WrestleMania 39: Cody Vs. Roman Reigns Full Match Recap

What's up, wrestling fans! Guys, let's dive deep into one of the most talked-about matches in recent WWE history: Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39. This wasn't just a match; it was the culmination of an epic story, a dream showdown that had the entire wrestling world on the edge of their seats. We're talking about 'The American Nightmare' Cody Rhodes, the returning hero with a singular mission to finish his father's story and capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, going head-to-head with 'The Tribal Chief' Roman Reigns, a dominant champion who had seemingly conquered everyone in his path. The hype was astronomical, the stakes were sky-high, and the question on everyone's mind was simple: could Cody actually do it? Could he dethrone the seemingly invincible Roman Reigns and achieve his destiny on the grandest stage of them all? This recap is going to break down every pivotal moment, every near fall, and the controversial finish that left us all buzzing. So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's relive the magic, the drama, and the sheer spectacle of Cody Rhodes versus Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39.

The Road to WrestleMania: Building the Dream Match

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the match itself, let's talk about how we even got here, guys. The build-up to Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 was a masterclass in long-term storytelling. Cody’s return to WWE at last year's WrestleMania was monumental. He came back as a top-tier babyface, proclaiming his intention to finish the story his legendary father, Dusty Rhodes, never could: winning the WWE Championship. He systematically worked his way back to the top, winning the Royal Rumble in 2023, essentially punching his ticket to the main event of WrestleMania. The narrative was perfect: the son of a legend, overcoming adversity (including a brutal torn pectoral muscle injury that he famously worked through), to achieve the ultimate glory. On the other side, you had Roman Reigns. 'The Tribal Chief' gimmick had elevated him to a whole new level. He wasn't just a champion; he was a dominant, often heelish, figure who had unified the WWE and Universal Championships and held onto them with an iron grip for an unprecedented amount of time. He had dismantled every challenger, including legends like John Cena and Brock Lesnar. The contrast was stark: the returning hero with a pure heart and a destined path versus the all-powerful, heelish champion who had become the undisputed king of WWE. The promos leading up to the match were intense, playing on Cody's legacy and Roman's reign of terror. The WWE Universe was divided, but the majority were firmly behind Cody, yearning to see a new era begin. The anticipation for this WrestleMania 39 main event was unlike anything we'd seen in years. It felt important, like witnessing history in the making. The story wasn't just about who would win, but about the very soul of professional wrestling and whether destiny would indeed prevail.

The Match Begins: A Clash of Titans

And then, it happened. The Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns full match at WrestleMania 39 kicked off, and from the opening bell, the energy was electric. Roman, ever the confident champion, started strong, using his power and imposing presence to dictate the early pace. He grounded Cody, showcasing his dominance and trying to make Cody feel the weight of the championship and the magnitude of the moment. You could see the plan: overwhelm Cody early, break his spirit, and retain the title that had become an extension of his identity. Cody, however, proved resilient. He absorbed the punishment, drawing on the energy of the crowd, which was firmly in his corner. He started to fight back, landing impactful offense that showed he belonged on this stage. We saw those signature Cody Rhodes moves – the Disaster Kick, the Cody Cutter – each one met with a roar from the audience. The early exchanges were a tense chess match, with both men feeling each other out, trying to gain an advantage. Roman's strategy was clear: wear Cody down, isolate him, and use his strength. Cody’s strategy was to use his speed, agility, and heart to overcome the physical disparity. The crowd was absolutely deafening, chanting Cody’s name, willing him on. It was a classic babyface versus heel dynamic, amplified by the years of storytelling leading up to this point. The WrestleMania 39 main event was living up to the hype, with both competitors leaving it all in the ring. Every slam, every submission attempt, every near fall was met with a visceral reaction from the fans. This was exactly the kind of hard-hitting, emotionally charged contest everyone had expected.

The Momentum Swings: Near Falls and Desperate Measures

As the match progressed, Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 evolved into a true back-and-forth war, guys. The momentum swung wildly, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. Roman Reigns, known for his strategic ruthlessness, started to implement his signature moves, trying to lock in submissions and break Cody down. The Guillotine Choke was applied, and for a moment, it looked like it was over. Cody was fading, the crowd was gasping, but damn, that man’s heart is incredible. He managed to reach the ropes, breaking the hold and proving his toughness. Then came Cody's comeback. He unleashed a flurry of offense, hitting his signature Cross Rhodes multiple times, each one bringing him closer to victory. The crowd erupted with every hit, sensing that the title was within his grasp. We saw Cody's determination on full display. He endured Reigns’ Superman punches and his devastating Spear, kicking out at crucial moments that seemed impossible. One particularly dramatic sequence saw Reigns hit a Spear, followed by Cody kicking out at 2.9! The arena went silent for a split second before erupting again. The sheer disbelief on Reigns' face was palpable. He couldn't comprehend that Cody was still in this fight. Cody, fueled by the crowd’s energy and his own unwavering mission, continued to fight, landing another Cross Rhodes. It felt like the moment was finally here. The WrestleMania 39 Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match was delivering on all fronts, with both men pushing each other to their absolute limits. The near falls were believable, the drama was intense, and the storytelling within the match itself was compelling. It truly felt like we were witnessing history unfold before our eyes.

The Controversial Finish: Did The Usos Interfere?

Now, let's talk about the part that had everyone talking, guys: the finish to Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39. Just when it seemed like Cody had Reigns on the ropes, having hit multiple Cross Rhodes and looking poised for the win, the wheels started to come off. The narrative took a sharp turn that left many fans stunned and frustrated. Roman Reigns, facing defeat, signaled for his cousins, The Usos, to come down to the ring. This interference, whether intentional or perceived, completely shifted the dynamic. The Usos’ presence immediately put Cody at a disadvantage. They distracted the referee, and there were a few moments where it looked like they might get directly involved. However, the real controversy stemmed from what happened next. As Cody was setting up for what could have been the final Cross Rhodes, Jimmy Uso slid into the ring, only to be taken out by Jey Uso, who seemed to be conflicted. This internal Usos strife added another layer of chaos. But then, Solo Sikoa, Reigns' other enforcer, appeared and delivered a devastating Samoan Spike to Cody. This was the turning point. With Cody incapacitated, Roman Reigns was able to pick up the pieces. He hit a Spear on a defenseless Cody Rhodes and, to the shock and disappointment of many, pinned him for the victory. The WrestleMania 39 main event finish was highly debated. Was it a clean win? Did the interference from Solo Sikoa seal Cody's fate? Many felt that the