ESPN's WrestleMania Ranking Misses the Mark on Roman Reigns' Legacy

The sports network overlooked Reigns' defining heel victory over Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, abstract composition of stark black silhouettes and geometric shapes in high-contrast red and white, conceptually representing the intense showdown between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania.A dramatic clash of villainous dominance and heroic defiance, as Roman Reigns' WrestleMania victory over Cody Rhodes captivated the sports entertainment world.Los Angeles Today

ESPN's recent ranking of Roman Reigns' greatest WrestleMania main events has sparked debate, with the author arguing that the network missed the mark by not recognizing Reigns' victory over Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39 as his defining moment. The author contends that Reigns' triumph as a villainous character, in front of a record crowd, left a lasting impact and showcased the power of storytelling in sports entertainment.

Why it matters

WrestleMania is the pinnacle of sports entertainment, where legends are made. While losses don't diminish a wrestler's legacy, it's the victories, especially those that leave a lasting impact, that truly define greatness. The author believes Reigns' victory over Rhodes exemplifies this, proving that a heel's triumph can be just as impactful as a hero's.

The details

ESPN crowned Reigns' triple threat match against Seth Rollins and CM Punk as his greatest WrestleMania moment, praising the match's storytelling and drama. However, the author argues that a crucial detail was overlooked: Reigns lost that match. In contrast, the author believes Reigns' true WrestleMania greatness was showcased in his victory over Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39, which ESPN ranked fifth. The build-up to this match was masterful, with Reigns entering as an underdog, much like Hulk Hogan's iconic WrestleMania III match against Andre the Giant. But unlike Hogan, Reigns was a hated figure, with fans and experts rooting for Rhodes to dethrone him. Reigns' victory over Rhodes, in front of a reported crowd of over 81,000, left fans in a state of collective disappointment, with one fan's epic meltdown going viral and showcasing the raw emotion that Reigns' victory elicited.

  • Reigns' triple threat match against Seth Rollins and CM Punk took place at a previous WrestleMania.
  • Reigns' victory over Cody Rhodes occurred at WrestleMania 39 in 2023.

The players

Roman Reigns

A dominant professional wrestler and current WWE Universal Champion, known for his villainous heel character and ability to captivate audiences.

Cody Rhodes

A professional wrestler and member of the legendary Rhodes wrestling family, who was the underdog challenger against Reigns at WrestleMania 39.

Seth Rollins

A professional wrestler who was part of Reigns' triple threat match at a previous WrestleMania.

CM Punk

A former professional wrestler who was also part of Reigns' triple threat match at a previous WrestleMania.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Reigns' victory over Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39 is a moment that will go down in history as one of the greatest heel victories of all time. It's a match that showcased the art of sports entertainment at its finest, and a moment that Reigns' fans will cherish for years to come.