Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania Loss Against Roman Reigns Got Him a New-Found Respect in Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Heart

In the quest to finish his story, second-generation WWE superstar Cody Rhodes locked horns with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39. WWE legend Dusty Rhodes’ younger son, however, was humbled by the Tribal Chief. In a bout lasting nearly 35 minutes, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion ultimately retained his belt, shattering Rhodes’ dream. The result split feelings among experts and fans alike.

Offering his take on the matter, WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin revealed how he had a newfound respect for Rhodes despite his loss to The Big Dog.

Stone Cold Steve Austin was happy with WrestleMania 39 main event result

The Texas Rattlesnake recently appeared on the Busted Open podcast. He spoke about the Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes match at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 2.

He stated that Roman Reigns winning the bout was the right decision, despite criticism from several people. “I just think it was so storybook, it would have been so cliche to put the belt on him… Has he earned the opportunity to be there? Yeah, but would he have been the right guy, right now, trying to take out Roman Reigns? I just think not,” the six-time WWE Champion said.

Austin, however, said he had a new respect for The American Nightmare after his loss. “Roman is so on fire and so money right now. Cody’s going to be there. To me, it made me respect Cody more,” he said 

The beer-chugging wrestler said Rhodes will get to finish his story in the WWE later. For those wondering what the story is, well, Rhodes comes from a family of wrestlers. His father, the American Dream Dusty Rhodes, and half-brother Dustin Rhodes- who performed in the WWE as Goldust- are both legendary wrestlers. However, they have never been able to capture the WWE Championship. Rhodes wanted to fill in the void by taking the belt off of Reigns.

Meanwhile, The Prince of Pro-wrestling is out of the title race as of now. He has a new challenge awaiting him at Night of Champions.

Cody Rhodes would need to tame the ‘Beast’ to get to Roman Reigns

In a strange turn of events, Cody Rhodes has found himself feuding with Brock Lesnar since his WrestleMania loss to The Tribal Chief. It started after The Beast Incarnate turned on Rhodes after offering him a helping hand hours before at RAW after ‘Mania. The duo, who was supposed to take on the team of Reigns and Solo Sikoa, instead fought one another. Well, it was a lopsided affair as Lesnar pummeled the 37-year-old, much to the spectators’ confusion.

Read More: Apart From a Main Event Push, Facts Show That WWE Gave Cody Rhodes Another “Banger” That AEW Couldn’t

This confirmed Lesnar’s heel turn and soon Cody Rhodes’ main challenger shifted from Reigns to Lesnar. The former WWE Heavyweight Champion has since been at loggerheads with Rhodes. The duo met once at WWE Backlash earlier this month. It left the veteran wrestler with a stapled forehead as he got busted open during the bout.

Now, Lesnar has called out Rhodes and will face him at Night of Champion in Saudi Arabia on May 27. A second win against Brock Lesnar will bolster his confidence as The Beast is a bona fide legend. It would then make him a more potent force and a much more credible challenger to Reigns’ titles, as stated by Austin.

Do you agree with Austin’s take on the match results? Let us know in the comments.

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