At WrestleMania 38, Cody Rhodes returned to WWE for the first time since 2016, serving as Vince McMahon’s hand-picked opponent for Seth Rollins on the Grandest Stage of Them All.
Rhodes was victorious in his return, and went on to defeat Rollins twice more at Backlash and Hell in a Cell. Despite being sidelined with an injury for the later part of the year, Rhodes returned at the 2023 Royal Rumble and secured himself a main event spot at WrestleMania 39 when he outlasted 29 other men.
Roman Reigns has enjoyed a record-breaking reign as Universal Champion, winning the belt all the way back at Payback in 2020. He added the WWE Championship to his shoulder when he defeated Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38, and now Cody Rhodes is aiming to dethrone the longest-reigning champion of the modern era. Speaking from the heart in recent weeks, he’s made it clear that his goal is to become the first Rhodes family member to have the honor of being a world champion in WWE.
Cody Rhodes Will Honor His Past With His WrestleMania 39 Ring Gear
It’s fitting that Rhodes would plan special ring gear for his WrestleMania main event, and taking to social media today, he revealed a customized weight belt he’s had made for the occasion, showing fans the first glimpse of what he’ll be wearing for the biggest match of his career.
The belt has the name Cody written in large letters on the front, but it’s the inner lining that has a particularly special meaning. On the inside of the belt are listed the names of multiple promotions the star worked for during his WWE hiatus, including NJPW, IMPACT, ROH, and numerous independent promotions. He had this to say, making it clear that he carries the experience of all these promotions with him as he faces his greatest challenge to date.
“In many respects I’m alone out there, but also I’m not…carry it with you, all of it”
In many respects I’m alone out there, but also I’m not…carry it with you, all of it #WrestleMania@WWE@SoFiStadiumpic.twitter.com/IYJDoWsRPL
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) March 26, 2023
WrestleMania 39 will take place on April 1st and 2nd in Los Angeles, CA at SoFi Stadium.