Cody Rhodes previously did the unthinkable at WrestleMania 40 and defeated Roman Reigns to become the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Following that, fans were eagerly looking forward to his first title defense. Meanwhile, it was announced that Rhodes’ first title defense will take place against AJ Styles at WWE Backlash 2024.
WWE Backlash 2024 took place on May 4, 2024, at the LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu in the Metropolis of Lyon, France. The Premium Live Event presented several top-notch matches and interesting turns of events. However, fans were waiting for the main event of the night, which was Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles.
With that, Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles faced each other at Backlash 2024, with the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on the line. The match began with Rhodes dominating Styles. He slapped AJ across the face and nailed a brainbuster.
The INTENSITY matches the ATMOSPHERE at #WWEBacklash! pic.twitter.com/XoBYHE2Sik
— WWE (@WWE) May 4, 2024
Meanwhile, WWE confirmed that Cody’s shoulder was injured in a previous match against Carmelo Hayes. With that, Styles tried to gain control of the match, but that was momentary. Soon, Cody nailed the bulldog on Styles, followed by a powerbomb.
Thereafter, AJ gained momentum and delivered the splash, followed by a burning hammer. However, Cody came with the Cody Cutter, followed by a Cross Rhodes, for the win. Thus, The American Nightmare defeated AJ Styles to retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Fans reacts to Cody Rhodes’ first title defense at WWE Backlash
Cody Rhodes successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against AJ Styles at Backlash. This brought a lot of reaction from fans all around the globe. One fan wrote, “That was a classic. They killed it. For their first time ever meeting in the ring, chemistry was outstanding. Run it back”.
That was a classic. They killed it. For their first time ever meeting in the ring, chemistry was outstanding. Run it back
— Cory (@Cory_Hays407) May 4, 2024
Some of the fans stated that The American Nightmare deserved to retain his title. A fan stated, “Nah Cody deserves to Retain”. On the other hand, many fans praised Cody. One fan wrote, “I Acknowledge you, Cody Rhodes“. Thus, it seems WWE fans reacted positively to Cody Rhodes’ first title defense.
However, it is to be noted that though The American Nightmare received positive responses on his first title defense, prior to this, many fans had labeled Cody’s title reign as “boring“. One fan previously stated “Why is #CodyRhodes title reign becoming already boring? He literally has no aura.” While another wrote “In fairness I wish I they’d get the belt off Cody. His reign has been bad and boring already”.
Why is #CodyRhodes title reign becoming already boring? He literally has no aura#WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/Vax5PRUvI4
— Bug (@Eye_m_Jr) May 3, 2024
However, now it seems Rhodes’ has answered fans calling his reign “boring” with a great match at Backlash 2024. With that, it now remains to be seen what lies ahead for Rhodes in the largest wrestling promotion in the world. Also, fans will definitely look forward to his upcoming title defenses.