10 Greatest Cody Rhodes Matches in WWE History

Cody Rhodes

10- Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu – Bad Blood (October 5, 2024)

This cinematic-feeling tag team spectacle was a landmark moment in the ongoing Bloodline saga. The unlikely alliance between Cody Rhodes and a returning Roman Reigns created an electric atmosphere that few matches can match. Jacob Fatu’s terrifying athleticism and Solo Sikoa’s calculated brutality pushed the "Original Tribal Chief" and the Undisputed Champion to their absolute limits. The match was perfectly paced, building to a chaotic finale featuring the return of Jimmy Uso. It succeeded in blending high-stakes action with elite storytelling, proving that Cody can share the spotlight while remaining a powerhouse.

9- Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles – Backlash France (May 4, 2024)

As Rhodes' first major defense of the Undisputed WWE Championship, this match against AJ Styles was a technical masterclass. Held in front of a deafening Lyon crowd, the atmosphere was electric, with fans singing throughout the bout. The "Phenomenal One" pushed Cody to his limits, testing the champion’s resolve with a series of high-impact maneuvers and veteran tactics. Cody eventually secured the win with a spectacular Cody Cutter, followed by a Cross Rhodes, proving he was a fighting champion capable of delivering five-star quality in his new role.

8- Cody Rhodes & Goldust vs. The Shield – Battleground (October 6, 2013)

With their careers on the line, Cody and his brother Goldust faced Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in a deeply emotional tag team match. The stakes were heightened by the presence of their father, Dusty Rhodes, at ringside. The match was a masterpiece of tag team storytelling, with the Rhodes brothers fighting for their family’s legacy. When Cody hit the Cross Rhodes on Rollins to secure the win, the arena erupted in a genuine outpouring of joy. It remains one of the most heartwarming and memorable victories in WWE history.

7- Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens – Royal Rumble (January 25, 2025)

This Undisputed WWE Championship defense saw Cody face his long-time friend Kevin Owens in a brutal Ladder Match. The match was a departure from Cody’s usual heroic style, as he was forced to show a more ruthless, desperate side to retain his title. Both men took terrifying bumps off ladders, emphasizing the physical toll of being "The Guy." By defeating a motivated and vicious Owens, Cody proved he could adapt to any environment and overcome even his closest allies, adding a darker, more complex layer to his championship reign.

6- Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins – WrestleMania 38 (April 2, 2022)

Cody’s return to WWE in 2022 at WrestleMania 38 is one of the most iconic moments in modern wrestling history. Entering as Seth Rollins’ surprise opponent, "The American Nightmare" received a hero’s welcome that shook the stadium. The match itself was a flawless reintroduction, blending Cody’s evolved style with the "Dashing" charisma of his past. The chemistry between the two was immediate and undeniable. By defeating one of WWE’s cornerstones in a high-profile debut, Cody instantly proved he was a transformed superstar and a legitimate main-event player for the new era.

5- Team Cody vs. Team Judgment Day – Survivor Series: WarGames (2023)

Returning to the match his father, Dusty Rhodes, made famous, Cody led a star-studded team into the double-cage mayhem of WarGames. Teaming with Seth Rollins, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and a returning Randy Orton, Cody was the emotional anchor of the bout. The match was a chaotic symphony of high spots and weapons, culminating in Cody pinning Damian Priest after a flurry of finishers. This victory was a pivotal moment in his climb back to the top, showcasing his leadership and his deep connection to the history of professional wrestling. The match was made even more iconic as the aftermath featured the return of CM Punk to WWE for the first time in 10 years, effectively changing the landscape of the company forever.

4- Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns – WrestleMania 39 (April 2, 2023)

"The American Nightmare" finally reached the main event of WrestleMania to "finish the story" against Roman Reigns. This match was an emotional rollercoaster, filled with high stakes and Bloodline interference. Cody came agonizingly close to winning, hitting multiple Cross Rhodes and rallying the crowd into a frenzy. However, a controversial Solo Sikoa distraction allowed Reigns to retain his titles, leaving Cody and the fans in shock. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the match’s incredible storytelling and drama solidified it as a modern classic that set the stage for Cody’s eventual redemption.

3- Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena – SummerSlam (August 3, 2025)

In the main event of SummerSlam Night 2 at MetLife Stadium, Cody Rhodes reclaimed the Undisputed WWE Championship in a brutal, five-star Street Fight. This "Match of the Year" contender saw a legendary "passing of the torch" as Cena, who had recently turned back to his beloved babyface persona, utilized everything from steel steps to the announce table. After surviving multiple Attitude Adjustments, Cody landed a final, emotional Cross Rhodes to secure the win. It was a flawless masterpiece that perfectly balanced high-octane violence with heart-wrenching storytelling.

2- Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns – WrestleMania 40 (April 7, 2024)

In a "Bloodline Rules" war, Cody Rhodes finally finished his story by dethroning Roman Reigns in one of the most significant matches in WWE history. The bout featured a parade of legends, including John Cena and The Undertaker, who neutralized The Bloodline’s interference. Amidst the chaos, the focus remained on the intense rivalry between Cody and Reigns. After three consecutive Cross Rhodes, Cody pinned the "Tribal Chief" to end his 1,316-day reign. It was a poetic, grand-scale triumph that cemented 'The American Nightmare' as the face of the company and a generational icon.

1- Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins – Hell in a Cell (June 5, 2022)

Widely considered a five-star masterpiece, this match is defined by Cody Rhodes' legendary toughness. Despite suffering a torn pectoral muscle that left his chest completely purple, Cody insisted on competing inside the cell. The visual of his injury added a visceral, heroic layer to the violence. Rollins was the perfect antagonist, mocking Rhodes while targeting the injury. Cody’s refusal to quit, culminating in a victory using a sledgehammer, earned him universal respect. It is the definitive "American Nightmare" match, showcasing a level of grit and passion rarely seen in wrestling.