Backstage Update On Roman Reigns WrestleMania 39 Win

Cody Rhodes sought to finish his story at WrestleMania 39 and capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship from Roman Reigns, but for the third year in a row, The Tribal Chief came out on top.

Fightful Select has now given some insight into some of the backstage machinations that went into Reigns keeping his titles. Rhodes was planned to be Roman Reigns’ WrestleMania opponent as far back as the summer of 2022 after pitches had been made for Rhodes to potentially face John Cena.

The plan for The American Nightmare to compete in the match came after Vince McMahon was out of power following his retirement in July 2022 and it is noted that there were no plans set in stone for Reigns to lose his titles while McMahon was in charge.

The idea that Roman Reigns would retain his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship began to be defended by some within WWE in the week leading up to WrestleMania and Fightful says they have now confirmed that the plan for Reigns to win was set several weeks ago.

The Usos, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Solo Sikoa all interfered in the bout at various points with a lot of those elements of the bout not given to “talent, refs, and ringside staff” until the day of the show. WWE sources were asked if Vince McMahon was involved in any of the decision making and that was denied.