Cody Rhodes has been away from WWE action for months. His last competing at June’s Hell in a Cell event. Since then, he’s been away recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. But during Saturday’s Royal Rumble event, Rhodes made his return during the men’s Royal Rumble match. And he made the most of it.
Rhodes returned to the WWE at Wrestlemania 38 in 2022. At Wrestlemania 39, he’ll be in the main event. That ticket was punched on Saturday with his Royal Rumble victory.
A dream has become reality at #RoyalRumble.
Congratulations to the undeniable @CodyRhodes, you EARNED it. pic.twitter.com/v4YBiLYE2M
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2023
Rhodes was the 30th and final entry. He last eliminated Intercontinental Champion, Gunther, who was the first entry into the event.
WWE fans were ecstatic to see Rhodes’ victory and were quick to congratulate him in the aftermath of his victory.
Congrats @CodyRhodes !! Welcome back! What a Rumble! #RoyalRumble https://t.co/tNpI1hrNBI
— George Kittle (@gkittle46) January 29, 2023
So happy for @CodyRhodes
— Conrad the Mortgage Guy (@HeyHeyItsConrad) January 29, 2023
Nothing but love for Cody Rhodes. He got that 30 spot and proved everyone that he could still go there. Always proving everyone wrong.
You rule, Cody. Thank you! #RoyalRumble
— THE™ Jessi Davin (@jessithebuckeye) January 29, 2023
The #RoyalRumble winner was Cody Rhodes. He was 30th and eliminated the 1st entrant Gunther to win the match. Great choice Cody. No Sami Zayn in the match.
— John Canton (TJRWrestling) (@johnreport) January 29, 2023
Finish the story @CodyRhodes!
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) January 29, 2023
In addition to his elimination of Gunther, Rhodes also eliminated Dominik Mysterio, Austin Theory, Braun Strowman and Logan Paul.
And while Gunther couldn’t follow in the footsteps of past champions to win from the No. 1 spot, he had a record-setting performance, lasting over 70 minutes.
Cody Rhodes wins the #RoyalRumble Match!!
Props to Gunther on lasting 70 freaking minutes!! The best performer tonight!
— Christian Maracle (@MaracleMan) January 29, 2023
With the victory, Rhodes earned a shot at the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship — currently held by Roman Reigns — at WrestleMania 39. That event will take place over two days, on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday April 2, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.
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