Cody Rhodes is the new Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion. He defeated Roman Reigns in a star-studded main event on Night Two of WrestleMania 40 — a record-breaking event for WWE by every possible metric. Rhodes, affectionately known as The American Nightmare, is now the face of WWE in the hottest financial period for the company and will lead the charge in a new era under the creative direction of Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

The main event was the final chapter in Cody’s current story. He was able to hand the WWE Title to his mother and win it in honor of his late father, Dusty Rhodes. But, as Cody posted on social media, the end of one good story is the beginning of another. Cody will be on Monday Night Raw to usher in a new era and potentially start a new narrative that will see him as a flagbearer for WWE.

WWE Put On One of the Greatest Matches in WrestleMania History

The match itself was cinema at its finest. The story was set up after The Rock and Roman Reigns won on Night One and the stipulation of Bloodline Rules was set in motion. Anything was legal, but what was expected to be the odds stacked in The Bloodline’s favor, actually worked out well for Cody who got help from WWE legends John Cena and The Undertaker, as well as Seth Rollins. It was arguably Rollins’ involvement that was most instrumental and Reigns couldn’t get over the fact that his former Shield running buddy had shown up in Shield gear, triggering The Tribal Chief into shifting focus from his challenger to Rollins, who he seemingly never forgave for breaking up the most dominant faction in WWE history.

Triple H has confirmed that Roman is not leaving WWE and will, in fact, start a new storyline that will “blow people’s minds.” This is great news for WWE fans who were particularly fans of Roman’s 1600-plus days reign as champion.

How Will Cody Fare As WWE Champion?

The question now is, can Cody live up to the expectations placed upon him? He was clearly the people’s choice. He’s now won the title after a two-year quest to finish his story. The pressure to be the man will be incredible, but he seems to be up for it.

Cody has been a huge ambassador for WWE since returning after a lengthy absence. He’s taken to making countless appearances and embracing the fan base on a level only ever seen before by John Cena. The fans are ready for Cody to be the man, but there are some big shoes to fill as he tries to be the face of this new Triple H era.

That era begins on Monday night for Raw.

Next: Undertaker, The Rock, Cena All Likely to Be at WrestleMania 40