In a stunning display of athleticism and storytelling, Cody Rhodes achieved the pinnacle of his WWE career last night, securing the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Grandest Stage of Them All. His victory marks the end of a tumultuous journey, bringing together the WWE and Universal Championships—a feat that has not gone unnoticed since the company unveiled a new title belt just last year. Rhodes, now at the zenith of his career, has expressed a desire to bring back the winged-eagle belt, a symbol of the Attitude Era’s glory.
During his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rhodes shared his aspirations for the iconic winged-eagle belt, reminiscing about his previous success in introducing a new Intercontinental Championship belt in 2011. Despite his current status as the Undisputed WWE Champion and his past achievements, Rhodes humbly acknowledged that he does not hold the decision-making power within the Stamford-based promotion. He emphasized that while Triple H oversees these aspects, he would still attempt to influence the return of the cherished championship belt.
The aftermath of the match saw a celebration in the ring with influential figures from WWE’s past and present, including Bruce Prichard and Triple H. The latter’s gesture of raising Rhodes’ hand was seen as a symbolic ushering in of a new era in WWE. This momentous occasion was not just about Rhodes; Bayley also captured the WWE Women’s Championship in a thrilling match against IYO SKY, making it a night where both Royal Rumble winners emerged victorious, a feat not seen since 2020.
Bayley, basking in the glow of her victory, took to social media to share a photo with Rhodes, simply captioning it “2024 Era,” hinting at the dawn of a new epoch in WWE. Speculation is rife about Rhodes’ next move, particularly whether he will join WWE SmackDown, which has been the home of the Undisputed WWE Universal Title since Roman Reigns’ reign. With RAW already boasting Damian Priest as the World Heavyweight Champion, Rhodes’ potential shift to SmackDown could lead to fresh rivalries and continue the narrative with The Bloodline.
The WWE Universe is abuzz with anticipation, wondering whether a draft is on the horizon to shake up the roster and inject new life into the ongoing storylines. Fans are left to ponder the need for such a change and the direction WWE will take as it moves forward with its new champions leading the charge.
