Nick Khan insists Cody Rhodes defeating Roman Reigns was always the plan
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 7:14 PM
Last updated Jun 5, 2026

In an interview with "Sports Business Journal," WWE President Nick Khan stated that Cody Rhodes defeating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 was the intended outcome from the beginning. This assertion contradicts previous claims made by The Rock and others that suggested a change in plans from a Reigns vs. Rock matchup. Khan remarked that the storyline had many twists but emphasized that the conclusion was always meant to take place in Philadelphia. Some observers cite past shareholder lawsuits indicating Rhodes was originally slated to win against Reigns at WrestleMania 39. Khan's comments come as a response to speculation about the direction of the WWE's main event.
- •Nick Khan states Rhodes vs. Reigns was always the planned outcome.
- •Previous claims indicated a possible change to Reigns vs. The Rock.
- •Khan's remarks contradict earlier statements from The Rock.
- •Shareholder lawsuits suggest original plans involved Rhodes defeating Reigns at WrestleMania 39.
- •The discussion highlights WWE's approach to its storytelling and fan expectations.
- 7:14 PMWrestling Inc — Backstage Report On Nick Khan's Claim That WWE WrestleMania 40 Plans Never Changed
- 9:07 PMWrestling Inc — Nick Khan: Cody Rhodes Beating Roman Reigns At WWE WrestleMania XL Was Always The Plan
"Nick Khan contradicts previous claims from The Rock and others by saying that Cody Rhodes beating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 was always the plan
"A report has provided new details on Nick Khan stating that Cody Rhodes defeating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 was always the plan.
Sources
External links- Wrestling IncJun 5, 2026, 7:14 PMBackstage Report On Nick Khan's Claim That WWE WrestleMania 40 Plans Never Changed
A report has provided new details on Nick Khan stating that Cody Rhodes defeating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 was always the plan.
- Wrestling IncJun 3, 2026, 9:07 PMNick Khan: Cody Rhodes Beating Roman Reigns At WWE WrestleMania XL Was Always The Plan
Nick Khan contradicts previous claims from The Rock and others by saying that Cody Rhodes beating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 was always the plan
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