Update On Cody Rhodes AEW Departure, Rhodes To The Top, More

BY SACNILK

Here are the complete results from WWE's live Summer Tour event, held on August 13, 2026, at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH. The show features Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes, Oba Femi, Gunther, Finn Bálor, and many more. WWE Live Event In Manchester Results 8/13/26 WWE Tag Team Championship Match: R-Truth & Damian Priest def. MFT's and the War Raiders. Kevin Owens def. The Miz via pinfall Gunther def. Finn Balor via pinfall World Tag Team Championship Match: Akira Tozawa & Oba Femi def. The Vision via DQ. WWE Women's United States Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton def. Jacy Jayne via DQ Tiffany Stratton, Alexa Bliss, & Charlotte Flair def. Fatal Influence via pinfall WWE United States Championship Match: Baron Corbin def. Carmelo Hayes, Trick Williams, and Ricky Saints Street Fight: Cody Rhodes def. Randy Orton via pinfall This is how Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton in a street fight in the main event at #WWEManchester pic.twitter.com/KSOvsEduQG— Still Real To Us (@stillreal2us) August 14, 2026 Oba Femi and Bron Breakker finally clashed tonight at #WWEManchester pic.twitter.com/oZa445BsDn— Still Real To Us (@stillreal2us) August 14, 2026 Kevin Owens hit Danhausen with the Stunner to send a message to CM Punk at #WWEManchester pic.twitter.com/9LLfHBy3ba— Still Real To Us (@stillreal2us) August 14, 2026

BY SACNILK

This past Friday night's episode of SmackDown was all about title contenders. Cody Rhodes, the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Champion after his victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, made his presence felt, setting his sights on the blue brand for his first title defense. ## SmackDown didn't waste any time in determining his challenger for the upcoming Backlash pay-per-view in France on May 4th. Two action-packed Triple Threat matches took center stage. In the first, LA Knight emerged victorious over powerhouses Bobby Lashley and Santos Escobar. The second Triple Threat saw a WrestleMania 40 rematch as AJ Styles defeated Kevin Owens and Rey Mysterio.## With both men earning their stripes, the stage is set for a rematch of epic proportions. Next week on SmackDown, LA Knight and AJ Styles will clash once again. The winner of this encounter will have the prestigious honor of challenging Cody Rhodes at Backlash, marking Rhodes' first title defense since his historic WrestleMania win.## The episode also saw another championship clash brewing. Bayley, fresh off her WrestleMania victory, will defend her title next week on SmackDown. Naomi secured the coveted challenger's spot after defeating Tiffany Stratton.## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Following Cody Rhodes' emotional victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, capturing the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, wrestling legend Jim Ross revealed a short but significant conversation with the new champion. ## On the grandest stage of them all, Rhodes culminated his pursuit of the WWE Title, which began upon his return to the company in April 2022. This win marked a defining moment in his career, bringing an end to Reigns' historic 1316-day reign as champion. ## As a veteran commentator and WWE Hall of Famer, Jim Ross took the opportunity to congratulate Rhodes on his achievement. Appearing on his podcast, Grilling JR, Ross disclosed sending a text message to Rhodes, expressing his pride and urging him to embrace the leadership role that WWE needs.## Ross recounted Rhodes' response, a simple yet powerful statement: "I did it, cowboy." This phrase held a deeper meaning, referencing the nickname Rhodes often used for Ross during their time working together.## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

A new poster for the upcoming WWE Backlash event in France, featuring Cody Rhodes has been unveiled. ## Backlash takes place on Saturday, May 4th, 2024, at the LDLC Arena in Lyon-Decines, France. The official poster confirms Cody Rhodes' presence at the event. With him recently winning the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, speculation is high that he'll be defending the title in a major match. ## No official matches have been announced yet. However, considering the presence of both the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and the Women's World Champion (Rhea Ripley), it's safe to expect championship matches to headline the event. ## With the event still over a month away, expect more information about matches, card details, and participating superstars to be revealed in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on official WWE channels and reputable wrestling news sources for updates. The first official poster also features other prominent names like Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, and Seth Rollins and many more. Their presence suggests they might be involved in significant matches as well. ## There have been rumors of a potential rematch between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, but this hasn't been confirmed. ## ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

John Cena was at WrestleMania 40, he appeared in the main event, which was a match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns for the WWE Championship. During the climax of the match, Roman Reigns' faction, The Usos, along with Solo Sikoa, interfered to help Reigns. John Cena entered the ring and fought off Sikoa and another wrestler. The Rock also joined the fray, taking down Cena. ## Just as The Rock looked to have the upper hand, The Undertaker's iconic entrance music hit, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The Undertaker appeared and chokeslammed The Rock, creating a huge moment at WrestleMania. ## With now, Cody Rhodes now holding the WWE Championship, Cena predicts that he will be the greatest of all time in the coming year. On The Pat McAfee Show, John Cena stated the following about Rhodes. ## "So, in the biggest event of the year, with our most important prize on the line, I am just an advocate for a fair chance, okay? You know I'm a huge fan of Cody Rhodes, but you also know I'm a huge fan of Roman Reigns. I believe Roman Reigns is the greatest of all time. Okay, again, what's great about WWE is you can have your opinion and you can voice yours, and I think that's fantastic. Will Cody Rhodes be the greatest of all time? He's put himself in a good position.## So, going back to what I said about Roman Reigns, that doesn't mean that Cody Rhodes cannot be the greatest of all time. I just want people to understand that I think what's been done so far, you have to put Roman Reigns in that slot, but Cody's story... Cody's story starts, you know? The whole theme of WrestleMania was finishing the story. His story starts today. I told him in the ring last night, and I'm sure he'll be able to relay this same message. ## When I got to embrace him, he had the championship in his right hand, and I said, "Do you feel that?" He said, "Yes." I said, "Do you feel how heavy it is?" He said, "Yes." I said, "It will get heavier every day." Oh, that's deep because that is the burden you bear of trying to craft the path to being the greatest of all time. I hope... I hope, and this should be the goal for the business, every performer should pass the torch up. So, I hope a year from now, two years from now, three years from now, we can all sit here and be advocates that Cody Rhodes is the greatest of all time because that's the way it should work." ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

The echoes of WrestleMania 40 have barely faded, but a new storm is brewing on the horizon of WWE. On the latest episode of Monday Night Raw, The Rock made a shocking return, not to celebrate Cody Rhodes' victory as the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, but to challenge him. ## Many believe that The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes is on the horizon somewhere along the line. However, there is no certainty on when it will happen. Per the latest from Dave Meltzer, the planned singles match between The Rock and Cody Rhodes will take place at 'next year's WrestleMania'. Their history goes back to Rhodes' independent wrestling days, where The Rock, already a megastar, crossed paths with a young and hungry Rhodes. The Rock, ever the showman, dismissed Rhodes, a moment that fueled the latter's determination. ## Fast forward to the present, and Rhodes, the underdog who clawed his way to the top, stands on the pinnacle. The Rock, a legend with a Hollywood career, clearly hasn't forgotten their past. His backhanded congratulations and subtle jabs, all delivered with his signature charisma, were a declaration of war. ## The Rock claims to have "made Rhodes bleed" and promises to "whoop him like a dog." This isn't just about competition; it's about personal redemption. The Rock wants to prove that despite his Hollywood hiatus, he's still The Great One, and Rhodes is just another stepping stone. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Cody Rhodes did defeat Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 40. This victory marked a significant accomplishment for Rhodes, fulfilling a long-held dream of dethroning the dominant Tribal Chief. ## This win ended Roman Reigns' historic championship reign, which was widely considered one of the greatest in professional wrestling history. It also cemented Cody Rhodes' place as a top star in WWE.## During WrestleMania XL Sunday Post-Show Press Conference, Cody Rhodes acknowledged Roman Reigns reign stating it the greatest championship reign, in sports entertainment.## "If it was maybe it wasn't purposeful in planning, maybe it was just, I don't know, kismet, destiny.## That's one of those moments a lot of people would ask me what's going to feel like if you if you can beat the tribal chief, you cannot beat Roman Reigns, and I really was honest when I said I don't know. I don't know. I've never been in the endzone before. You know, I've been in the main event, I've been able to be in the main event, but there's a difference between being in the main event and being the main event.## Roman Reigns. Obviously, he and I are not good friends. But that's the greatest championship reign, in sports entertainment.## And as much as I don't agree with his style, and the way he went about being a champion, perhaps I still hope I can be half the champion that he was for WWE as a leader, as the quarterback." ## If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the source with a h/t and link back to Sacnilk for the transcription. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Cody Rhodes delivered a storybook ending at WrestleMania 40, defeating Roman Reigns in the main event to claim the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.## The "Bloodline Rules" stipulation, established after Cody and Seth Rollins' loss the previous night, heavily favored Reigns. However, a series of unexpected turns unfolded throughout the match. Jimmy Uso's interference was thwarted by Jey Uso, who in a surprising move, launched himself and Jimmy off the ramp through tables below.## Following a near-fall after two Cross Rhodes maneuvers, a Samoan Spike from Solo Sikoa seemingly put Cody away. But in a dramatic turn, Cody kicked out, enraging Sikoa who continued to attack both Cody and Reigns.## John Cena then entered the fray, delivering an Attitude Adjustment on Reigns and eliminating Sikoa with a table throw. Yet another surprise awaited as The Rock confronted Cena.## Just as tensions rose between Cena and The Rock, Seth Rollins charged in, only to be stopped by Reigns. The final twist came with the Undertaker's sudden appearance, delivering a Chokeslam to The Rock. Both Rock and Taker vanished as the lights went out.## Capitalizing on the chaos, Cody rallied and hit a staggering three Cross Rhodes on Reigns, securing the pinfall and the Undisputed Championship. ## The emotional victory was followed by a celebratory gathering in the ring. Cody's wife Brandi, mother, sister, and various WWE stars joined the festivities. He then called upon Bruce Prichard and Triple H to share the momentous occasion. ## THIS. IS. WWE. ❤️#WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/lprQnyXPrz— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

The Undisputed WWE Universal Championship will be on the line when Roman Reigns defends his title against the winner of the 2024 Royal Rumble, Cody Rhodes. ## The match takes place on April 7, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event starts at 7 ET/4 PT and streams LIVE on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else. ## WWE WrestleMania 40 Results: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes Full Match ## Roman approaches Cody and stares him down. They exchange words. Cody goes for Roman's legs and backs him into the corner. Cody breaks the hold cleanly. He applies a waist lock but Roman counters with a back elbow to the jaw and takes control with a side head lock. Roman then hits Cody with a shoulder tackle. ## Cody and Roman lock up, with Cody gaining early control with a side head lock. He then slides through Roman's legs, connects with a kick and uppercut. Roman charges recklessly, colliding shoulder-first into the ring post.## Cody disappears under the ring and emerges with a table. Roman counters with a Drive By clothesline but surprisingly tucks the table back under the ring. He attempts an Irish whip to send Cody into the steel steps, but Cody reverses the momentum, sending Roman back into the ring.## The fight spills outside the ring where Roman blasts Cody with a kendo stick. Cody manages to gain possession of the weapon but misses a charging attack in the corner. He retaliates with a bulldog and applies a figure-four leg lock. Roman desperately rakes Cody's eyes to break the hold.## Punches are exchanged before Roman throws Cody into the turnbuckles. He follows Cody outside the ring and pummels him with an inflatable Prime bottle. The brawl continues into the crowd, with both superstars trading punches. They climb onto storage cases, where Roman attempts a suplex but Cody counters with his own. ## Cody sends a battered Roman back into the ring and attempts his signature Beautiful Disaster move. However, Roman catches him and executes a powerful suplex. He follows up with another suplex and nearly secures a pinfall. To gain control, Roman transitions into a chokehold using the ring ropes. ## Cody fights back with punches, but Roman lands a strong elbow. Roman attempts a belly-to-back suplex, but Cody cleverly lands on his feet. The fight continues with Cody delivering a kick. Roman responds with a fisherman's suplex for a near fall.## Roman maintains control with punches and a series of clotheslines in the corner. However, Cody battles back with a superkick. They trade superkicks, then both land kicks before collapsing from exhaustion.## Regaining their composure, they exchange punches with Cody gaining the upper hand. He maneuvers a float-over and executes a powerful slam. Cody connects with his Beautiful Disaster signature move, but only manages a near fall. ## Roman counters Cody's Cutter with a CrossRhodes for a near fall. He mocks the move. Roman prepares for Superman punch but Cody dodges. Cody blasts Roman with jabs and hits Bionic Elbow. Roman escapes outside. Cody adjusts the announce table. Roman delivers a low blow. Roman powerbombs Cody through the announce table. Roman throws Cody back in the ring. Roman connects with Superman punch for a near fall. ## Roman charges for a spear, but Cody cuts him off with a knee and counters with a Cody Cutter for a near fall. Cody signals for his CrossRhodes, but Roman escapes with a well-timed knee. Roman attempts a uranage slam, but Cody counters with a clever arm drag reversal. Cody capitalizes with his own spear for another near fall. ## Cody connects with his CrossRhodes finisher, holding the hold. However, Jimmy Uso disrupts the pinfall attempt with a superkick. Jimmy checks on Roman, but gets caught with a Superman punch.## Jey Uso's entrance music hits, but he enters the ring slowly. Jimmy meets him on the ramp, only for Jey to deliver a superkick and a devastating spear through a table on the ramp.## Back in the ring, the action continues with Cody getting a near fall with a rollup. Roman counters with a near fall of his own with a spear. He argues with the referee, frustrated by the lack of victory. Roman applies a guillotine choke, but Cody powers out and rams him into the turnbuckles. The hold is broken as they tumble through the ropes.## Outside the ring, Cody takes control with a spear through the barrier. He throws Roman back in and connects with another CrossRhodes. He attempts a second one while holding the hold, but Solo Sikoa interferes with a Samoan Spike attack. ## Solo disrupts the pinfall again, placing Roman on top of Cody for a near fall. Frustrated, Solo pummels Cody and urges Roman to finish him. He even holds Cody for a charging Roman, but their combined attack with a spear and Samoan Spike only gets a two count.## Suddenly, John Cena enters the ring and unloads on Solo with punches and a clothesline over the top rope. He then hits Roman with an Attitude Adjustment and sets up the announce table. Solo gets another Attitude Adjustment through the table for good measure.## The drama continues as The Rock enters. He walks past a dazed Roman and joins Cena in the ring. Cena takes off his shirt, but The Rock surprises him with a Rock Bottom. Rock grabs his signature weight belt as the iconic Shield entrance music blasts.## Seth Rollins emerges from the crowd, but Roman cuts him off with a Superman punch before Rollins can attack with a chair. The Rock instructs Cody to get up.## The lights go out, then return with a dramatic gong sound. The Undertaker stalks towards the ring, drawing a snarl from The Rock. Taker delivers a Chokeslam to The Rock before the lights go out again. When they return, both Rock and Undertaker have vanished. ## Roman notices the chair and belt left behind in the ring. He grabs the chair, his gaze fixed on Seth, seemingly seeking revenge for the Shield's breakup. Cody seizes the opportunity, landing a kick on Roman as he prepares for a spear. Capitalizing on the opening, Cody delivers two consecutive CrossRhodes finishers, holding the hold each time. With a final, relentless CrossRhodes, Cody pins Roman for the three count and becomes the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. ## WWE WrestleMania 40 Results: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes Full Match ## WINNER: Cody Rhodes ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia is shaping up to be an eventful one, but not necessarily in the way some stars might have hoped.## Veteran commentator Corey Graves found himself stuck in an elevator at his hotel just hours before the biggest show of the year. He took to Twitter with a touch of humor, tweeting "For the 1st time in my life, I'm stuck in an elevator in a hotel.## Happy #WrestleMania ya'll!" Hopefully, Graves is freed soon and can join Michael Cole and Pat McAfee in the commentary booth for tonight's action. ## Adding to the pre-show drama, Cody Rhodes' tour bus caught fire on Thursday night. Thankfully, there are no reports of injuries, but it certainly wasn't the way Rhodes would have liked to prepare for his big WrestleMania match.## Despite these unexpected hiccups, the WWE is a well-oiled machine known for adapting to last-minute changes. ## For the 1st time in my life, I’m stuck in an elevator in a hotel.Happy #WrestleMania ya’ll!— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) April 6, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sancilk...

BY SACNILK

Cody Rhodes, the current frontrunner to dethrone Roman Reigns and claim the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40, has unveiled his ambitions for the coveted title. In a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Rhodes hinted at a unique championship reign, suggesting he intends to be a champion for both Raw and SmackDown. ## This revelation suggests Rhodes would operate as a free agent, a position distinct from his current placement on the Raw brand. The Universal Championship has resided on SmackDown since late 2019, though it was unified with Raw's WWE Championship in 2022.## However, the Raw brand boasts its own world champion – Seth Rollins, who captured the newly established World Heavyweight Championship last year. Interestingly, Rhodes and Rollins will find themselves as unlikely allies on the grandest stage of them all, teaming up in the main event of WrestleMania 40 Night One against Roman Reigns and The Rock. Their victory would bar The Bloodline from interfering in the championship match on Night Two, while a Reigns and Rock win would see the championship contested under “Bloodline Rules.”## The Rock himself has publicly voiced his disapproval of the shift away from the originally planned WrestleMania 40 main event. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes are on Cody Rhodes and his potential to rewrite championship history. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson delivered a message to his WrestleMania opponent Cody Rhodes during the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony.## The Rock appeared to induct his grandmother, Lia Maivia, but used the opportunity to address Rhodes directly. He declared their upcoming WrestleMania match "personal."## Elsewhere, Paul Heyman praised Triple H's leadership during Triple H's induction speech.## The Rock will return to the ring at WrestleMania 40 on Night One, teaming with Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. Night Two will see Rhodes challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship, while Rollins defends his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Drew McIntyre. ## "The biggest stars in the world would come to Hawaii..."@TheRock lists some of the legends that worked for his grandmother, Lia Maivia. 👏#WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/nFS4OFTgWO— WWE (@WWE) April 6, 2024 n## "The biggest stars in the world would come to Hawaii..."@TheRock lists some of the legends that worked for his grandmother, Lia Maivia. 👏#WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/nFS4OFTgWO— WWE (@WWE) April 6, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...