The Visionary did not see the return of Cody Rhodes coming as Seth “Freakin” Rollins stood in the middle of the ring stunned yet determined as the former two-time Intercontinental Champion made his way into a WWE ring for the first time in six years.
Watch WrestleMania 38 On Demand on Peacock in the United States.
“The American Nightmare” looked right at home going toe-to-toe with Rollins as the two felt each other out in a very methodical and technical opening few minutes. As Rhodes went for a crossbody off the top rope, Rollins caught him in mid air with a dropkick to the ribs, proceeding to target the injured midsection with multiple knees.
Undeterred, Rhodes rallied to send Rollins flying over the announce table with a dive through the ropes, before moving back into the ring for a huge crossbody and a two-count. After Rollins rolled outside the ring, Rhodes looked to continue the punishment, but the former WWE Champion launched Rhodes into the barricade with a Buckle Bomb before delivering a Falcon Arrow for a nearfall.
Rollins tuned up the band looking for a stomp but stepped on air twice as Rhodes slipped out of the way and surprised Rollins with a Cross Rhodes for another shocking nearfall. The action continued to pick up from there as the two Superstars pulled out all the stops, trading knockout blows to leave the WWE Universe wondering what it would take to win this match.
After kicking out of a Pedigree, Rhodes decimated Rollins with back-to-back Cross Rhodes before paying homage to his late father with a Bionic Elbow and hitting a third Cross Rhodes for good measure to earn the victory in his return match to WWE.
