Roman Reigns has ended the dream of Cody Rhodes.

Following a 30 minute plus battle between The Tribal Chief and The American Nightmare, Reigns would hit a Spear onto Rhodes to continue the longest title reign in the modern era. The victory also marks 3 successful defences consecutively of the Universal title on the grandest stage.

With Rhodes wife, daughter and the son of the late Brodie Lee all sitting in the front row, the match felt emotional before the opening bell rang. Rhodes got the better of Reigns in the early goings of the match, taking The Head of the Table by surprise early on.

Solo SIkoa would provide interference at ringside throughout, striking Rhodes when the referee’s back was turned. However, The Enforcer would push his luck one time too many, and was ejected from the ringside area following the referee hearing a strike with the weightlifting belt.

Following multiple near finished by both Rhodes and Reigns, the referee would be knocked down, brining out additional interference from The Usos. The former tag team champions were then neutralised thanks to Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, who defeated Jimmy and Jey the previous night. Zayn and Owens would also hit their respective finishers onto Reigns before making their exit.

The closing moments of the match looked like it was Rhodes’ time, as the winner of the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble hit 2 Cross Rhodes consecutively. As Rhodes went for the third, Paul Heyman would get on the apron to distract the referee. The interference would allow Sikoa to sneak back to the ring and hit a Samoan Spike onto Rhodes. Reigns hit a final Spear to win the match and retain the championship.

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