Are Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes friends in real life? What we know about their relationship outside the ring

Roman Reigns helped Cody Rhodes retain the Undisputed WWE Championship at the 2024 SummerSlam Premium Live Event last weekend despite their historic rivalry. While many on-screen rivals are friends in real life, the same can't be said for the Original Tribal Chief and The American Nightmare.

Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns is one of the greatest rivalries of modern wrestling. Both men initially clashed at WrestleMania 39 for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, where the Original Tribal Chief emerged victorious. However, Cody scripted an epic redemption at this year's Show of Shows, as he defeated the former Shield member in a Bloodline Rules Match to claim the prized title.

Roman went on a hiatus after WrestleMania XL and made his long-awaited return at The Biggest Party of The Summer last weekend. The Big Dog laid out his former Enforcer during the Bloodline Rules Match, enabling Cody to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.

The American Nightmare acknowledged Roman's contribution towards his victory at SummerSlam during the post-show press conference. However, he and Roman are far from friends in real life.

During an appearance on the Pivot podcast in July 2024, Cody Rhodes opened up about his relationship with the Original Tribal Chief. The Undisputed WWE Champion said that he had never "dapped up" with Roman, implying that their relationship is strictly professional outside the squared circle.

"I don’t know if I’ve ever dapped up with Roman. I think Roman and I are just great opponents. I don’t dislike Roman, and I don’t like him. And it’s the exact same. I think he doesn’t dislike me, but I think when we see ourselves on the poster together, we get it. I’m supposed to be you; you’re supposed to be me. You’re supposed to be the benchmark,” Cody said. [H/T: Essentially Sports]

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What does Cody Rhodes think of a trilogy with Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship?

Although The American Nightmare has already finished his story by becoming the Undisputed WWE Champion, his story with the Original Tribal Chief seems to be far from over.

At the SummerSlam 2024 post-show presser, Cody admitted that Roman Reigns was entitled to a rematch, adding that the third match in their storied rivalry "has to happen."

Meanwhile, Roman Reigns is set to return to SmackDown tonight. It will be interesting to see if The American Nightmare and the Original Tribal Chief cross paths on the Friday Night Show tonight.