WWE Royal Rumble 2024, Bayley and Cody Rhodes emerged victorious in the women’s and men’s matches, securing their spots in the main events at WrestleMania 40 on April 6 and 7 at Lincoln Financial Field. This monumental win not only adds to their already impressive wrestling legacies but also raises intriguing questions about the challenges they will face leading up to the grandest stage of them all.
Bayley’s Triumph and the Intriguing Path Ahead: Bayley, known as the “Role Model,” delivered a standout performance in the women’s Royal Rumble match, securing herself a championship match at WrestleMania. The victory also strengthens the position of Damage CTRL, a faction that already boasts a women’s championship and tag team titles.
Before the Royal Rumble, Bayley expressed her intention to challenge Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown. However, the dynamics within Damage CTRL have raised questions about potential tensions, with Bayley seemingly isolated from the celebratory success of her fellow group members.
Speculation looms over a possible betrayal or confrontation within Damage CTRL, potentially leading to Bayley challenging Iyo Sky, the faction’s presumed leader, at WrestleMania. Bayley’s popularity and newfound face persona, shedding her previous “hugger” image, have captivated fans, making a showdown with Sky a match fans would love to witness.
DO THE WORK.
— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2024
FINISH THE STORY.@CodyRhodes just won the Men's #RoyalRumble Match for the second year in a row! The American Nightmare has his sights set on @WWERomanReigns as the Road to #WrestleMania is underway! pic.twitter.com/RkHT2oAsLT
Addressing the speculation, Bayley remarked, “Everything I’ve been doing has been real and genuine and natural. This is who I am now.” The anticipation surrounding her WrestleMania decision adds a layer of excitement to the women’s division, setting the stage for a main event clash between two of its most beloved stars.
Cody Rhodes’ Clear Path and Unfinished Business
In contrast to Bayley’s uncertain path, Cody Rhodes’s trajectory is crystal clear following his triumph in the men’s Royal Rumble match. Celebrating as the “American Nightmare,” Rhodes wasted no time in declaring his intentions for WrestleMania, specifically targeting Roman Reigns.
“I want to be back in the ring with Roman Reigns, and I want to finish the story,” declared Rhodes after his victory, pointing emphatically at Reigns, who watched from a suite at Tropicana Field.
Rhodes’s determination to “finish the story” stems from his previous defeat to Reigns at WrestleMania 39. Despite falling short in their first encounter, Rhodes is unwavering in his commitment to fulfilling this unfinished business and capturing WWE’s top title.
“I’m very big on keeping my word,” Rhodes affirmed. “If I say something silly on TV, but it’s a promise, I intend to keep the promise. I don’t know if two times the charm with Roman. We’ll see. We still got to finish the damn story.”
With Rhodes seeking redemption and Reigns undoubtedly prepared for a fierce challenge, WWE the buildup to WrestleMania promises to be intense, setting the stage for a compelling showdown between these two wrestling titans. As the countdown to WrestleMania 40 begins, the WWE universe eagerly anticipates the unfolding drama and the crowning of new champions on the grandest stage of them all.
Brief overview of Cody Rhodes:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cody Garrett Runnels, known professionally as Cody Rhodes |
| Ring Name | Cody Rhodes |
| Nicknames | “The American Nightmare” |
| Date of Birth | June 30, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Marietta, Georgia, United States |
| Debut | 2006 (in WWE developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling) |
| Family | Son of Dusty Rhodes (WWE Hall of Famer), half-brother of Goldust (Dustin Rhodes) |
| Championships | – NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time) |
| – TNT Championship (1 time) | |
| – WWE Intercontinental Championship (2 times) | |
| – WWE Tag Team Championship (3 times) with different partners | |
| Notable Achievements | – Founding member of AEW (All Elite Wrestling) |
| – Successful run in independent wrestling promotions after leaving WWE | |
| Signature Move | Cross Rhodes (Finishing move) |
| Royal Rumble Win | Men’s Royal Rumble 2024 |
| WrestleMania 39 | Challenged Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship, but lost |
| Current Status | Active competitor in various wrestling promotions, prominently in AEW |
