After months of rumors, Cody Rhodes finally made his return to the world of WWE, appearing at Night 1 of WrestleMania 38 and defeating Seth Rollins.
In a match billed against an unknown superstar, Rollins made his way down to the ring before waiting for his opponent to be revealed. After a bit, Rhodes’ “American Nightmare” theme began playing, and out he came to the delight of the crowd. In an incredible match between the two, Rhodes was able to come out with the win, ending things with a series of Dusty Rhodes-esque punches before hitting the Bionic Elbow and Crossroads for the win.
Following the match, Cody Rhodes’ team of Hyperion, Spanos Law and Vision PR confirmed that Rhodes had signed a “multi-year” deal with WWE, and will also be serving as executive producer to the Dusty Rhodes documentary that is set to air on A&E.
Cody Rhodes' team of Hyperion, Spanos Law and Vision PR confirms he is signed to a multi-year WWE deal — and will serve as executive producer to the Dusty Rhodes documentary on A&E pic.twitter.com/wGX20b6UhE
— Justin Barrasso (@JustinBarrasso) April 3, 2022
For a recap of how the match ended, check out below courtesy of our live play-by-play coverage:
Rhodes slams Rollins into the mat, shoulder first. Rhodes goes up top but Rollins manages to catch him in midair with a dropkick. Rhodes is clutching at his ribs. Rollins works over Rhodes’ injured ribs. Moonsault by Rhodes. Rhodes sends Rollins out of the ring. Suicide dive by Rhodes. Rhodes dives off the apron and gets caught in a powerbomb. Rollins powerbombs Rhodes into the barricade. Rollins lands a springboard knee followed by a basement superkick. Falcon Arrow by Rollins. Rhodes kicks out. Rollins misses the Stomp twice. Rhodes eventually hits Crossroads. Rollins kicks out.
Rhodes goes up top. Rollins cuts him off. Rhodes knocks Rollins off the top. Rollins hops back up top and hits an avalanche gourd buster into an inverted DDT. Rhodes kicks out. Rollins tries the Pedigree. Rhodes hits an under hook powerbomb. Rollins gets to his feet and eats a Cody Cutter. Rollins kicks out again. Rollins hits the Pedigree. Rhodes kicks out. Rhodes and Rollins trade strikes. Kawada kicks by Rollins. Rollins hits the Ohno elbow. Rhodes surprises Rollins with the Crossroads. Rhodes holds on and hits another. Rhodes lets Rollins go and unloads on Rollins with Dusty-style punches. Bionic Elbow by Rhodes. Rhodes hits another Crossroads for the win.
Winner- Cody Rhodes
🚨🚨🚨🚨@CodyRhodes IS BACK and facing @WWERollins at #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/ST3B1EmfCx
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2022
Here is your winner … CODY RHODES! 👏👏👏👏👏@CodyRhodes#WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/qGh8RJ4bOr
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2022
