event of the show. The Honorary Uce not only lost the bout but he was also taken out by a returning star after the bell. You can check out details of the segment here.
WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes has given a fitting title to WWE’s current era of dominance. During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Rhodes compared this period to iconic eras like the Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Era, suggesting it be called the “Record Era.” He explained, “We’re breaking records left and right. It just feels like the right name for this golden period.”
Rhodes also credited WWE’s leadership team—Triple H, Nick Khan, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—for paving the way for his success. He described their guidance as instrumental, saying, “They’ve made it so easy for me. I’ve been dubbed The Quarterback—they call the plays, I run them, and hopefully, we all look good.”
Fresh off his monumental WrestleMania 40 victory, Rhodes shared an emotional moment from the night, particularly his celebration with his mother. Reflecting on his long journey to the championship, he said, “At eight years old, I just wanted it. It took me quite some time… This was the ultimate highlight for me. She doesn’t have boots and tights, but she’s a wrestler herself in spirit.”
Looking ahead, Rhodes is set to defend his title against Kevin Owens on NBC’s Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14th. While teasing surprises for the show, Rhodes couldn’t resist addressing Owens’ frequent criticisms of his sharp wardrobe choices. “No one has been more frustrated with me wearing suits than Kevin Owens. Make your own assumptions as to what that means,” he joked, adding intrigue to an already stacked event.
Cody Rhodes says Kevin Owens is intimidated by his suits game.
The Undisputed WWE Champion appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Falon to promote the revival of Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14. He discussed things such as the new era of WWE, the new management of the company, having his mother in his corner for WrestleMania 40, and more.
Discussing the upcoming NBC event, Rhodes credited the trio of Triple H, Nick Khan, and Dwyane ‘The Rock’ Johnson for bringing back the classic show. The American Nightmare also teased some surprises for the night:
“I think not only are we bringing back an exceptional card, great matches, great show, but there might be a few surprises here and there. Some things.”
When asked about his Saturday Night’s Main Event opponent Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes told a story. He discussed how he started wearing suits regularly in 2015. The current champion noted that he’s made references to people who are intimidated by his suits game because of their own insecurities:
“I’ll tell you a story. I started wearing suits all the time. It was around 2015. It just became this thing. I wanted to represent wrestling and sports entertainment in a different way. So always suits, always customs. I didn’t feel pretentious about it. I wasn’t holding it over anybody. I just wanted to feel that. How I looked, right?
Well, I have said in the past that there are men in the wrestling game intimidated by the whole suit thing. Typically what I’ll say is ‘I think they have an issue with their manhood.’ If you know…I don’t want to use any crass language here. It is late night. It’s Thanksgiving.
Yeah. I don’t want to say the word, you know….Penis. But no one has been more frustrated and upset with the fact that I wear suits than Kevin Owens. So make your own assumptions there as to what that means. That is my opponent for Saturday Night’s Main Event.”
KO seemingly responded to this jab from his former friend on Twitter. He posted a photo of himself wearing a John Cena T-shirt, someone who Rhodes considers one of his idols:
Cody Rhodes says having his mom in his corner for his WrestleMania 40 victory was the ultimate highlight for him.
The Undisputed WWE Champion appeared on the most recent episode of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. He was there to promote his upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event match against Kevin Owens. Rhodes discussed things such as the new WWE management, being the quarterback of the company, and more.
Fallon brought up a picture of Cody celebrating his WrestleMania victory with his mother and asked him about the significance of the moment. The American Nightmare recounted the story of his dad Dusty Rhodes briefly holding the belt in 1978 and said that he was blessed to share the win with his mother:
“Oh, my gosh, you got me. This title, long ago, 1978, just down the road, Madison Square Garden. My dad came up here and he wrestled “Superstar” Billy Graham. He won the match, but because of the nature of pro wrestling, sports entertainment, it was a count-out. He didn’t get to leave with this.
So at eight years old, you know, not totally understanding the suspension of disbelief in terms of what we do, what is, what isn’t, I just wanted it. It took me quite some time.
By the time I got it…I mean, here she is. She’s this lovely, but I would say mean little Cuban lady. Who’s very, who’s rather….couldn’t ask for a better mom, but not easily impressed. So this was the ultimate highlight for me. She raised a wrestler. She was married to a wrestler. She doesn’t have boots and tights, but she’s a wrestler herself. I was blessed that I could share that with her.”
When asked about remembering all these details as an 8-year-old, Cody Rhodes revealed that Dusty had the picture of him holding the title framed in his house. This is how the former AEW star knew that the championship meant a lot to his father:
“They had a picture frame. That’s how I knew it meant something to my dad, because he had done so many things. They had a picture frame with him holding it.
I remember asking him, like, ‘I didn’t know you were a WWE champion?’ And he explained to me that he didn’t leave with the title that night. That was the big, eight years old, ‘This is it. That’s my goal. That’s it.’ And it just took me a while, you know? Slow learner.”
Cody Rhodes may have finished the story at WrestleMania 40, but Roman Reigns wasn’t concerned about seeing Rhodes replace The Rock in Philadelphia.
Shortly after his second Royal Rumble win, Rhodes suggested that, despite his mission since returning to WWE, he wouldn’t challenge Reigns at WrestleMania. Not only that, but Rhodes stepped aside to allow The Rock the chance, infuriating fans who felt like the popular babyface was being cast aside for the part-timer. The hostile reaction from fans would see WWE correct course and Cody choose to challenge Reigns in Philadelphia.
Reigns Vs. Rock is an unquestionable dream match but this was not the right time for such a contest. Speaking to SI Media, Roman admitted to not being concerned about whether it was his cousin or the American Nightmare who he faced.
“It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event… I am the hot chick, everyone wanted to take me out.”
Instead of The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns, the two were allies on WrestleMania 40: Saturday where the pair defeated Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. The match saw Rock abuse his power as a member of TKO’s Board of Directors, ensuring that the official did exactly what was ordered by the ‘Final Boss.’
With WrestleMania 41 set to take place in April 2025, speculation continues to grow as to what role The Rock will play at the PLE. The Final Boss has already dismissed “bull***” reports that he won’t be at the event, with speculation growing of a potential triple threat with Rhodes and Reigns. Whatever comes in Las Vegas, fans can expect Roman Reigns in the main event, a spot that the OTC feels is rightfully his.
