Cody Rhodes Looks Back on His Most Cherished Moment from WWE WrestleMania 40

Cody Rhodes has opened up about his historic victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, highlighting the unsung hero of the match and sharing personal reflections on the weekend.

Cody Rhodes Reflects on Career-Defining WrestleMania 40 Win: “My Happiest Memory”

In a recent interview with Inside The Ropes, Rhodes expressed gratitude for the role senior official Charles Robinson played in the match. Being presented with the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship by Robinson, a veteran official with a long history in the company, added a special layer of significance to the moment.

“The best thing that happened if you’re asking me about what’s in my heart—and I don’t think I even articulated this to this individual—is Charles Robinson, legendary WWE official and Little Naitch. Charles handing me the title. Even now I’m just tensing up thinking about it. Charles Robinson handing me the title was the happiest memory I could possibly have.

In terms of willing something into existence, it doesn’t always happen, it’s not always a happy ending. I wasn’t going to get the opportunity to wrestle Roman again, really, if we didn’t get it done in Philadelphia. Charles handing me the title… I think also because he’s the senior official, in terms of being in charge of officials, leading the ring crew… to have that moment with him. Maybe he does know, I think he might be the type that we don’t have to say anything to each other. But that was incredibly special.”

Rhodes also recalled the emotional atmosphere of the match, with the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field erupting in celebration following the winning pin and ring announcer Samantha Irvin struggling to contain her excitement. The victory marked the end of Reigns' historic 1,316-day reign as champion.

“I think the thing I love the most about the weekend was at the Hall of Fame before where I kind of realised, oh, man, they’re making a big deal with me here. I also got to do a dinner with my family that I didn’t want to do because I was so stressed out and I was so behind on time and sleep. Then when I got there it was great that I got to sit with them and see everybody, guys like Shawn Spears who I wish had been in the ring with me, some of my friends from AEW, of course, who came.

Then we got to have that same group backstage right before I did the press conference and we just took a big picture. To have little Brodie, again, tensing up thinking about it, it might be a big deal to him that he was in the ring for that, he probably will tell you it is. I think it was a bigger deal for me. I think it was. My family is not always flesh and blood. I’m actually kind of hard on some of the members of my family that are flesh and blood. I got to be there with my real family and share that moment.”



The weekend was filled with memorable moments for Rhodes, who shared a touching tribute to Brodie Lee Jr., the son of the late WWE star Brodie Lee, during the post-match celebrations. He also cherished the opportunity to spend time with loved ones and celebrate his monumental achievement.

Rhodes' victory at WrestleMania 40 solidified his status as one of the biggest stars in WWE. His journey to the championship, which included a brief departure from the company, resonated with fans and showcased his determination and resilience.