Roman Reigns defeats Cody Rhodes and retains Undisputed WWE Universal Championship

Cody Rhodes came up short in his bid to capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship with Roman Reigns retaining at WrestleMania 39.

The crowd were firmly behind Rhodes with the result completely deflating those in SoFi stadium.

It was a main event filled with emotion, tension, and brilliant in-ring action.

#RomanReigns enters the main event of #WrestleMania once again with the #UndisputedTitle. pic.twitter.com/Q5OSWXAUot

— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2023

#CodyRhodes sends #RomanReigns through the announce table!!! #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/GW6A0c0FCG

— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2023

The American Nightmare entered the ring with the most pyro ever seen in history.

In an emotional moment, he stopped to hand off his weight belt to Brodie Lee - the son of the late Jon Huber, also known as Luke Harper in the WWE.

A beautiful story. 💜@CodyRhodes has a special #WrestleMania weight belt for Brodie, son of the late, great Jon Huber. pic.twitter.com/Yahq8iJBno

— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2023

Rhodes made a few mistakes during the opening stages of the match, but momentum truly swung in Reigns’ favour when Bloodline member Solo Sikoa got involved with a chair shot.

Every time Rhodes seemed to gain momentum - Sikoa would get involved until finally, the referee ejected the superstar.

It was back and forth with both superstars hitting their signature moves in dramatic fashion.

The members of night one’s main event, The Usos, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens, joined in on the action as things broke down.

NOT SO FAST!!!@FightOwensFIght & @SamiZayn have arrived to counter @WWEUsos at #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/mwqQJ4R6aN

— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2023

But as things turned chaotic Sikoa once again got involved hitting the Samoan Spike on Rhodes.

Reigns followed it up by hitting a spear on Cody and securing the pin and shattering the hearts of WWE fans everywhere.

Thanks to @WWESoloSikoa, @WWERomanReigns RETAINS against @CodyRhodes at #WrestleMania!@HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/Q1vUPOHokZ

— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2023

It means the historic 945 day reign continues for Roman Reigns - one of the greatest runs in WWE history.

The start of his reign came after he returned from hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic and completely reimagined his character.

He formed one of the greatest factions of all time in the Bloodline with legendary manager Paul Heyman by his side.

He then captured his second world championship at last year’s WrestleMania by defeating Brock Lesnar to become the WWE Champion as well as the Universal Champion.