News regarding the creative decision to delay Cody Rhodes’ WWE title win until Wrestlemania 40

As seen during the WWE Wrestlemania 40 Sunday PLE, Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Unviersal champion. Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the original plan was for Cody to defeat Reigns at Wrestlemania 39 but Vince McMahon made the final call to delay the title change. However, Paul “Triple H” Levesque was said to have agreed with Vince.

Meltzer stated the following about the creative decision…

“A lot happened behind the scenes, with the key points being argued and eventually agreed by all parties it would be stronger a year later. It was also argued that keeping Reigns as champion would open up a key storyline to make Jey Uso into a major singles star and merchandise draw as a babyface. While Vince did make the call, Levesque was on board with the call and there were no significant issues with the decision. It was said that it was absolutely not Vince overruling Levesque and forcing the decision.”