It was the burst of energy that both WWE and Roman Reigns needed when he ultimately turned heel in 2020, returning at SummerSlam after a long hiatus from the WWE ring. The Thunderdome era had become stale, but Reigns’ character had already been stale. For years, fans had booed Reigns, but the heel turn was a welcome change. Since then, the “Tribal Chief” has had an unstoppable and undefeated run in WWE as the Undisputed Universal Champion. Can the returning Cody Rhodes stop him?
Roman Reigns defeats ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman to become Universal Champion #WWE #WWEPayback https://t.co/uyrmhgtG5T
— Republic (@republic) August 31, 2020
The return of Cody Rhodes to WWE is the biggest story in professional wrestling. After 6 years away, the “American Nightmare” has returned to the place where he started and is looking better than ever. This could be an opportunity for WWE to end Reigns’ dominance after almost two years. Let us see why Cody Rhodes should be the one to defeat Roman Reigns.
IT’S CODY RHODES!!!!!!!!@CodyRhodes has arrived at #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/bKDBPLCKKr
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2022
1. Roman Reigns has dominated the entire WWE roster
Reigns has been the Universal Champion for about a year and a half. He’s beaten Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman, Edge, Daniel Bryan, John Cena, Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, and Brock Lesnar on his journey to the top.
Roman Reigns takes out Edge and Daniel Bryan to retain the Universal title!#Wrestlemania pic.twitter.com/p1YZxEtq2H
— ESPN (@espn) April 12, 2021
People would have grown tired of Reigns’ constant push a few years ago, but he has evolved into someone fans love to hate. But apart from Brock Lesnar, there is no one that comes to mind when we think about the “Head of the Table” meeting its match.
Cody Rhodes has all the momentum he needs after his win over Seth Rollins at WrestleMania. People are also invested in Rhodes after his return which makes it easier for WWE to head into that direction.
2. Rhodes can bring in a massive audience
Cody Rhodes’ departure from AEW and subsequent arrival at WWE has received more attention in the wrestling world than anything else. Although Rhodes worked for WWE for a decade, his return would be the most exciting moment in the company’s history. While he was away, he helped launch a great wrestling alternative all while distancing himself from his poor WWE treatment and establishing himself as a respected wrestler.
Stardust is coming to an end.
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) January 25, 2016
To have Rhodes arrive as an outsider, as the one who left, succeeded, and then returned to knock down WWE’s top star, is a storyline that WWE hasn’t done in a long time. It would be the focus of the wrestling world, attracting new fans who had previously abandoned from watching the stale product that WWE offered.
3. Cody Rhodes is the 2nd biggest star in WWE
Roman Reigns is the most popular WWE superstar today. The only wrestler who comes closest to him is the “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. The WrestleMania google search showed that Rhodes was more searched about than the “Tribal Chief”. However, it was his grand return so it was only natural that people might have been curious about it then. He has already become one of the top merchandise sellers in WWE.
The “star that left them in the dust” to the man standing here now signing a multi-year agreement with @WWE.@CodyRhodes reflects on the journey back to #WWERaw. pic.twitter.com/EOtofUFfaF
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2022
4. Cody Rhodes is the best babyface WWE has had in Years
In recent years, WWE has struggled to develop top main-event caliber babyfaces. This problem was amplified after Reigns’ fierce heel push. Apart from Drew McIntyre, there have been no credible babyfaces to challenge Roman Reigns. Cody Rhodes has worked as both, a heel and a babyface. But he has become one of the most lovable babyfaces during his time in AEW.
Rhodes is one of the best on the mic in the industry today while he’s at the top of his game. Cody has recently delivered several promos that have had fans buzzing, and he has the ability to do that much more frequently. His latest promo on Raw is a testament to how good he can be.
5. Rhodes is a great in-ring storyteller
Cody doesn’t get nearly enough credit for his work in the ring. He may not be as athletic or technically gifted as some of the other WWE superstars, but he has an uncanny ability to tell a story in the ring. And that, in many ways, is the core of professional wrestling. His Tag Team Championship match with brother Goldust against the Shield at Battleground 2013 is a classic example of great in-ring storytelling.
WWE needs to make the most of Cody’s return and present him as Roman’s biggest opponent in his undefeated title reign. Rhodes has never been able to capture the biggest championship in the company. This will make it more compelling when he finally dethrones the “Head of the Table” to become the Undisputed Universal Champion.