Top three best matches from Cody Rhodes' first year as Undisputed WWE Champion

‘The American Nightmare’ has completed one year as the Undisputed WWE Champion

One year ago, at WrestleMania 40, ‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes triumphed over all odds to pin Roman Reigns and capture the Undisputed WWE Championship, completing his story in the process. The win saw him end Reigns’ dominant 1316-day title reign.

1 year ago, Cody Rhodes finished the story at #WrestleMania XL! #WWE pic.twitter.com/AfrINkl763

— KN Wrestling (@knwrestling) April 7, 2025

It has been exactly one year since Rhodes completed the story and became the champion. Since then, he has defended the title on eight separate occasions (excluding live shows). As Cody celebrates completing 365 days as the champion, let us take a look at his top three matches as the Undisputed WWE Champion.

3. Solo Sikoa – WWE SmackDown (Steel Cage match)

The American Nightmare locked horns with Solo Sikoa on the September 13, 2024, episode of Friday Night SmackDown, which also marked the transition of the Blue brand to USA Network. Despite criticism from fans, Sikoa actually delivered in the match and Rhodes was able to walk out of the match with the title.

Rhodes was ambushed by Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Lao after the match and was aided by Roman Reigns, who made his highly anticipated return.

Also Read: Cody Rhodes names two matches The Rock must have in WWE

2. AJ Styles – Backlash 2024

After capturing the title at WrestleMania 40, Cody defended it for the first time against AJ Styles at the Backlash 2024 PLE. The match will likely remain in fans’ minds, especially due to the electric crowd in Lyon, France, who were thunderous throughout the entire show.

11,000 fans in attendance chanting, “Il est vraiment phénoménal (He is really phenomenal)!” during Styles’ intro as the cameras in the arena wobbled is still one of the most goosebumps-inducing moments for fans watching the match.

1. Kevin Owens – Royal Rumble 2025 (Ladder match)

The fallout between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes was one of the most central storylines ahead of the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event in December, where Owens failed to defeat Rhodes and win the title.

However, KO landing the package piledriver and stealing the Winged Eagle title, continued the feud forward, leading to their clash at the Royal Rumble PLE.

The two stars met in a ladder match at the PLE, where event Rhodes showcased a more ruthless side of himself as he battered Owens, slamming him down through ladders. As he stood tall with the titles over an unconscious Owens and a concerned Sami Zayn, fans got to see what an unhinged version of Rhodes looks like.

What are your favorite matches and moments from Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE title reign? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.

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