Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns are two of WWE’s most notable champions, each with vastly different approaches to their reigns. However, fans have debated the merits of their time as champions, especially when it comes to defending their titles and maintaining visibility. Here’s an in-depth look at their championship reigns, the stark contrasts, and why comparing them directly might not be entirely fair.
Cody Rhodes: A Fighting Champion
Since April, Cody Rhodes has embraced the role of a fighting champion. He has defended his title six times in Premium Live Events (PLEs) and on live television. In addition, he has showcased incredible dedication by defending the championship 50 more times at house shows and in dark matches. These defenses highlight his commitment to being a present and active champion, one who gives fans an experience no matter the setting.
Cody’s presence goes beyond just defending his championship. He appears weekly on live television to advance his own storylines and feuds, ensuring that the audience is consistently engaged with his journey. His reign reflects a modern champion who not only defends the title but also actively builds narratives around it. Cody’s dedication has garnered him significant praise from fans who appreciate the work he puts in to make his reign meaningful.
Roman Reigns: A Tribal Chief’s Dominance
Roman Reigns’ reign, particularly in 2023, took a different approach. From January to December, he defended his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship just five times. While he maintained an aura of dominance and invincibility, his limited in-ring action and sporadic TV appearances became a talking point. Roman’s championship defenses were carefully spaced out, reserved for major moments, and his presence on TV relied heavily on Paul Heyman and The Bloodline to carry the narrative during his absences.
Roman’s reign focused more on the spectacle and storyline progression than regular title defenses. The Bloodline saga became the centerpiece of WWE programming, with Roman’s appearances adding weight to the unfolding drama. While this strategy kept the storyline compelling for some fans, others grew frustrated with his infrequent appearances and lack of title defenses, especially compared to the pace set by previous champions.
The Debate: Two Champions, Two Styles
The comparisons between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns as champions have sparked debate, especially regarding their title defenses and overall contributions to WWE programming. Cody’s reign as a fighting champion contrasts sharply with Roman’s more reserved and calculated approach. While Cody’s frequent defenses and weekly TV appearances emphasize work ethic and fan connection, Roman’s reign focused on maintaining his character’s mystique and the larger narrative of The Bloodline.
Fans disliked Roman’s reign in 2023 not necessarily because he didn’t defend his title at every PLE, but because he often didn’t show up at all. The absence of a visible champion led to frustrations, as some felt the top prize in WWE lacked the prominence it deserved. In contrast, Cody’s reign has been a breath of fresh air for those who value a champion who appears consistently and actively drives their own storylines.
Why the Comparisons Fall Short
While both Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns are iconic champions in their own right, comparing them directly overlooks the vastly different roles they play. Roman’s reign was designed to be a character-driven epic, with the championship serving as a prop in the broader Bloodline storyline. Cody’s reign, on the other hand, represents a more traditional style of championship storytelling, with frequent defenses and a focus on individual rivalries.
The differences in their schedules, match frequency, and storytelling approaches make it challenging to draw direct parallels. Roman’s reign relied on building anticipation for his rare appearances, while Cody thrives on regularity and workrate. Each reign catered to different fan preferences, making them difficult to compare objectively.
Conclusion: Appreciating Both Reigns
Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns have left indelible marks on WWE as champions. Cody’s reign exemplifies the hard-working, fighting champion archetype, while Roman’s reign showcased the power of long-term storytelling and character-driven narratives. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and the debate over their reigns reflects the diversity of fan expectations.
Rather than comparing the two, it’s worth appreciating what each reign brought to the table. Cody’s weekly presence and relentless title defenses connect with fans who value consistency and effort, while Roman’s epic storytelling resonated with those who enjoy drama and character development. Each champion served a unique purpose, and together, they represent the evolving landscape of WWE’s championship scene.