Roman Reigns believes only one WWE Superstar has proven he can carry the company after his own historic run at the top.
Cody Rhodes ended Roman Reigns’ 1,316-day reign as Undisputed WWE Champion at WrestleMania 40, then held the championship for a year himself. Rhodes had already established himself as one of WWE’s leading stars during the year between WrestleMania 39 and WrestleMania 40, particularly as Reigns continued working a limited schedule.
Speaking with Mark Elibert of Complex, Reigns explained that becoming WWE’s top star requires far more than delivering inside the ring.
“As it’s been shown with John [Cena] and then also with me, it takes a decade or so. Can you perform every single time and then deliver when you’re asked? Can you do it when you’re tired? Can you do it when you’re sick? Can you do it when you’re hungover after WrestleMania?”
Roman Reigns Praises Cody Rhodes
For Roman Reigns, consistency, durability, ambition and work ethic are among the qualities required to become the person WWE can build around. The former Undisputed WWE Champion believes Cody Rhodes has demonstrated that he can handle those responsibilities.
“Can you carry the banner for this company? This is a billion-dollar machine. It’s not easy. There’s only been one who’s been able to carry that banner, and that’s been Cody.”
Rhodes defeated Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 40 Night Two in April 2024, ending one of the longest world championship reigns in WWE history. The victory came one year after Reigns had defeated Rhodes at WrestleMania 39.
Rhodes went on to hold the Undisputed WWE Championship for approximately one year before losing the title to John Cena. Reigns and Rhodes are now set to appear together outside WWE, with both having roles in the upcoming Street Fighter film.
