When Cody Rhodes pinned Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 40 Sunday, to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship for the first time in his career, the outpouring of emotion at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadephia was there to see for everyone. Samantha Irvin, the WWE ring announcer, wasn’t left behind as she had a huge lump in her voice and tears in her eyes while announcing the name of Cody Rhodes as the winner.
After losing the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match against Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania last year, Cody Rhodes clawed his way back into the title picture following a win in the Royal Rumble match. The championship match at WrestleMania 40 was the last opportunity for Cody Rhodes to finish his story, and he delivered on his promise to the fans at long last.
The Bloodline rules allowed for the likes of Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Solo Sikoa, John Cena, The Rock, Seth Rollins, and The Undertaker to get involved in the championship match. But, when the dust settled, Rhodes found Reigns where he wanted him, alone and vulnerable with nobody to turn to, for help, in over four years.
Cody Rhodes brought his A game to the ring when it mattered the most, hitting Roman Reigns with multiple Cross Rhodes to secure the pinfall over him in the main event of WrestleMania 40. With that, he finally managed to finish his story, becoming the first member of the Rhodes Family to win the WWE Championship.
Seconds later, Samantha Irvin, who has established herself as one of the best ring announcers in history, got emotional while announcing the name of Cody Rhodes as the brand new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion to the jam-packed crowd at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
To celebrate the success of Cody Rhodes, his mother, extended family, and most of the WWE locker room and officials found themselves in the middle of the ring before WrestleMania 40 came to a close.
Here is the clip of Samantha Irvin getting emotional while announcing Cody Rhodes as the winner: