The long-running saga between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns captivated WWE fans with two epic WrestleMania encounters, splitting their record 1-1. However, during a recent interview, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes expressed significant doubts about the possibility of a trilogy match happening anytime soon, describing it as “probably very hard to make happen.”
Rhodes’ candid remarks came during a conversation on a popular wrestling podcast, where he reflected on his storied rivalry with Reigns, which has become one of WWE’s defining stories of the modern era. Their first WrestleMania clash saw Roman Reigns retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in a brutal and emotional contest, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch the following year. The second meeting—WrestleMania 40—ended differently, with Rhodes finally overcoming Reigns to capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Title and write a remarkable chapter of redemption in his career.[2][3]
Despite this shared history and the dramatic stakes both men have brought to the squared circle, Rhodes emphasized the complexity behind arranging a third WrestleMania showdown. According to sources close to WWE, including insiders from WWE.com and Fightful, several creative and business factors need alignment, including Reigns’ ongoing championship reign, storyline trajectories, and WWE’s broader talent landscape, making a trilogy match far from guaranteed.[5]
The Impact of Their Historic Duel at WrestleMania
Rhodes and Reigns first clashed at WrestleMania 39, delivering one of the greatest matches the event has ever seen, hailed by fans and critics alike for its storytelling and atmosphere.[1] Their evenly split WrestleMania record symbolizes a balanced rivalry, with both men having proven their ability to perform at the highest level under immense pressure. Many fans argued that WWE should capitalize on the momentum of these encounters by booking a trilogy bout.
Rhodes himself acknowledged this sentiment but took a realistic stance about WWE’s priorities and where his and Reigns’ careers are heading. “The reality of the business is different than what we want sometimes,” Rhodes told the wrestling podcast. “The trilogy bout to break the tie? That’s probably very hard to make happen.”[2]
Behind the Scenes: Why a Third Match Seems Difficult
From a backstage perspective, arranging a trilogy isn’t simply a matter of fan demand or storyline desire. According to reports from Fightful and insider sources, WWE’s creative direction focuses heavily on sustained champion reigns and elevating new challengers. Reigns’ near-record-setting WWE Universal Title run is a central storyline, and Rhodes recently embarked on his first undisputed WWE title reign, which WWE intends to develop with fresh rivalries.[5]
Furthermore, other top stars such as Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, and rising talents are being positioned for main event scenes, creating a crowded championship picture. Adding a trilogy match risks overshadowing or stalling these developing narratives, making it a less pragmatic option for WWE’s long-term booking strategies.[5]
Sources close to Cody Rhodes also reveal that while Rhodes remains open for the possibility down the line, he is focused on maintaining his momentum and not relying on a repeat feud. “Cody wants to keep his own story moving forward — he knows every match counts,” a WWE insider confirmed exclusively.[5]
What Could Spark a Trilogy?
While Cody Rhodes paints a cautious picture, the wrestling world remains hopeful. A trilogy match at a future WrestleMania or another major pay-per-view event would require a fresh angle—perhaps a controversial finish in their last bout, an unexpected interference, or a storyline betrayal—to reignite the feud authentically.
In the meantime, Rhodes is scheduled for other high-profile defenses and rivalries, including tentative challenges from stars like Aleister Black and Drew McIntyre, while Roman Reigns continues to dominate the title scene with endorsements from his Bloodline faction.[5][4]
The Fan Perspective and Market Demand
Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly supportive of a trilogy, with many considering Rhodes vs. Reigns as a modern WWE classic. Social media campaigns and wrestling forums frequently call on WWE to book a definitive third match to “settle the score once and for all.” Prominent wrestling media outlets, including Wrestling Headlines and The Wrestle Standard Network, have echoed the sentiment that a trilogy is warranted to give the saga a proper conclusion.[2]
Nevertheless, WWE has historically balanced fan desires with business logistics, meaning that even highly popular matchups can be shelved or delayed. Cody Rhodes’ frank assessment publicly signals the company’s current reluctance, though wrestling’s unpredictable nature means the door isn’t entirely closed on a future chapter.
In summary, while Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns share an unforgettable WrestleMania rivalry currently tied at one match apiece each, Rhodes himself has acknowledged that orchestrating a trilogy match is “probably very hard to make happen.” Behind the scenes, WWE’s evolving storylines, champion reigns, and roster priorities limit immediate options for a third bout, despite overwhelming fan interest. Wrestling insiders confirm Rhodes’ focus on moving forward with new rivalries, signaling that while a trilogy remains a dream for many, it will require significant creative impetus to materialize.[2][5]