The outcome of Cody Rhodes vs Roman Reigns main event match at WrestleMania 39 sent shockwaves in the pro-wrestling world, with the Tribal Chief retaining his WWE Undisputed Universal title. That, however, was not the original plan, per the latest reports. 

With the American Nightmare returning (from a torn pectoral muscle injury he suffered in 2022) and winning last year’s Royal Rumble, he was tipped to beat Roman at the Showcase of Immortals, ending his reign as the Universal Champion. But WWE’s Vince McMahon and Paul Levesque (AKA Triple H) had different plans.

“It is true that the original plan last year was for Rhodes to win. Both McMahon and Levesque were on board with the return from pec surgery and the title win, after the injury telling a story not altogether different from the H return from quad surgery and title win at the 2002 Mania,” the source close to the information said. 

Per WON, for the longest time, both Vince and Triple H were on the same page on Cody beating Roman at last year’s Mania but changed their views, considering that Cody’s win the following year will leave more impact. 

Another reason why both top guys in the WWE decided to keep Roman as the champion for another year is because that would open doors for Jey Uso to become a significant singles star and merchandise draw as a babyface.

“A lot happened behind the scenes, with the key points being argued and eventually agreed by all parties it would be more assertive a year later. It was also argued that keeping Reigns as champion would open up a pivotal storyline to make Jey Uso into a significant singles star and merchandise draw as a babyface,” the source added.

What happened afterwards?

Following last year’s Rumble, Jey Uso looked like breaking away from The Bloodline, and later that year, he did turn on Roman, entering into the singles picture. That move paid dividends, as not only did it make the contest exciting between Roman and Cody with Jey joining forces with Cody as a babyface, but it also saw Jey going one-on-one against his brother Jimmy Uso at this year’s Mania. 

Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes, winner of the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble, realised his dream of winning the WWE World Title after beating Roman in the main event on Night 2.

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